Photo: Courtesy of Castle Hot Springs

The 19 Most Rejuvenating Hot Springs in the United States

United States Wellness Outdoor Epic Stays
by Katie Scott Aiton Jan 19, 2024

People have traveled across what is now the United States in search of hot springs for as long as humans have inhabited the land. The healing waters attract those seeking wellness or spiritual experiences, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers simply looking for a relaxing getaway. And there’s no shortage — more than a thousand natural hot springs can be found across the nation.

Undeveloped natural hot springs are often closely guarded local secrets — and for good reason. The fragile ecosystems can’t handle large crowds. Many hot springs have been thoughtfully enhanced — either by luxury resorts or with minimal human intervention — turning them into ideal stops for day trips or weekend getaways. These hot springs vary in amenities and water temperature, but all provide a rejuvenating experience in mineral-rich water heated by nature alone.

Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | Oregon | Virginia | Wyoming

We hope you love the places we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska

Photo: Chena Hot Springs, Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan
Photo: Chena Hot Springs, Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan
Photo: Chena Hot Springs, Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan

There’s nothing quite like sinking into warm thermal waters during the chilly Alaskan winter. Just an hour from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is a geothermal resort that can easily fill several days with rest and exploration in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

In addition to the geothermal Rock Lake, surrounded by dense forest, the resort offers both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, as well as small cabins for spa treatments. The on-site restaurant provides a cozy lodge setting to end your day, with a menu focused on seafood and fresh produce from its greenhouse. You can stay right on the property, with a variety of lodging options that include cozy lodges, yurts, and traditional hotel rooms. RV and camper accommodations are also available.

Chena Hot Springs: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona

Photo: Castle Hot Springs
Photo: Castle Hot Springs
Photo: Castle Hot Springs

Castle Hot Springs has been drawing discerning travelers to its restorative thermal waters since at least 1896. Today, this sacred place offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious experiences in the U.S. It’s only about an hour north of Phoenix, but the last seven miles of unpaved road into the Bradshaw Mountains require a high-clearance vehicle. The effort to check into the resort is well worth it, though — this is a magical oasis in the Sonoran Desert.

Castle Hot Springs was designed to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings, as was its menu of wellness treatments and outdoor activities. Three tiered natural hot spring pools are set in the canyon above the resort. The water here is particularly rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, which are believed to elevate mood, ease joint and muscle pain, and calm the mind. The top pool, closest to the source, is the hottest at around 106°F. The second pool draws from the first and maintains a temperature of about 96°F. The third is the coolest, averaging 86°F, and also the deepest. Surrounded by palm trees, this swimming hole is a favorite spot for afternoon relaxation.

The healing waters are one of the most important elements of the resort experience, but you can also enjoy on-site activities like farm tours, wine tastings, archery, and paddleboard yoga. It’s also one of the best hotels in the country for stargazing.

Castle Hot Springs: 5050 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, Calistoga, California

Photo: Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs/Mark Compton
Photo: Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs/Mark Compton
Photo: Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs/Mark Compton

The town of Calistoga is a top wellness destination in the US. Although that reputation brings an influx of visitors from around the country — drawn to the area’s geothermal hot springs, wellness resorts, and mud baths — Calistoga still retains its small-town charm and natural beauty. Located 75 miles north of San Francisco and in the heart of Napa and Sonoma wine country, Calistoga was founded more than 150 years ago for its abundant natural hot springs. Today, it’s a wellness haven with more than two dozen spas and resorts, fitness centers, and excellent restaurants serving fresh, local produce.

When it comes to accommodations, the options are plentiful. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is a perennial favorite, featuring four geothermal mineral pools. Indian Springs, another historic resort, spans 27 acres of lush gardens and thermal geysers. For a more intimate, boutique experience, The Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort offers bespoke spa treatments, including its signature mud water massage.

Another mainstay of the Calistoga wellness scene is Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. Established in 1952 by pioneering wellness experts “Doc” and Edy Wilkinson, many of their original therapies remain on the spa’s menu today. The property blends retro hotel décor with modern comfort and features a new on-site restaurant, House of Better. Staying true to the founders’ vision, the resort offers four mud baths, three geothermal mineral pools, eight mineral baths, falling water therapy, and contemporary treatments like CBD and aromatherapy sessions, as well as the iconic crushed cabernet body scrub.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs: 1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515

Vichy Spring Resort, Ukiah, California

Photo: Visit California/Max Whittaker
Photo: Visit California/Max Whittaker
Photo: Visit California/Max Whittaker

Being only two hours north of downtown San Francisco in the heart of Mendocino wine country, Vichy Springs Resort is perfect for a day trip or an overnight weekend getaway.

The resort was established in 1854. The 170-year-old retreat is the “oldest ongoing resort of its kind in California,” according to owners Gilbert and Marjorie Ashoff. Here, you’ll find the wellness amenities you’d expect from a luxury hot springs resort, offered in the setting of a cozy country inn. It’s renowned for its naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths. Known colloquially as “Champagne baths,” they are the only ones of their kind in North America. Onsite, guests can also enjoy a seasonal swimming pool and an in-ground hot pool. The 700-acre property is also home to Chemisal Falls, where you can take an outdoor dip beneath the waterfall.

If time permits, a stay here makes for a relaxing break. Room rates include use of the baths, and the resort’s private reserve features many hiking trails through oak and madrone woodlands. Spring is a particularly wonderful time to visit, as the property showcases one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region.

Vichy Spring Resort: 2605 Vichy Springs Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482

Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs, Redstone, Colorado

Photo: Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs
Photo: Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs
Photo: Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs

Sheltered on 36 acres in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs is shaped around the natural landscape and rock formations of the dramatic Crystal River Valley. The family-owned ranch offers a relaxing getaway with 13 charming log cabins, a tiny house, three sheep wagons, and a rental house for overnight guests to choose from.

The hot springs pools cascade from one to another in a tiered layout, the largest fed by a three-foot warm-water waterfall that curtains a grotto. From the water, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Sopris, Elephant Mountain, and the Avalanche Creek Valley. Avalanche allows access year-round, day and night (except Wednesdays during the day for cleaning), to those staying at the ranch. Day visitors can also enjoy the springs during a four-hour reserved time slot, which costs around $30 and must be booked in advance. The springs are considered a sacred place — no parties, drinking, drugs, or smoking are permitted.

There’s also a wealth of outdoor activities near the ranch. Within a five- to 15-minute drive of Avalanche, there are at least 10 trailheads leading to both easy and strenuous hikes. The Crystal River is certified Gold Medal water for anglers, and all lodgers have access to 500 feet of private riverfront for fishing and swimming. You can also explore the water on the ranch’s canoe or paddleboats at your leisure. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, guests and staff gather around the campfire to enjoy Cowboy Steve on guitar and s’mores.

Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs: 12863 CO-133, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623

Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen, Colorado

Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock
Photo: Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock
Photo: Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock

Picture-perfect Conundrum Hot Springs is technically in Aspen, but it’s not downtown. In fact, it’s a good 20-plus miles from Aspen proper, the final 10 miles of which must be done on skis or snowshoes if you visit in the winter. The springs sit deep in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, famous for its viewpoint of dual mountain peaks reflecting in Maroon Lake. Even in the summer, getting to the hot springs requires a 16.5-mile round-trip hike that gains nearly 3,000 feet of elevation before reaching the undeveloped springs. At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, they’re the highest known hot springs in the US.

But for serious outdoor enthusiasts — or serious hot springs enthusiasts — the difficult access is a selling point, not a deterrent. The springs are in the middle of a gently sloping valley, flanked by spruce- and pine-covered ridgelines. In late spring, they’re surrounded by bold pops of color from wildflowers like pink-and-red Indian paintbrush, yellow glacier lilies, and purple sky pilots. Visit in early autumn, and the hillsides seem to be painted in wide brushstrokes of yellow and gold as groves of aspens make their seasonal shifts. Year-round, you’re likely to see patches of snow high on the mountainsides.

Conundrum has four pools, the largest of which can seat about 15 people if you don’t mind sitting somewhat close. This largest pool is the hottest, usually around 102°F. The smaller pools are a little cooler. Given the small number of people the pools can hold, and the popularity of the springs, you’ll need a permit to camp overnight (while you can do it as a day hike, it won’t leave you much time for soaking). There are 16 reservable campsites around the springs, each with a maximum number of campers and requiring reservations.

That means you’ll need to plan well in advance if you want to visit. Online reservations open on February 15 for dates between April and July, June 15 for reservations between August and November, and October 15 for dates between December and March. And practice your high-elevation backpacking skills — the trail starts at more than 8,700 feet above sea level.

Conundrum Hot Springs: Located on Copper Creek Trailhead, follow US Forest Service hiking and camping guidelines

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado

Photo: Dunton Hot Springs
Photo: Dunton Hot Springs
Photo: Dunton Hot Springs

Located just across the mountain from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is a restored 1800s ghost town set in an alpine valley 8,850 feet up in the San Juan Mountains. The redesigned 19th-century mining town is tucked deep in the Colorado Rockies and today provides a retreat for weary travelers looking to reset and relax in the mineral hot springs.

Dunton Hot Springs offers a holistic wellness getaway. As one of the more popular resorts in the state, expect exceptional dining (plus an onsite vineyard), an extensive list of guided summer and winter outdoor activities, an outstanding spa, yoga or Pilates sessions, and more.

Water is at the core of the restorative experience at Dunton. The resort offers guests five ways to enjoy the springs, with water temperatures ranging from 85 to 106°F. Bathing in the natural blend of calcium bicarbonate, dissolved iron, manganese, and lithium purportedly aids in opening peripheral blood vessels, improving circulation, and promoting healthy skin. You can while away the time in the restored 19th-century bathhouse, under the stars in outdoor pools, or in the Well House cabin — the only cabin built around a small, on-demand hot spring. The other luxurious, rustic-chic cabins sit in a circle around Dunton’s Saloon and Dance Hall, just a few steps from the bathhouse.

Dunton Hot Springs: 8532 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323

Glenwood Springs Resort, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Photo: Glenwood Springs Resort
Photo: Glenwood Springs Resort
Photo: Glenwood Springs Resort

Sitting between Vail and Aspen at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, and less than three hours from Denver, Glenwood Springs is an easily accessible destination. It’s also home to world-famous natural hot springs that have been attracting year-round visitors for over 130 years.

The most popular resort in town is Glenwood Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest outdoor mineral hot springs pool. The baths are fed by 3,500,000 gallons of water per day flowing from the source, Yampah Spring. Each Rocky Mountain natural spring has its own blend of minerals and temperatures. The water at Glenwood is packed with 15 minerals, each with unique health benefits.

There’s a lot to do and enjoy at this resort. A family favorite, many purchase a day pass to enjoy the multiple pools. The Sopris Splash Zone is a kid-friendly aquatic park with a winding river tube ride and a splash pad, plus fitness facilities and dining options. The two main pools are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM year-round. The larger of the two sits at a bathwater-warm temperature, while the smaller therapy pool hovers at 104°F.

Across the street from the pool complex is Glenwood Springs Lodge. The 107-room property is another solid base for exploring the region, and the nightly rate includes unlimited pool admission and a hot breakfast at the poolside grill.

Glenwood Springs Resort: 415 East 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Photo: The Springs Resort
Photo: The Springs Resort
Photo: The Springs Resort

There are plenty of geothermal pools in Colorado to soothe aches and pains after a day in the mountains. Pagosa Springs, located in the San Juan Basin of Archuleta County, is one of the state’s most popular towns for taking the waters.

It’s home to three outstanding resorts: The Springs Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort & Spa. The hot pools are fed by the Mother Spring aquifer, which is the world’s deepest, according to Visit Pagosa Springs. The baths here are also some of Colorado’s most scenic. Many are terraced along the San Juan River, offering stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

In the heart of the mountain town is The Springs Resort. With a whopping 25 pools, it has the most natural hot spring pools in Colorado. These range in temperature from 45 to 114°F, so there’s something for everyone. You can start your morning with a dip in Clouds in My Coffee, a pool with mountain views conveniently located next to the café, where you can enjoy a warm cup as the sun rises. Or kick off the day with a cold and hot plunge, alternating between the snow-fed river and the resort’s hottest bath, The Lobster Pot, which averages 112°F. Afternoons can be spent in the Twilight Pool, watching people paddle or float downstream on tubes. The resort caters to all, with family-friendly activities, tranquil pools perfect for an evening sundowner, and immersive wellness experiences. Overnight guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary fitness and mind-body classes, including sound baths, restorative yoga, aqua yoga, and forest bathing.

You can visit the complex for the day or stay longer with a resort booking. Choose from Classic, Deluxe, or Luxury accommodations, or opt for a package including curated detox plans, couples’ retreats, and discounted spa treatments such as the Magnesium Muscle Melt body treatment.

The Springs Resort & Spa: 323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Burgdorf Hot Springs, McCall, Idaho

Photo: McCall Area Chamber/Jon Conti Visuals
Photo: McCall Area Chamber/Jon Conti Visuals
Photo: McCall Area Chamber/Lindsey Harris

Located in the mountains of the Payette National Forest in central Idaho, Burgdorf Hot Springs is a rustic and historic resort. There are three log-sided pools with gravel bottoms — two at the spring’s source, where the water is around 113°F, and larger pools that average between 100 and 113°F. There’s also a shallow area in one corner of the larger pool, set aside for children and those with limited accessibility. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onsite, though note that alcohol is not allowed near the water.

You can stay right on the property in one of the cozy cabins within walking distance of the hot spring pools. These fully furnished log cabins don’t have running water or electricity, so come prepared to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding national forest. If you’re not staying overnight, you can take advantage of the Day Soak option, available in two-hour blocks at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.

It’s also important to note that the resort is accessible by car during the summer months, while in winter it can only be reached by snowmobile, which you can rent nearby.

Burgdorf Hot Springs: 404 French Creek Rd, McCall, ID 83638

Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa, Pray, Montana

Photo: Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
Photo: Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
Photo: Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa is ideally located for those visiting Montana. Its proximity to Yellowstone makes the resort an excellent base for exploring the national park, and the warm mineral pools are a welcome end to a day spent outdoors. The park entrance is about 40 minutes south of Chico. If you don’t have a vehicle or would prefer to visit with a knowledgeable local guide, the resort offers weekly Yellowstone excursions during the week.

Sitting on a bluff in the shadow of Emigrant Peak in Paradise Valley, the surroundings at Chico are nothing short of spectacular. The four-season resort’s historic lodge and pools are just minutes from the Yellowstone River and the charming town of Livingston.

The resort features two open-air, year-round natural mineral hot springs pools, with temperatures ranging from 96 to 103°F. From the water, you can watch the sunrise over the Absaroka Mountains or take in the night sky while soaking. Resort guests can access the pools daily from 7 AM to 11 PM. Day passes are also available and cost $14 for adults and $8 for children ages three to six.

Chico offers an array of group or private activities: guests can go river rafting, horseback riding, hike some of the nation’s most spectacular trails, enjoy the hilltop spa, and take the waters — all in one day.

Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa: 163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065

Spencer Hot Springs, Austin, Nevada

Photo: Courtesy of TravelNevada/Sydney Martinez
Photo: Courtesy of TravelNevada/Sydney Martinez
Photo: Courtesy of TravelNevada/Sydney Martinez

Whether you’ve just come from Vegas or Reno, or you’re road-tripping through the desert and need a rejuvenating pit stop, Spencer Hot Springs is the perfect spot for a warm soak in the Silver State. Located about three hours west of Carson City on public land managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management, Spencer Hot Springs is a cluster of springs brimming with natural, spring-fed hot water.

There are at least three (sometimes four) bathing spots at the hot springs — two of which are man-made pools built from metal cattle troughs, while the other has a natural, soft bottom. A fourth tub is sometimes accessible, though it’s much cooler than the rest. The springs themselves aren’t the only attraction in the area, either. Just 30 minutes east in the mountains, you’ll find Toquima Cave, an ancient rock shelter once used by the Shoshone people as a temporary dwelling. It contains some of the best examples of pictographs — ancient drawings covering the walls — in North America.

To get the full desert experience, take advantage of the free camping while following the guidelines laid out by Travel Nevada. You can set up camp anywhere on the surrounding BLM land, as long as it’s at least 100 yards from any water sources so as not to disturb the natural environment. You can also park nearby in campers or RVs.

Spencer Hot Springs: Spencer Hot Springs, Austin, NV 89310

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Detroit, Oregon

Photo: Breitenbush Hot Springs
Photo: Breitenbush Hot Springs
Photo: Breitenbush Hot Springs

Breitenbush Hot Springs is an off-the-grid sanctuary that is maintained by a dedicated team. The retreat is situated within a more than 150-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest in the central portion of the Cascade Range. Breitenbush is a special place. It offers a safe space for people to reset and heal with access to the natural hot springs and through holistic health and spiritual growth teachings.

The pools themselves consist of the SpiralTubs, which are four sunken concrete tubs of different temperatures, each of which can seat four to six people. There’s also a mineral water cold plunge that’s cooled by copper pipes underneath the river. The Sacred Meadow pools are another option. These three river rock-lined pools overlook the Breitenbush River and the forest, and the farthest is reserved for silent contemplation — no talking is allowed. A steam sauna is also available in a small cedar cabin perched above a hot springs creek. It seats up to 12 people, and there’s a cold water tub on the deck for a little post-sauna cold plunge.

There are three ways to experience Breitenbush. The first is to visit on a day pass. This will grant you access to the springs and sauna (and any daily well-being offerings from the community) from 9 AM to 6 PM. Or, if you’d prefer an extended stay, you can book a personal retreat. Rooms range from cozy forest shelters built of wood and stone to thermally-heated yurts and tented campsites. When you book a stay here, you get full access to the resort’s amenities, as well as three vegetarian meals a day, starting with dinner on the day you arrive. The final option is to join others in a group-led workshop weekend.

A visit to the hot springs at Breitenbush comes with a few important things to note. The community will welcome all who respect the land, those who call Breitenbush home, and those who came before us. Clothing is optional in soaking areas. There is no cell or internet connection here, so you can use this as an opportunity to detox. No substances are permitted, that includes both drugs and alcohol. Electricity usage is light, so there are no hair dryers or electric kettles. And lastly, it’s a fragrance-free retreat, so leave shampoos and perfumes at home. Instead, pack biodegradable and unscented toiletries.

Breitenbush Hot Springs: 53000 Breitenbush Rd SE, Detroit, OR 97342

Summer Lake Hot Springs, Paisley, Oregon

Photo: Peter Bray/Shutterstock
Photo: Joshua Rainey Photography/Shutterstock
Photo: Joshua Rainey Photography/Shutterstock

Six miles west of Paisley on Highway 31 and two hours southeast of Bend lie the natural hot springs of Summer Lake. Summer Lake’s desert-artisan aesthetic lends itself to a holistic healing retreat. From the pools, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains to the south and the expansive desert landscape to the north. The resort spans 145 acres of high desert and offers 10 geothermally heated cabins, two three-bedroom houses, RV slips with full hookups, and a five-acre camping area. Day use is not allowed, and a minimum stay of two nights is required for those not camping.

Three outdoor rock pools sit at roughly 104°F, and a large seasonal indoor pool maintains a warm 98 degrees. The waters here are high in various minerals, particularly silica, which leaves your skin feeling soft. There are a few guidelines: no smoking, glass, or parties. Kids and well-behaved pets are welcome, but young children are not allowed in the springs after 8 PM. Between 9 PM and 7 AM, the pools are clothing optional. As this is a health and wellness retreat designed for those seeking to disconnect from the busyness of modern life, respect for fellow visitors is essential to maintaining the tranquility of Summer Lake.

Summer Lake Hot Springs: 41777 Highway 31, Paisley, OR 97636

Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon

Photo: Gabriela Le/Shutterstock
Photo: Joshua Rainey Photography/Shutterstock
Photo: Eusaphzae/Shutterstock

Settle into the warm waters of the Pacific Northwest at these natural springs with some of the best views in the region. In the midst of a pine forest and overlooking a river valley, Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon for good reason. Just a short detour off the North Umpqua Highway, and 64 miles from the nearest town of Roseburg, the springs are composed of a series of small, terraced pools overlooking the North Umpqua River. The top pool is the warmest and is covered by a rustic wooden structure shielding bathers from the rain. It’s also the largest and therefore most communal pool, while the lower, smaller pools tend to be more private, fitting just three or four people.

Note that reaching the hot springs requires a steep half-mile hike. It’s a short trek, but the path is usually muddy, and you might need to scramble up rocks, so be sure to dress accordingly and take any health and mobility concerns into account.

There are several Airbnbs available that make it convenient to access both Umpqua Hot Springs as well as Crater Lake, from this rustic log cabin and treehouse on the river to this scenic lodge.

Umpqua Hot Springs: Trailhead located off of Highway 138, follow US Forest Service guidelines and hiking and parking advisories

The Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia

Photo: Courtesy of The Omni Homestead / Gordon Gregory
Photo: Courtesy of The Omni Homestead / Gordon Gregory
Photo: Courtesy of The Omni Homestead / Gordon Gregory

Many of the well-established wellness resorts in the US have at least one claim to fame. The Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, is no exception. It’s the oldest resort in the nation, predating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1766, a land surveyor named Thomas Bullitt built a small 18-room lodge, and today, it’s one of the South’s most cherished wellness retreats.

No matter the season, the Homestead offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. There’s a two-acre water park, four tennis courts, a falconry center, a zip line, world-class golf courses, and eight restaurants and bars serving a menu of local dishes and beverages.

Five miles away from the resort are what many visitors come to the Hot Springs region for: the Warm Springs Pools. The natural springs have a long history, with locals bathing in their healing waters for centuries. The original stone octagonal basin was constructed in 1761. In the mid-1820s, the frame structure of the bathhouse was erected. The buildings were recently renovated with a $4 million restoration project aimed at preserving as much of the original building fabric as possible and ensuring the baths remain usable for years to come.

Reservations are required for a 50-minute soak. There’s also a set schedule, so be sure to check it if you want to visit with family or prefer some adult alone time. On that note, the resort’s Serenity Garden is adults-only. In this tranquil space, you’ll find two additional mineral pools and an infinity pool.

The Omni Homestead: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445

Granite Falls Hot Springs, Jackson, Wyoming

Photo: melissamn/Shutterstock
Photo: melissamn/Shutterstock
Photo: melissamn/Shutterstock

Jackson’s Granite Falls Hot Springs hits the sweet spot between “undeveloped secret spot” and “developed enough that you don’t need to be an expert hiker to get there.” And while it’s a bumpy drive to reach the parking area, there’s not much hiking involved once you’ve parked.

What makes Granite Falls Hot Springs so great, however, is what it’s named after: nearby Granite Falls, which you can hear while soaking in the Granite Hot Springs Pool just above the waterfall. The pool is large enough to fit a few dozen people and includes a man-made deck and stairs, plus picnic tables and bathrooms.

This is another hot spring where camping nearby is possible, and since it’s drive-in camping, it’s much more accessible for those who don’t want to backpack or hike. There are about 50 campsites, and they don’t take reservations. The campground tends not to get too full, but to minimize your chances of arriving without a place to sleep, visit midweek — especially in the summer. The area is usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October for the summer season. It’s open in winter as well, but hours are more limited, and the 11-mile road to the springs is closed to vehicles — so get ready to cross-country ski.

Before or after your soak, it’s worth spending a few minutes hiking down to the base of the impressive Granite Falls. The waterfall is wider than it is tall, with multiple cascades and flows sending water rushing over giant boulders.

Because this hot spring is fairly developed, it does have a few rules — one of which is that no alcohol is allowed. While it’s common knowledge that you can bring whatever you’d like to most hot springs (as long as you pack out what you pack in), this one is a little different, as it’s family-friendly. So leave the beers in the car (but be sure to bring lots of water).

As for lodging, your best bet before or after visiting the spring (if you’re not camping) is to stay in Jackson, the closest town. Hotels can be pricey, but you’ll find more moderately priced Airbnbs available (as well as gorgeous hotels, if you don’t mind the price tag).

Granite Falls Hot Springs: Head south from Jackson on Highway 189 and the hot springs are at Granite Creek Road

Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming

Photo: Angela Dukich/Shutterstock
Photo: Angela Dukich/Shutterstock
Photo: Nichimar/Shutterstock

Wyoming is known for having some of the most stunning natural beauty in the West, whether it’s the Tetons in Jackson Hole or the cascades in Yellowstone National Park. But one of its most relaxing and scenic sites is actually one you may not have heard of. Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis features indoor and outdoor mineral hot springs that rise from the earth at 128°F (but are cooled to around 104). The best part? It’s completely free.

The Wyoming State Bath House is perfect for therapeutic bathing, and Hellie’s Tepee Pools just across the river offer mineral hot springs with indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, a sauna, and a steam room. In addition to the pools, there are over six miles of easily accessible trails, as well as a full-service park with a fishing area, boat ramp, and Volksmarch trail. The best viewpoint for photos is likely the suspension footbridge across the Bighorn River, known as the “Swinging Bridge.” From there, you’ll get unrivaled views of the river and mineral terrace, as well as the flower gardens. If you’re lucky, you might even see some bison in late fall and winter.

While there’s no hotel directly associated with the springs, there are plenty of cozy lodging options nearby. This large home in Thermopolis overlooks a river, with convenient access to the mountains, reservoir, springs, and Yellowstone. There’s also this rustic yet spacious cabin for a truly Western aesthetic and a similarly convenient location.

Hot Springs State Park: 51 US Highway 20 North, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Discover Matador

Save Bookmark

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy.