The 19 most rejuvenating hot springs in the United States

There’s nothing quite like sinking into warm thermal waters during the chilly Alaskan winter. Or even during the chilly Alaskan summer, for that matter. Chena Hot Springs, a geothermal spa just an hour from Fairbanks, is a relaxation compound that could easily keep you busy for multiple days in the remote Alaska wilderness.

Beyond the geothermal Rock Lake surrounded by a dense forest, there’s also an indoor and outdoor hot tub, as well as tiny cabins for bookable spa treatments. The resort’s restaurant is the perfect way to end your spa day in a cozy lodge environment specializing in seafood, with produce sourced from an onsite greenhouse. What really makes Chena special, however, is the ice museum featuring over 1,000 tons of ice sculptures.

Conveniently, you don’t even need to leave the property to return to a hotel in Fairbanks. There are several accommodation options onsite, including lodges, yurts, and more traditional hotel rooms. You can also stay in a camper or RV.

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

Castle Hot Springs has a recorded history of attracting discerning travelers seeking the restorative powers of its thermal waters since at least 1896. Today, this sacred place offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious experiences in the US.

It’s only an hour or so north of Phoenix, but note that the last seven miles of unpaved roads leading into the Bradshaw Mountains require a vehicle with higher clearance. The effort is worth it to check in at Castle Hot Springs Resort, a true oasis in the Sonoran desert.

Castle Hot Springs was designed to complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. As is the menu of wellness treatments and outdoor activities. There are three tiered natural hot spring pools set in the canyon above the resort. The water here is particularly rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, which can help lift your mood, ease pain in joints and muscles, and calm the mind. The top pool is closest to the source and, therefore, the hottest (around 106 degrees Fahrenheit). The second draws its waters from the first and sits at a temperature of about 96 degrees Fahrenheit. And the third is the coolest (with an average of 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and deepest. Enclosed by palm trees, this swimming hole is a popular place to relax in the afternoon.

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. Castle Hot Springs is also one of the best hotels in the country for stargazing.

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

The town of Calistoga is one of the best all-around wellness destinations in the US. Although that comes with footfall from visitors from across the country who travel for the area’s geothermal hot springs, wellness resorts, and mud baths, Calistoga retains its small-town charm and beauty. Located 75 miles north of San Francisco and surrounded by Napa and Sonoma wine country, Calistoga was founded over 150 years ago because of the plentiful natural hot springs. Today, it’s a wellness haven of two dozen spas and resorts, fitness centers, and excellent restaurants serving fresh local produce.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, you’re spoilt for choice. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is wildly popular, with four geothermal mineral pools. Indian Springs, another historic resort, is set on 27 acres of lush gardens and thermal geysers. Or, if you’d prefer a more boutique experience, The Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort has excellent bespoke spa treatments such as the mud water massage.

Another staple on the Calistoga wellness scene is Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. It was established in 1952 by pioneering wellness experts “Doc” and Edy Wilkinson, whose time-honored therapies remain on the spa’s menu today. It has a fabulous retro hotel decor and a new on-site restaurant, House of Better. In keeping with the founders’ vision, there are four mud baths, three geothermal mineral pools, eight mineral baths, falling water therapy, contemporary treatments such as CBD and aromatherapy experiences, and the iconic crushed cabernet body scrub.

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

Being only two hours north of downtown San Francisco in the heart of the Mendocino wine country, you can visit Vichy Spring Resort for a day trip or stay overnight for a 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 in a homely country inn. It’s renowned for its naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths. Known colloquially as “Champagne baths,” these are the only of their kind in North America. Onsite guests can also enjoy a seasonal swimming pool, an in-ground hot pool, and on the 700-acre property you’ll find Chemisal Falls, where you can take an outdoor dip in the waterfall.

If time permits, a stay here makes for a relaxing break. Included in room rates are the use of the baths, and the resort’s private reserve has many hiking trails through oak and madrone woodlands. A wonderful season to visit is spring, when you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region.

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

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 (other than Wednesdays during the day due to cleaning) to those staying at the ranch. You can also visit for a four-hour time slot. This must be reserved in advance and costs $32. The springs are a sacred place. No parties, drinking, drugs, or smoking are permitted.

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

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

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 has to 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 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 of which has a maximum number of campers and require 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 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

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. Being one of the more popular resorts in the state, expect exceptional dining (plus an onsite vineyard), an extensive list of summer and winter guided 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 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 time away 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 within a few steps of the bathhouse.

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

Sitting between Vail and Aspen along the confluence of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River 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 a year-round crowd 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 the 3,500,000 gallons of water per day that flow 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 individual health benefits.

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

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

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

There are plenty of geothermal pools in Colorado to soothe aches and pains after a day in the mountains. Pagosa Springs, 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 over 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 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s something for everyone. You can start your morning with a dip in Clouds in my Coffee, a pool with views of the mountains and conveniently located next to the Cafe, 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 sits at an average of 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Afternoons can be spent in the Twilight pool watching people paddling or floating on tubes downstream. 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 and body classes, including sound baths, restorative yoga, aqua yoga, and forest bathing.

You can visit the complex for the day or relax a little longer with a stay at the resort. Choose from Classic, Deluxe, or Luxury accommodations, or opt for a package including curated detox packages, 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

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

You can stay right on the property, too, in one of the cozy cabins within walking distance of the hot spring pools. These fully furnished log cabins don’t have any 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 on the property, you can take advantage of the Day Soak option, which is available in two-hour blocks at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.

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

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

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 welcomed end to a day in the outdoors. The park entrance is around 40 minutes south of Chico. If you don’t have a vehicle or would prefer to visit with a knowledgeable local guide, the resort has weekly Yellowstone excursions on Wednesdays.

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

The resort has two open-air year-round natural mineral hot springs pools (ranging from 96 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit). From the water, you can watch the sunrise over the Absaroka Mountains or take in the night sky while soaking away. Those staying at the resort can access the pools daily from 7 AM to 11 PM. Day passes are available and cost $14 for adults and $8 for children (aged three to six).

Chico offers an array of group or private activities: guests can go river rafting, horse back 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

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 much cooler than the rest. The springs themselves aren’t the only attraction around here, either. Just 30 minutes east, in the mountains, you’ll find Toquima Cave, an ancient rock shelter 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 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

Six miles west of Paisley on Highway 31 and two hours southeast of Bend are 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 roughly at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and a large seasonal indoor pool is a warm 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The waters here are high in various minerals, particularly silica, which leaves your skin feeling soft. There are a few guidelines, including no smoking, glass, or parties. Kids and well-behaved pets are welcome, but no young children are 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 welcoming those who would like to disconnect from the busyness of modern life, being respectful to other visitors is necessary for the tranquility of Summer Springs.

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

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, foolow US Forest Service guidelines and hiking and parking advisories

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 has 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 come to the region of Hot Springs 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 to save as much of the original building fabric as possible and to ensure that the baths can be used for years to come.

Reservations are required for a 50-minute soak, which costs $30. There’s also a schedule, so check that out if you want to visit with family or have some adult alone time. On that note, the resort’s Serenity Garden is adult-only. In this tranquil space, you’ll find two more mineral pools and an infinity pool.

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

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 get to the parking area, there’s not much hiking involved after you’ve parked.

What makes Granite Falls Hot Springs so great, however, is what it’s named after: nearby Granite Falls, which you’ll 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 has 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 people 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 chance of arriving and having no place to sleep, visit midweek, especially in the summer. Campsites are $20, and a day use pass is $12 per person, payable on site in cash. It’s 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 to hike down to the bottom of the impressive Granite Falls. The waterfall is wider than it is tall, with multiple cascades and flows sending water cascading down 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 everything you packed in), this one is a little different, since it’s family-friendly. So leave the beers in the car (but be sure to bring lots of water).

As far as lodging, your best bet before or after visiting the spring (if you’re not camping, that is) 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 the Granite Creek Road

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 is an indoor and outdoor mineral hot spring rising from the earth at 128 degrees Fahrenheit (but cooled to around 104). The best part? It’s completely free.

The Wyoming State Bath House is perfect for therapeutic bathing, and the Hellie’s Tepee Pools just across the river are mineral hot springs with indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, a sauna, and a steam room. In addition to the pools, there are also 6.2 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 probably the suspension footbridge across the Bighorn River, called 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 here in the late fall and winter.

While there’s no resort or hotel 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