An international vacation isn’t required to visit a breathtaking hot spring.
There are many throughout the United States that you can visit this winter to escape the cold and enjoy relaxation and warmth.
Many hot springs throughout the U.S. are complemented by luxurious resorts, creating a harmonious blend of relaxation and nature.
The allure of soaking in naturally heated mineral waters can be experienced in multiple states, from the icy landscapes of Alaska to the serene trails of Arkansas, the rugged terrain of Colorado, and the picturesque vistas of Montana and Utah. Each destination invites travelers to unwind and reflect.
Let’s discover five notable hot springs that offer both rejuvenation and an opportunity for quiet contemplation.
- Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska
- Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado
- Yellowstone Hot Springs, Yellowstone, Montana
- The Crater, Midway, Utah
1. Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs, nestled in Fairbanks, Alaska, boasts water bubbling with minerals. This stunning outdoor lake serves as a canvas where nature paints its magic. It also offers a chance to catch the Northern Lights—a reminder of the beauty that exists above us.
Guests at the resort typically enjoy complimentary passes to the springs, nurturing a connection to the natural world. Those lodging elsewhere can purchase day passes, allowing access to the soothing, thermal waters that boast an average temperature of 106°F throughout the year. This warmth envelops the body, enforcing a sense of tranquility.
One might ponder the therapeutic powers of the mineral-rich waters as they ease muscular aches and skin conditions, echoing the unwritten stories shared by those who have reveled in this natural remedy. Beyond the physical, it invites introspection and peace.
Visitors have claimed relief from circulatory and bronchial disorders, plunging into a steaming vacay that soothes, restores, and heals.
The ideal time to witness the Northern Lights dances between fall and spring, between late night and dawn, setting the stage for magical moments.
2. Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park invites visitors to explore an array of experiences. With 26 miles of hiking trails, the park provides a scenic backdrop where nature whispers secrets to those who listen. Outdoor springs may not grace this locale, yet one can see the graceful Display Spring and the mesmerizing Hot Water Cascade—their beauty evident but untouchable.
Numerous fountains dot the landscape, tantalizing the curious with sips of thermal water—a drink believed to hold centuries of history.
For a genuine soak, historic bathhouses, such as the Buckstaff Bathhouse, await guests eager to indulge in a nearly 4,000-year-old tradition. Children aged ten and up can join, while the Quapaw Bathhouse caters to those 14 and older, offering both thermal pools and rejuvenating spa services.
Nature meets heritage here, seamlessly blending time and care in ways that stir heartfelt connections.
3. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado
Dunton Hot Springs, wrapped in the embrace of Dolores, Colorado, is a cherished destination among weary travelers. Within the walls of a historic bathhouse, the mineral-rich waters invite relaxation. It’s where time slows, and the mind opens, shifting from the hustle of life to the serenity that surrounds.
With temperatures varying from 85°F to 106°F, it provides a spectrum of warmth that caters to diverse preferences. This enchanting retreat also offers luxurious cabins and winter activities like cross-country skiing—perfect for both adventure and introspection.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Avalanche Ranch also serve as local gems, providing other mineral-rich escapades to enhance your journey.
4. Yellowstone Hot Springs, Yellowstone, Montana
Just eight miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone Park lies Yellowstone Hot Springs, cradled by the majestic mountain ranges of Montana. Here, peace flows through mineral pools heated by the earth, radiating warmth from 103°F to 105°F, while the main pool calms at around 98°F to 100°F. For those seeking a contrast, a cold plunge awaits, dipping between 60°F and 65°F—a refreshing sensation rejuvenating both spirit and body.
The “flow through” design of the pools reminds one of the Earth’s continual cycle, embodying the nature that sustains us all.
5. Utah Crater, Midway, Utah
In Midway, Utah Crater, or Homestead Crater, manifests as an hourglass-shaped geothermal marvel—inviting all to indulge. This warm sanctuary offers paddleboard yoga, peaceful swims, and the thrill of scuba diving, all within a remarkable depth of 65 feet. With a consistent temperature of 95°F year-round, it nurtures a space for both contemplation and recreation.
Certainly, scuba certification can be obtained here, but many find joy in simply being present in the quiet warmth—each moment becoming a treasure, a thought, a breath of life.
Reservations cultivate anticipation; the prospect of exploring this earthy gem stirs excitement, blending with the simple pleasure of time spent in nature.
