From Colorado and Alaska to Oregon and New York, these incredible hot springs across the United States offer stunning scenery, mineral-rich waters, and the perfect escape year-round.
The United States is home to some incredible natural thermal springs spanning from one end of the country to the other. Whether you are based in Upstate New York or you are located on the West Coast, if you are craving a relaxing dip, there are a variety of locations where you can do so. Nestled amongst mountain views and tucked away in forests, these springs provide the chance to get away and relax in warmer waters.
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Glenwood Springs
WHERE: Colorado
Colorado’s Glenwood Springs has long been known as a luxurious retreat fueled by the geothermal waters occurring naturally in the area. The Glenwood Springs Hot Spring resort boasts the largest hot springs mineral pool in the world, the size of several football fields, and the complex comes alive during the summer months with water slides, diving boards, and even a family-friendly pool for kids. Day passes are available if you are passing through or if you plan on sampling other springs near the town of Glenwood.
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Zion Canyon Hot Springs
WHERE: Utah
After a long day of hiking in Zion National Park, you have the option to soak in over 50 bodies of water. With natural mineral waters and cold plunges and saunas, no matter how intensely you have explored the hiking trails in Zion, there is a way to relax. Meals and cocktails are available, as well as kid-friendly areas and a 21+ area where visitors can enjoy a drink by one of the firepits. Fridays and Saturdays also include the option to view the constellations while immersed in one of their 32 natural pools.
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Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
WHERE: New Mexico
Touted as the only hot springs in the world to have four different types of mineral waters–arsenic, iron, soda springs, and lithia–this New Mexican haven feels far away from modern life. The pool area is designated as a “Whisper Zone” where guests are invited to take a moment to enjoy the sounds of nature and speak quietly. Over 100,000 gallons of mineral water flow through the pools every day with volcanic rock serving as a filter, and with its location far from big cities, it feels like an escape.
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Astoria Hot Springs Park
WHERE: Wyoming
If you are considering taking a day out of your Grand Teton National Park trip to relax, then you will want to head to the nearby Astoria Hot Springs Park near Jackson Hole. The water temperatures sit between 96 to 98 degrees in the Leisure Pool, and those soaking have views of the nearby Snake River. Two of the pools are also ADA accessible, and there are accessible showers and changing rooms available. Best of all, 100% of the ticket sales go to supporting Astoria Park Conservancy, meaning you are preserving the area while also enjoying a relaxing day in a beautiful environment.
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Cheno Hot Springs
WHERE: Alaska
You can’t get more of a remote destination than Cheno Hot Springs, one of Alaska’s favorite resorts. Discovered in 1905 by brothers Robert and Thomas Swan, Chena runs its buildings entirely on sustainable geothermal energy. The springs include high levels of sulfate, chloride, and a bicarbonate of sodium, which make them unique in composition from other springs in the United States. However, the real selling point is being able to watch the Northern Lights from one of the outdoor hot tubs during the winter months.
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Chico Hot Springs
WHERE: Montana
Combining an Old West feel with world-class hot springs, Chico is spread out across 700 acres near Yellowstone National Park. Originally a boarding house for gold miners looking to make a living out west, the geothermal pools remain much the same as they did in the early 20th century. The resort also boasts a saloon with live music, shuffleboard, and local beers. If you plan on exploring outside of the two open-air pools, you can also book yoga classes, a massage, or a horseback riding lesson through Big Sky Country.
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Saratoga Spa State Park
WHERE: New York
You don’t have to head out west to relax in mineral springs. The historic Saratoga Spa State Park offers two mineral pools: the Victoria Mineral Pool and the Peerless Mineral Pool, about 30 minutes from Albany. While the park and complex are built around the pools, there are also a variety of activities available for families, including a campground, trails, a Children’s Museum, a nine-hole golf course, and ice skating in the winter. The springs at this Upstate gem include healing calcium, magnesium, and sodium–known to promote joint repair and cardiovascular health.
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Hot Springs National Park
WHERE: Arkansas
While there are no outdoor hot springs at the park, there are two historic bathhouses located on the famed “Bathhouse Row” where natural water is piped in. The Buckstaff Bathhouse has been the only facility since 1912 that has been in continuous operation, while the Quapaw Bathhouse has been renovated to include modern spa services and customized massages and facials. Once you have finished your spa day, you can take one of the 26 miles of trails within the park’s boundaries or head out to explore the nearby 1.2-million-acre Ozark National Forest.
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Sierra Hot Springs
WHERE: California
California is known for its numerous hot springs, and the pools at Sierra Hot Springs strike a balance between luxury and natural beauty. The resort has both indoor and outdoor springs with the Temple Dome Area, which includes the main pool and cold plunge pools. The Hot Pool, which stays at a consistent temperature of 110-112 degrees, is protected under a geodesic dome decorated with stained glass. The resort sits adjacent to Tahoe National Forest and is the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes at local ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe or Sierra-at-Tahoe.
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Umpqua Hot Springs
WHERE: Oregon
If a resort-like experience is not your style, these rustic-but-magical springs are located in the Umpqua National Forest. To get to the pools, you will need to take a high-clearance vehicle on a dirt road and strap on your hiking boots for a .4-mile hike. While it might take some effort, intrepid travelers are rewarded with cascading pools at around 115 degrees and opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos. Keep in mind that clothing is optional, and there is a steep, 15-minute hike up to the top pool, but as an au natural experience, there is a reason this is one of the most popular sites for natural pools in the United States.