While there aren’t any natural hot springs for soaking directly in Moab, a handful of sweet relaxing spots are just a few hours away. Because of Moab’s southeastern Utah location, the closest ones actually reside over the border in Colorado, however, there are some nice options within road trip range in the Beehive State too.
This beautiful region of Utah has a lot to offer, so the geothermal pools are an added bonus. Whether you’re in the state during summer or winter, be sure to include a stop at one of these closest hot springs to Moab.
Dunton Hot Springs – 149 miles | 3 hours
Dunton Hot Springs is to the east of Moab across the Colorado border, but it’s also one of the closest geothermal soaking areas to town. This luxurious private resort is a restored ghost town in the mountains with several themed cabins for guests to rent and stay a few nights. The hot springs are only open to overnight guests.
Many enjoy reconnecting with nature at this respite and participating in various outdoor activities or self-care services. One of the prime features of the property is its steamy mineral waters, which can be enjoyed in five different ways.
The bicarbonate spring water varies from 85°F to 106°F at five different locations at the resort. Guests can soak in the renovated 19th-century bathhouse, a bath outside the bathhouse, an outdoor pool at the source, a pool behind the store, and inside the Well House cabin.
High concentrations of iron, magnesium and a bit of lithium make these baths perfect for anyone dealing with poor blood pressure or skin conditions.
Durango Hot Springs – 166 miles | 3 hours
Open year-round and set in beautiful Colorado mountain scenery, the Durango Hot Springs is a luxury resort and spa with many ways to relax. The facility is open for day use, and reservations are required.
There are 24 different pools and tubs, a water rain tower, and a reflexology walking path that provides unique ways to experience the geothermal water. In addition to these features, a swimming pool and plunge pool add variety to the experience.
The resort has partnered with a few lodging options and hotels in town, but there are no on-site accommodations at the springs. Live music events happen regularly, as they post upcoming events several weeks ahead.
There’s also a full-service spa on the property that offers massages, a variety of treatments, and indulgences like body scrubs. It’s important to remember to bring your own towel, but if you forget, they are for sale at the front desk.
Diamond Fork (Fifth Water) Hot Springs – 181 mi | 3 hr
These are some of Utah’s most visited rural springs, offering plenty of space to relax the muscles in an utterly serene environment. The cascading waterfalls travel downstream, filling rock-walled pools of different temperatures and going as high as 108°F.
The top group of collections is the hottest, so plan accordingly and bring your own towels and drinking water to cool off. Crowds can get heavy at Diamond Ford/Fifth Water during weekends and holidays, which means the time to visit is early on weekday mornings when possible.
Visitors must walk 2.5 miles from the trailhead off of Diamond Fork road to reach the mineral pools. It’s an easy to moderate trek and accomplishable by hikers of all skill levels. The route goes along Fifth Creek and brings you past a stunning waterfall, a bonus feature of the hike.
Camping at the springs is not allowed, but the Diamond Fork Campground and Diamond Campground are nearby.
Mystic Hot Springs – 187 miles | 3 hours
Formally known as “Monroe Hot Springs”, this gorgeous thermal pool destination is the perfect way to revive yourself and find a connection with nature. Featuring some of the most unique soaking tubs you’ll ever see, Mystic Hot Springs boasts the ability to enjoy a relaxing soaking session in the open air or even under the night’s stars.
Before Mystic Hot Springs was an attraction and soaking haven, it was home to Indigenous people and a resting place along the famous “Old Spanish Trail”. While this facility isn’t a luxury hotel, it’s a one-of-a-kind Bohemian experience that will leave you with fantastic memories and mellow feelings.
Travelers who want to spend the night can make reservations at the Pine Cabin or one of the several buses transformed into living spaces. The price of soaking is included in reservations at one of these accommodations. There are also traditional campsites and RV sites, but water passes are purchased separately.
Red Hill Hot Springs – 187 miles | 3 hours
Red Hill Hot Springs is located just east of the little hamlet of Monroe, Utah, nestled against a red hill, giving it the namesake. These rural mineral waters are a great site to bathe and gaze out over the Sevier Valley and are easily accessible despite being in such a primitive location.
A small parking lot and pit toilet are just about the only amenities you need to pack appropriately. The pools are open all year long and throughout the day; the land owners allow it to be used like public land.
Even though the much more touristy Mystic Hot Springs is just a stone’s throw away, these thermal waters are often sought out by those who prefer a more natural environment. There are four small pools that fit just a few people at a time, and the area is often heavily trafficked with visitors.
Meadow Hot Springs – 224 miles | 3 hr 30 min
Meadow Hot Springs is a rare natural gem located just four miles south of Filmore. Even though it’s set on private land, the owners don’t require an entrance fee but ask for donations. There are three pools for soaking, and they have beautiful crystal clear waters that are easy to see through on a bright sunny day.
The largest of the pools is very deep for a natural spring, coming up to the shoulders of an average adult. It keeps a cozy temperature of about 100℉ and is ideal for some laid-back relaxation in the open air.
The two smaller pools are cooler and less deep but have been said to be the perfect place to dip on a hot summer day. Since this area isn’t maintained, guests should practice good manners and pick up after themselves before leaving.
While this part of the Southwest is famous for its enormous red arches and sweeping, dramatic scenery, it would be a mistake to miss out on one of these Utah or Colorado hot springs excursions. You’ll likely want to spend a night or two at these natural thermal pools, given the distance, so pack your towel, water bottle, toiletries, and a change of clothes, and head out to any one of these soothing baths soon.
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