The best hot springs in the U.S. can be discovered in multiple states, giving Americans and tourists plenty of options for finding their nearest soaking spot. Like in other parts of the world, geothermal waters in the States have been used in the country to heal, relax, and contribute to overall wellness.
Most of the active hot springs with geothermally heated waters are on the west side of the country, but there are a few on the east too. Hot springs vary in temperature depending on how close they are to the source, so they can range from warm to steamy.
In no particular order, here are some of the top hot springs in the United States.
Kirkham Hot Springs – Lowman, ID
Located just a few miles east of Lowman along the Payette River, Kirkham Hot Springs is the perfect place to visit on a day trip or pit stop to another destination. This blissful selection of natural soaking pools is available all year long and incredibly easy to access.
The hot springs are situated right off highway ID-21 and are no issue to find. It used to have a seasonal campground, but the forest service has shut down the parking lot and camping area for now due to litter problems. However, visitors are still welcome to park their cars along the road and walk past the closed gate.
After getting inside, the numerous pools and steamy waterfalls are spread out over the place and are perfect for soakers of all ages. Many of the rock-walled water collections have sandy bottoms, but it’s still recommended to wear sturdy waterproof footwear.
Most soaking areas are shallow and vary in temperature, typically between 95-110℉. Clothing is required, and while there are restrooms on-site, they may not be available all winter long. Many visitors use bath robes or bring towels and change in their vehicles.
Riverbend Hot Springs – Truth or Consequences, NM
Based in the hot spring hub of Truth or Consequences, Riverbend Hot Springs is a day-use and overnight thermal water resort. It’s the only soaking property in town set along the world-famous Rio Grande River.
This year-round facility showcases eight public pools that hold temperatures that vary from 95-108℉ and seven private collections that are clothing-optional. Private sessions must be booked in 50-minute sessions, but guests can buy more than one as needed.
After soaking in the hot pools, visitors can cool off in the shaded areas by the water, take a shower to refresh, or jump in the Rio Grande (during the late spring to early fall).
Overnight accommodations are available in different-sized rooms, suites, casitas, and artist rooms. Guests who make reservations on the property will receive a discount on using the private pools. RV camping is also allowed, and it comes with WiFi, water and sewer hookups, and 30 & 50 amp eclectic.
Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs – Boulder City, NV
Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs near Boulder City is a desert gem, but one that is only accessible from October to mid-May due to extreme summer heat. Reaching the soaking pools requires a 6-mile out and back hike, but experiencing the views, and thermal waters will give you something to write home about.
The hike up to the springs might be challenging for some, as certain sections use ropes on the trail. However, hikers without any health limitations should be able to accomplish this without too much trouble. Little kids and dogs might find this three to four-hour trek too strenuous.
Along the way, visitors will come across several pools. Depending on the time of year, they vary in depths and temperatures from about 85-105℉. Even though the springs are inside Lake Mead National Park, the parking lot at this location is free.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Steamboat Springs, CO
One of Steamboat’s most prized natural attractions is Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a year-round hot pool facility with a consistent temperature of 102-104℉. The semi-developed thermal springs are family-friendly during the day and adult-only at night, providing options for day users.
Reservations to these serene outdoor geothermal pools can be made 25-30 days in advance, but walk-up service is offered on a first-come-first-served rolling basis. Admission is sold in two-hour segments since the water capacity is currently about 50 people.
Once the sun goes down, the pools become clothing optional, and the atmosphere is very dark to showcase the stars above. Pets and alcohol are prohibited from the property, and adults must accompany individuals under 18.
Select lodging options are available at the springs, including tent camping sites, rustic cabins, a train caboose, and a covered wagon. Guests staying on the grounds have access to the hot pools until midnight, two hours after it closes to the public.
From November 1 to May 1, the county requires all vehicles to have all or four-wheel drive with snow tires due to extreme weather conditions.
Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks, AK
Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, Chena Hot Springs is a geothermal resort with indoor and outdoor soaking options. Visitors are welcome to spend just the day relaxing at the property or can opt for an overnight stay in one of their accommodations.
The highlight of the hot springs is their outdoor steamy mineral lake, which keeps a consistent 106℉ and is for adults only. This pool is entirely pure hot spring water with constant natural filtration. It has varying depths depending on how active the source is that day.
There are also three chlorinated jacuzzis and an indoor heated saltwater pool suitable for guests of all ages and kept at 90℉. All the water areas are open until 11:45 pm and have been said to have great placement for watching the northern lights during the right time of year.
Chena Hot Springs is also home to the world’s most extensive ice environment, an ice sculpture museum with tours. They also offer tours of their dog mushing kennel tour where visitors can learn about the sport.
Seasonal tent and RV camping are offered from May 15- September 15 at their 24 campsites, but the resort also has cabins, yurts, and standard rooms or suites for nightly rates year-round.
Mystic Hot Springs – Monroe, UT
Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe is a quirky but soothing place to decompress “on the edge of the wilderness.” Visitors can book a two-hour time slot for soaking with some of the best views in Utah in one of their concrete pools or cast iron tubs.
This artsy venue is popular with visitors looking for ways to reconnect with nature and themselves, with its laid-back environment and down-to-Earth decor. The facility is surrounded by red hills shaped by the running water over centuries, adding to the relaxing ambiance.
Water temperatures vary between 99-110℉ in the two pools, and several tubs spread around the property. Mystic Hot Springs occasionally hosts acoustic musical events, which can be viewed and listened to right from the soaking areas when booked at the right time.
Many guests opt to make their reservation for sunset time when the skies come alive and provide the ultimate Utah vistas. The facility is not clothing optional or pet-friendly. Visitors that want to stay overnight can camp in a tent or RV at one of their campsites, rustic cabin, or book lodging in a restored vintage bus that sleeps two to four people.
Umpqua Hot Springs – Umpqua National Forest, OR
Tucked away in the Umpqua National Forest in southcentral Oregon, these hot springs might be some of the most famous in the state to visit. Featuring three completely natural cliffside pools that overlook the North Umpqua River, adventure seekers can soak while taking in incredible sights here.
Getting to the Umpqua Hot Springs requires a 0.6-mile hike out and back from the small parking lot, which only fits about ten cars and costs a small fee. The trek is moderate in difficulty because there are steep parts, even though it’s short.
These clothing-optional thermal pools are open year-round but are heavily trafficked, so there are good odds that you will see others. The source water is about 108℉ and has only a minor odor.
Umpqua Hot Springs is open from sunrise to sunset and is for day use only. No camping is allowed on site, but the nearby Toketee Lake Campground is pretty close, about a 10-minute drive, and permits overnight camping year-round. No amenities are at the springs, but a vault toilet is available in the parking lot.
The Springs Resort & Spa – Pagosa Springs, CO
The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs is a large swimming and soaking facility with an impressive complex of 25 pools. Visitors can indulge themselves at this luxury destination for just the day by reservation or book overnight accommodations that allow 24-hour access to the waters.
The pools at the resort vary by shape, size, and temperatures in the range of 45 –114 °F. No matter what mood you’re in, there is a soaking or plunging area to match it. Walk around the property and see which ones call out to you, but they all have something unique and desirable.
There’s also a full-service spa with an array of treatments, with a complimentary soaking pass for every 60-minute service. The property also offers wellness activities like yoga classes, guided hikes, and sound healing sessions.
Lodging at the resort includes a stay in one of their suites, classic rooms, and deluxe rooms and comes with amenities like robes, free WiFi, and the privilege of soaking at any time. There are also four on-site restaurants and poolside food service to grab a meal or bite when it’s time to eat.
The resort is the perfect getaway for those looking to take a break from regular life or even for groups of families or coworkers looking to spend quality time together.
Diamond Fork Hot Springs – Springville, UT
Situated about an hour from Salt Lake City, the trailhead to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (aka Fifth Water Hot Springs) is pretty easy to find. After hiking the 2.5 miles toward the springs, visitors will be greeted with beautiful blue and transparent green natural soaking pools.
The trail is a moderate hike and stays close to Sixth Water Creek, providing lovely scenery along the way. One of the highlights of this route is the waterfall that marks the end of the path and is surrounded by pools.
Several rock-walled tubs are in the area, and they vary in color and temperature, so it’s a good idea to test them all out before hopping in. The water stays warm all year, but many reviewers enjoy getting in after a winter hike. Some parts of this area can get frosty; it’s a good idea to pack shoes that are suitable for getting wet and have decent traction.
Don’t forget to bring a towel and possibly a beanie hat if it’s cold outside, and it would keep you warm with damp hair. Bathrooms and parking are provided at the trailhead. As with any natural hot spring, taking all your trash with you is critical to keep the place a nice area for all to use.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring – Mammoth Lakes, CA
Also known as Crowley’s Hot Springs, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a primitive soaking area less than 14 miles from Mammoth Lakes. Featuring an iconic heart-shaped thermal springs pool is one of the most popular ones in central California and can hold around 10-15 people at once.
Wild Willy’s has a second smaller pool that can fit just a few soakers, but both are year-round. They boast 360° views of the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range and Long Valley. Getting to the pools isn’t tricky; just follow the long wooden boardwalk from the parking lot.
The water temperatures hover around 98-102℉ and only get to be about three feet deep. While this is a popular tourist spot during all seasons, the best time to visit is during the fall, when the crisp air compliments the cozy baths.
This is a rural location, so clothing is optional, and there aren’t any amenities. While the path to the water is pet-friendly, dogs are prohibited from going in the pools. Camping is not allowed directly at the springs, but Brown’s Owens River Campground is a short drive away.
Langford Hot Springs – Big Bend National Park, TX
Also known as “Big Bend Hot Springs” and “Boquillas Hot Springs,” these ancient geothermal waters along the Rio Grande River were part of the Langford Bathhouse that existed over a century ago. Situated right on the international border, soakers can still unwind in the same “fossil water” that many believe to have healing powers.
The springs pool is distinguishable by its cement foundation, which still remains, even though the walls are no longer there. Hikers must walk 0.25 miles from the trailhead to reach the hot springs.
Bathers are required to wear swimming attire at all times; it’s not an optional clothing location. The water temperature comes out at a steamy 105℉ and is entirely natural, constantly flowing and replacing itself in a matter of hours.
River conditions will directly affect this pool, as flooding can happen that causes debris and mud to enter the soaking area. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and on-site camping at the springs are prohibited. It’s also illegal to purchase anything from anyone on the Mexican side of the border.
Norris Hot Springs – Norris, MT
In Montana’s beautiful Madison River Valley, Norris Hot Springs boasts one of the largest communal hot mineral pools. If the timing is right, visitors can enjoy a live poolside performance or dine at the year-round restaurant before or after a dip.
Norris’ Hot Springs pool holds about 38,000 gallons and keeps a temperature of 100℉ in the summer and 106℉ in the winter. It’s open to the public from Thursday to Sunday due to reserving Mondays and Wednesdays for private parties and Tuesdays for weekly draining and cleaning.
Guests are welcome to have alcoholic drinks served at the property by the pool, and pets are welcome too. Due to its low sulfur content, the water has no odor and drains into the nearby wetlands.
Visitors are welcome to soak for the day or stay overnight at the campgrounds. Of the 13 campsites, ten have hookups for RVs, and three don’t. There is also complimentary WiFi throughout the property that day users or campers can take advantage of.
Hot Springs State Park – Thermopolis, Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY, is a beautiful family-friendly hot springs destination. With more than one swimming area, visitors have plenty of options for enjoying naturally warm mineral water.
The three main attractions in the park include Hellie’s Tepee Pools, the Star Plunge water park, and the Hot Springs State Park Bathhouse. Each venue has naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools that are kept at comfortable temperatures all year.
Some facilities have spa features and on-site dining options, offering visitors plenty to do during their stay. Thankfully, due to diligent tourists who try to keep the park clean, the state park is in great shape.
The state park is a day-use recreational area only, and no overnight camping is permitted. However, there are campgrounds near the north side and south side entrances. The Fountain of Youth RV Park is at 250 US-20, while Eagle RV Park is at 204 US-20.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa – Hot Springs, NC
Set in the town of Hot Springs, this 100-acre resort has been welcoming soakers since the late 18th century to come and melt their tensions away. The resort’s highlight is the jetted hot tubs spread throughout the lush scenic property, continuously fed by geothermal water heated underground.
The Hot Springs Resort & Spa is open to the public for day soaking by reservation only, but staying on the property will also give you access to the hot tubs. Many jacuzzis are situated on wooden decks or private cabanas, enhancing the experience for all guests with great views.
The hot baths are individually numbered and can hold anywhere from two to five people. There’s also a more extensive group pool that has a capacity of seven soakers.
Visitors who want to stay overnight can take advantage of the many accommodations, including cabins, suites, vacation rental homes, and campsites. Some units have their own private hot tubs right in their lodging, adding to the relaxing atmosphere and overall experience.
The resort is also conveniently located near many places with opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, ziplining, river rafting, and horseback riding.
On your next adventure through North America, don’t forget to reference this list to see if you’re near any of these top hot springs in the USA. Not only will your body thank you, but you’ll get to discover parts of the country that might be overlooked otherwise. And here’s a look at all two dozen states with hot springs in the U.S.
Holtville Hot Springs – Southern California