Hot springs have been revered for their health benefits for many years. Soaking in their waters can offer amazing health benefits beyond general relaxation, including better sleep, help with weight loss, increased blood circulation and more.
Salt Lake City is lucky enough to have several amazing hot springs within driving distance, so you don’t have to drive too far to enjoy a day soaking in thermal waters. We’ve rounded up some of the top hot springs near Salt Lake City that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Best hot springs near Salt Lake City
Inlet Park Hot Springs
This location has three different pools with temperatures around 109º F. The coolest pool is the one closest to Lake Utah, so if you get too hot in the other pools, head to that one to cool down. Entrance is free and bathrooms are available, but note that the hot springs are not wheelchair accessible. Visitors are required to wear swimsuits and water shoes are recommended if you don’t like muddy feet. Inlet Park Hot Springs, also called Saratoga Hot Springs, is located 31 miles south of Salt Lake City. Depending on traffic, it is roughly a 30-minute drive down I-15 to S. Redwood Road.
Homestead Crater Hot Springs
Visitors are often in awe of the 55-foot limestone wall that surrounds the swimming hole.
These hot springs have recently gained in popularity, so you will need to make a reservation to visit this unique location. The water is very deep with a temperature ranging between 94-98º F. With the deep waters, you should always use caution — while there are lifeguards, everyone is required to wear a life jacket unless they are scuba diving. Don’t forget your snorkel gear, as this is one of the only locations where you can snorkel in the area. Homestead Crater Hot Springs is located 46 miles — about an hour’s drive — southeast of Salt Lake City. This location is wheelchair accessible and swimwear is required.
Crystal Hot Springs
There are two springs located here: the hot spring’s temperature ranges from 120-134º F and the cold spring’s temperature ranges from 65-75º F. The springs’ water is fed through several pools, including one for soaking, an Olympic-sized pool and the slide pools. The slide costs extra in addition to the swimming fee. Crystal Hot Springs is a family-friendly location and appropriate swimwear is required. It is also wheelchair accessible. You may not bring any outside food, including snacks, and all drinks must be in a plastic or metal container. Crystal Hot Springs is located 68 miles north of Salt Lake City. Depending on traffic, it takes at least an hour to make the drive.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs) is one of Utah’s most popular hot springs. Here you will see silky blue and aqua-colored waters with several hot springs built along a creek. You can either park at the Fifth Waterhole springs trailhead for an easier way to get to them or take a 2.5-mile hike. This hike is a bit challenging so it’s best for experienced hikers. The pools and streams are warm and perfect for relaxing once you get there. Be sure to carry plenty of drinking water, as dehydration is common after hiking and especially also after soaking. Fifth Water Hot Springs is located 72 miles south of Salt Lake City. Depending on traffic, the drive down I-15S to US 6 E will take up to an hour and a half.
Belmont Hot Springs and RV Park
This hot spring location offers two springs that are 97º F and 104º F. Here, you’ll find one of the few hot deep scuba diving certification sites in the western U.S. Free showers are available to help you cool off. Belmont Hot Springs is located 83 miles north of Salt Lake City. Depending on traffic, it can take up to an hour and 15 minutes to get there.
Meadow Hot Springs
This spring’s average temperature is 104º F. This location has three separate pools, but keep in mind they are on private property. The owner is generous and allows visitors — just make sure you take everything that you brought with you and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived. Meadow Hot Springs is 150 miles south of Salt Lake City. Depending on traffic, drive time is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Baker Hot Springs
Baker Hot Springs is a unique hot spring with very few visitors. Here you will find only three pools, but they are larger in size so most can hold 3 people at a time. You can control the water temperature by adding more cool or warm water. There are no lodging accommodations here, but you are welcome to camp out or just use the springs on your way to your final destination. Due to its remote location, clothing is optional here. Baker Hot Springs is 150 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. It’s recommended that you have a 4WD vehicle to make the trip.
Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Springs is a unique place to visit. Here you will find a total of six vintage bathtubs and two concrete pools located in the soaking area. In addition to the deep pool, they have a shallow pool with a waterfall created by minerals spilling into the side that gives a very soothing massage. The deep pool is four feet deep, is perfect for strength training, stretching or just relaxing. This is a great place to watch a sunset while you soak. Don’t forget to make a reservation: this is required due to the hot spring’s popularity. Each pass is good for two hours and group reservations are available. The water temperature is 99-110º F. You can pay to stay overnight in one of the 30 pioneer cabins. Mystic Springs is a man-made spring located 174 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Tips for visiting hot springs
If you are planning to visit one of these popular hot springs near Salt Lake City, here are a few tips and recommendations for things you should bring with you.
- Swimsuit: Some hot springs allow nude soaking, but always be prepared with something to wear.
- Water: Pack a cooler full of water and ice, if possible, because the hot springs can dehydrate you quickly.
- Towels: Always bring a towel for every person.
- Plastic bags: Throw your wet clothes and towels in plastic bags to keep them separate from your dry clothes.
- Toiletries: Bring soap or wipes to wash off with. Some of the minerals found in the hot springs are not good to leave on your body for long periods of time.
