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Hot springs offer bountiful health and wellness benefits and are a favorite for adventurists and spa travelers alike. With countless hot springs around the world, did you know there are hundreds of thermal springs right in the United States? Here are some of the best hot springs in the USA you should totally visit!
You can retreat to an amazing hot spring after a long day of hiking or hitting the slopes, or relax your muscles in these therapeutic baths for a much-needed self-care session.
Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado
World-famous for being the largest mineral pool across the globe (405 feet long), the historic Glenwood Hot Springs pool is a must-visit while in Colorado. Located in its namesake city, between Aspen and Vail, you can visit this Colorado hot spring destination as a day trip or lodge/spa guest.
While there, consider visiting the Spa of the Rockies for relaxing wellness services, or extend your hot springs getaway with a stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge — it’s walking distance from downtown Glenwood Springs!
I enjoyed visiting the Glenwood Hot Springs pool for a short soak after 8pm: which helped avoid crowds and take advantage of reduced pricing.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $30 day rate, $19 after 8pm
More Options for hotels in Glenwood Springs Colorado:
Tecopa Hot Springs, California
Located about 10 miles away from Death Valley, and an awesome place to visit near Las Vegas, Tecopa Hot Springs Resort is a rustic accommodation in the middle of the harsh Mojave Desert. It is famous for its amazing hot springs — believed to have healing features.
Daria from The Discovery Nut says people from all over the Southwest come to this place to soak in Tecopa’s natural hot springs and enjoy the spectacular view of the clear dark sky. It’s a perfect place to wind down and disconnect, which is a great idea if you have been hiking Death Valley and need to relax before hitting the road the next day.
Tecopa is a census-designated town in California’s Mojave Desert. And while the town is mostly known for its relaxed atmosphere and lack of development, you will not be bored. Be sure to visit nearby attractions like China Date Ranch, Shoshone Village, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and Death Valley National Park!
- Tecopa Hot Springs Entrance Fee: included with reserved stays or $9-day pass
Where to stay near Tecopa Hot Springs:
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
The Chena Hot Springs is a lovely thermal spring hidden in the Alaskan wilderness. It’s located about 60 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska and a lovely remote location with thermal hot springs, and perfect for stargazing or better – watching the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during winter!
The facility also has several indoor tubs, jacuzzis, and an indoor family swimming pool. Outside, there is a Rock Lake: a boulder-ringed artificial lake fit for stargazing.
Looking for more Alaska activities beyond the hot springs? Adriana and Matěj from Czech the World note there are several hiking trails nearby as well. At the resort, you can find an Ice Museum (open year-round) or Reindeer Farm. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV tours, gold panning, or sled-dog cart rides.
- Chena Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $15 per adult for day pass (all geothermal pools and Rock Lake)
- Best hotel for visiting Chena Hot Springs: Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Spring Tours to consider:
- Chena Hot Springs Shuttle from Fairbanks
- Chena Hot Springs Tour
- Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks
Want Alaska by cruise? Read my Alaska cruise review on Discovery Princess.
Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho
With over 340 hot springs (140 soakable), Idaho is home to the most usable natural hot springs in the United States. High on the list of hot springs in Idaho is the picturesque Kirkham Hot Springs. Located in Lowman, less than two hours away from Boise, the hot spring costs five dollars to park at the neighboring campgrounds.
Once you park, it’s a five-minute walk down a wooden staircase to ten small wading pools that sit snug along the Payette River. The best parts of Kirkham Hot Springs are the steaming hot waterfalls that cascade the side of the mountain. It’s akin to having the most heavenly shower of your life.
According to Christina and Brad from Live a Wilder Life, the ideal time to visit is during the summer when you can go back and forth between the ice-cold river and the hot pools. Summertime does bring crowds though, so if you want a more solitary experience, hike out in the winter for a serene winter wonderland experience.
- Kirkham Hot Springs Entrance Fee: Free
- Parking Fee: $5 at campgrounds
Best places to stay near Kirkham Hot Springs:
- Cabin home rentals: Cabin with a hot tub, or with a river view, or with mountain views
- Billy Bob Mansion
- Apartment with hot tub
- Cozy Terrace Lake Cabins
Strawberry Parks Hot Springs, Colorado
Off the beaten path in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and nestled in the woods of the Yampa Valley is Strawberry Parks Hot Springs: the ultimate place to come and relax on an off-day from winter skiing or snowboarding, or a summer hike.
Not only are there hot springs, but they also offer lodging and massages! Their cabins are rustic and perfect those who like camping.
If you visit this Steamboat Springs getaway during winter, snow blankets the ground in a thick layer and steam rises from the thermal pools. It’s truly a winter wonderland! There are multiple hot springs in tiered levels to enjoy and if you arrive earlier in the day it is usually less crowded.
Before you go, Anna from Stuck on the Go advises that once the sun goes down, bathing suits are optional. She recommends bringing shoes that you can slide on, as the ground is incredibly cold when you’re barefoot. Note: four-wheel drive or snow tires are required if visiting the private property.
- Strawberry Parks Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $20 (cash only)
Lodges and hotels in Steamboat Springs:
- Hotel Club Wyndham Steamboat Springs
- Resort Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Hilltop
- Mariposa Lodge
- Private Steamboat Springs home rental
Hart Mountain Hot Springs, Oregon
Visit the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Plush, Oregon to find a few trails to explore, off-road trails to ride, and over 300 species of animals to spot! The Refuge is in Oregon’s arid Eastern side, an area not too many people venture to.
After a day of exploring, relax in the Hart Mountain Hot Springs, located about 20 minutes from the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Visitor Center. There are two Oregon hot springs you can visit, about five minutes walking from each other.
Once you make it to the parking lot, the first hot spring will be obvious due to a stonewall encasing it in a private nook. The springs are usually around 100-105℉ and can fit about five to six people. It’s not very big so hopefully, you won’t encounter too many others.
If you do, Nina and Garrett from Oregon is for Adventure suggest you head to the second “primitive” hot springs and take a dip there instead. This one is just like the first minus the stonewall surroundings.
You can visit Hart Mountain Hot Springs any time of year however, the roads sometimes close during the winter. Do note, most of the roads in this area are not paved. A two-wheel drive is fine but your driving times will be slower.
- Hart Mountain Hot Springs Entrance Fee: Free, primitive camping available
Where to stay near Hart Mountain Hot Springs:
We recommend primitive camping since nothing is super close but you need lodging try these hotels.
Scenic Hot Springs, Washington
Scenic Hot Springs is a beautiful hot spring located in the Cascade Mountains of Skykomish, Washington. It’s about a two-hour drive from Seattle to get there, and is located on private property. That means you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance for these Washington hot springs, and they only allow 10 people per day.
To get to Scenic Hot Springs, Marissa from Postcards to Seattle says you’ll need to go on a two-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. While this isn’t too hard of a hike during the summer, you’ll need snowshoes during the winter months to get to the hot springs, as the snow can be deep.
Once you get there, you can stay all day if you wish. There are three different tubs with varying temperatures, and many people alternate between them. You’ll have a beautiful view of the forest and enjoy how quiet and peaceful the area is.
- Scenic Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $10 per guest, paid in advance online
Where to stay near scenic hot springs:
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs in southwest Colorado is just over a five-hour drive from Denver along US Hwy 285. Vicky from Buddy the Traveling Monkey loved visiting Pagosa Springs and recommends it as one of the most relaxing hot springs in the US.
The Mother Spring aquifer is what feeds the hot springs and is over 1,002 feet deep, making it the world’s deepest hot spring.
The water of the springs is said to have many healing qualities, like relieving arthritis, normalizing heart rhythms, and maintaining hormones.
The surface temperature of the Mother Spring aquifer is about 131°F, making it too hot to touch. Lucky for you, the aquifer feeds water into three facilities: The Springs Resort & Spa (with 24 soaking pools!), The Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort & Spa — each with controlled temperatures.
Pagosa Springs Entrance Fee:
Lodging and spa service clients have full access to the pools. Day rates for visitors are as follows:
- $35 day pass The Springs Resort and Spa
- $16 day pass Overlook Mineral Springs Spa (Overlook Hot Springs)
- $20 day pass at Healing Waters Resort & Spa
Where to stay near Pagosa Springs:
Alvord Hot Springs, Oregon
An unassuming treat in eastern Oregon, the Alvord Hot Springs in Fields, Oregon is a private family-owned hot spring and campground site. The dual hot pools lie in the valley of the Alvord Desert, near the base of the massive Steens Mountain.
The water bubbles from the ground at a hot 170℉, and must be mixed with cool water into the soaking pools, so dipping into the natural creek is strongly discouraged (for your own safety).
Kay from The Awkward Traveller notes the two pools are small, fitting four people comfortably, but the distance from any major city keeps the crowds at a minimum. Along with restrooms and a small store that sells basic necessities, you can stay overnight at the site’s campsite or bunkhouses. For two people, campsites are $40 per night and bunkhouses range $70-90.
- Alvord Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $10 per person for day visits
Hotels near Alvord hot springs:
We recommend the aforementioned campsites or bunkhouses onsite but if you prefer hotels and don’t mind a longer drive, try these:
Crowley Hot Springs, California (Wild Willy’s Hot Spring)
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring in California, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is in an incredible Mammoth Lakes location with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
This hot spring is a quick 30-minute drive from Mammoth, so you won’t want to miss it. Once you arrive, a long boardwalk will lead you to several pools – each varying in size holding anywhere from two people to a dozen.
Since the land is public, you will also see people camping in the surrounding area! Pack a light jacket, change of clothes, and a couple of towels.
Erin from The Gal on the Go recommends arriving early, preferably before sunrise, to soak in the warm waters and take in the scenery. If you decide to come at night, be prepared for a spectacular starlit sky. This hidden California gem is the perfect getaway to get in touch with nature.
- Wild Willy’s / Crowley Hot Springs Entrance Fee: Entry and parking are free, making Wild Willy’s a popular spot for locals and tourists.
Hotels near Crowley Hot Springs:
Arizona Hot Spring, Arizona
Arizona Hot Spring is located near the Hoover Dam along the Arizona-Nevada border. The area is known as White Rock Canyon and the water is supplied from Lake Mohave.
To get to the hot springs in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area, you’ll have to follow a trail a few miles south of Hoover Dam. It is a challenging three-mile hike to reach the hot springs (including one ladder you will need to climb to get there) — but is so worth it!
The Arizona Hot Spring is located in a slot canyon, where you can also find a 20-foot waterfall. There are several cascades along the way as well.
Once you arrive, you can relax in the soothing warm waters, which sit at around 110℉. There are several hot springs in Arizona but this one is by the far the most beautiful, according to Nicole from American Southwest Obsessed.
- Arizona Hot Spring Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person (if on foot) to enter Lake Mead National Recreational Area (valid for 7 days). Doesn’t include camping fees.
Hotels near Arizona Hot Spring:
Quinn’s Hot Springs, Montana
For a secluded hot springs getaway in Montana, visit Quinn’s Hot Springs in Paradise, Montana — located seemingly in the middle of nowhere (actually, Alex from Alex on the Map says it’s really not as far from the major “cities” of Montana as she once thought.)
If you want to feel like you are really escaping reality, then Quinn’s is a great place to relax.
Made from natural hot springs, it also has an attached restaurant, lodge, and more. Located right on Sheep Creek, you also have the opportunity to explore much of Montana’s beautiful outdoors.
Want to hike the nearby Clark Fork Canyon before dipping into natural mineral water? This is where to do it without the crowds. It’s a bit of a drive, but it truly feels like a vacation.
- Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort Entrance Fee: Free access for lodging guests, $18 Day Use Swim Session (5 hours) for visitors
Hotels near Quinn’s Hot spring:
Sycamore Mineral Springs, California
Situated in picturesque central California lies a wellness travel paradise between the Pacific coastal front and rolling green hills. Here, you’ll discover the rejuvenating waters of Sycamore Mineral Springs.
Burrowed deep within the enchanting hills of Avila Beach, these hot springs offer a private natural retreat among the trees. Each mineral spring has a private spa tub for two, with an exclusive balcony overlooking the lush abyss. With a small lounging bench and a wooden fence surrounding it, these baths offer a relaxing ambiance, privacy, and a safe spot for changing into your bathing suit.
Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries notes that at the counter, you have the preference of choosing your private hot spring on the ground level or higher. While the higher level climbs several flights of stairs, it offers the most serene experience.
This wellness property also offers leisurely hiking trails that wind through the deep green forest. Massages are available for purchase, along with rooms to rent at the Sycamore Canyon Springs Resort.
- Sycamore Mineral Springs Entrance Day Fee: $17.50-22.50 for hot tub reservations
Hotels near Sycamore Mineral Springs:
- Sycamore Mineral Springs (lodging available)
- Avila Lighthouse Suites
- Inn at Avila Beach
- 358 Front Street
- Avila La Fonda
Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon (Toketee Hot Springs)
Nestled among the Cascade Mountains in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, Umpqua Hot Springs is easily one of the best hot springs in the USA. Carved into the rock face in multiple layers, these relaxing hot springs offer pools of different temperatures with stunning views over the North Umpqua River.
Located near Toketee Falls, the springs are also commonly referred to as Toketee Hot Springs. For the perfect day out, plan to end your day with a tranquil dip in Umpqua Hot Springs after stopping at the many waterfalls in Southern Oregon.
Sophie and Adam from We Dream of Travel mention it’s worth noting that these Oregon hot springs are clothing optional and it definitely seems more common to go nude! Visiting in winter makes for an even more magical experience, immersing yourself in 108°F water while snow surrounds you.
- Toketee Hot Springs Entrance Fee: Free, open sunrise to sunset
- Parking Fee: $5
Where to stay near Umpqua Hot Springs
The Roosevelt Baths, New York (Saratoga Spa State Park)
While the western part of the United States is brimming with hot springs, the northeast falls short on thermal bath options — but mineral springs are not obsolete.
Saratoga Springs, New York is famous for its historical standing as a mineral spring destination, and The Roosevelt Baths & Spa at The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park manually warms Saratoga’s cold mineral waters for a blissful “hot spring” hydrotherapy session.
While it may not be a natural hot spring, the therapeutic benefits are still plenty.
As a bonus: there’s a beautiful state park you can explore, nature trails and leisure activities, and a self-guided springs trail where you can taste your way through the mineral springs’ fountains (and encounter the locals who continue the tradition of lining up to fill their jugs with Saratoga Springs mineral water).
- Saratoga Spa State Park Fee: $10 per vehicle
- Roosevelt Bath Entrance Fee: $40 weekdays, $45 weekends for 40-minute session
Where to stay near Saratoga Spa State Park:
Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming (Yellowstone National Park)
Mammoth Hot Springs is located on the Wyoming side of Yellowstone, near the town of Mammoth. Though you can’t swim or soak in Mammoth Hot Springs, it’s still a must-visit hot spring for those visiting Montana and Wyoming during a trip around Yellowstone National Park.
Walking along the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces is one of the top things to do in Yellowstone National Park, according to the Travel Montana Now family. The mother-daughter trio says it’s an otherworldly experience that combines travertine rock with rising steam as you amble along a series of wooden walking platforms.
Pair that with the views of the mountains jutting up in the background and you’ll quickly realize why this is one of the most sought-after sights in Yellowstone. If you do want a place to soak for further relaxation, you’re just a short drive away from the Boiling River in Gardiner, Montana.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Entrance Fee: $30 7-day Yellowstone park pass per vehicle or free with annual NPS pass. Camping fees are separate.
Hotels near Yellowstone:
Bathhouse Row, Arkansas (Hot Springs National Park)
Hot Springs National Park is an urban park in Hot Springs, Arkansas offering a multitude of opportunities to celebrate hot spring history and culture — and of course, soak!
Though you cannot bathe in the outdoor hot springs, there are two outdoor hot springs you can still touch (the Display Spring behind the Maurice Bathhouse and the Hot Water Cascade at Arlington Lawn), and two bathhouses along Bathhouse Row to visit!
The Buckstaff and Quapaw are two operating bathhouses of the eight along Bathhouse Row built in the early 1900’s, and the Buckstaff has operated continuously. You can visit both!
- Hot Springs National Park Fee: Free (urban park) with street parking
Bathhouse Fees:
- Buckstaff: $38 for 20-minute whirlpool session (102°F)
- Quapaw: $20 per person for four pools (98-105°F)
Where to stay near Boathouse Row:
- Hotel The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- 1878 Victorian Home
- The Gables Inn Hot Springs
Which amazing hot springs in the USA will you visit first?
My geothermal, mineral springs bucket list is never-ending — all of these hot springs in the USA are amazing! They’re the perfect addition to a USA road trip, winter getaway in the mountains, or soothing soak after a long day. And if you’re lucky enough to live close to one, I won’t blame you for getting annual bathing passes.
Before you go, of course, get familiar with hot spring safety rules for the best experience. For instance (but not limited to), you should hydrate frequently, and avoid soaking in hot tubs / hot springs if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Please be sure to refer to each location’s safety guidelines before soaking.
xx, O.
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