By

Surrounded by the striking red rock of southern Utah, Red Hill Hot Springs is a popular destination for visitors. Well-liked for its easy access and remoteness, this hot spring is located on the hill overlooking Monroe, Utah. This tucked-away escape is the perfect spot to relax.

Red Hill Hot Springs is often skipped over for the much more touristy Mystic Hot Springs, located just four miles away, which draws in bigger crowds every year. However, Red Hill Hot Springs offers a unique opportunity to dip into mineral water surrounded by scenic red rock, away from the crowds of tourists. Though the land is privately owned, the owners have donated it for public use.

Visitors are welcome to come at any time of the day to enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the springs. These non-commercialized pools are open all year long for visitors to stop by. If you’re ever in southern Utah, this impressive spot is just a drive away.

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Red Hill Hot Springs has four unique pools. The source of the water, fenced off to keep visitors from tampering with the heat, is located at the top of the hill and spills down over the mineral-rich ground. It fills four separate pools.

Each of the four pools has differing temperatures. As suspected, the pool closest to the source is by far the warmest, at a high temperature that is difficult to submerge in, followed by three more pools that get progressively cooler. Water flows down the hill to each of the pools, losing substantial heat as it travels further away from the source of the spring.

Visitors can take their time finding which temperature and pool they are most comfortable in. It’s important to be aware of how you are feeling when visiting these hot springs; keep water with you and consider taking breaks when you start to feel too hot.

Each of the pools is small; they can only fit a few people. You and your friends will be getting cozy fast! The pool closest to the spring is the deepest with around 3 feet of water. The other three pools have somewhere between 1 and 2 feet of water, depending on when you visit.

The pools contain murky mineral water that mixes with the red rock. In an all-natural style, none of the pools are reinforced with barriers. Guests can choose to either enter the pools or sit along the edge on the red sand or rocks.

What to expect

What this remote hot spring does not offer in amenities, it makes up for with rustic charm. Many visitors suggest arriving in the morning or the evening. By arriving either before or after the mid-day crowds, you will likely have the springs to yourself. It can get crowded on weekends.

Be sure to bring a swimsuit! Be careful with what you wear. It can be difficult to wash the dust from the red rocks out of clothing. If you want to make a day out of your visit, bring a meal and a football to throw around! Make sure you pack out your trash.

The closest town is Monroe, a quiet, small place, which offers a few restaurant options and gas stations for whatever needs you may have.

Located on-site, beside the springs, is a single-person pit outhouse, a garbage can, and a fire pit available for visitors to use. There is plenty of unexplored land around the spring just waiting to be explored on foot or with off-roading vehicles. This area has pretty views and fascinating topography.

Getting there

As I mentioned before, this quaint destination is located on the hill above Monroe, Utah. For those attempting to find their way to the springs, you should avoid using Google Maps because it misdirects visitors to Mystic Hot Springs. Once you arrive in Monroe, turn up 300 North toward the hill and head straight up it. Follow that street until it turns into a graded dirt road and go about 0.4 miles further.

You will run into the parking lot for Red Hill Hot Springs. Keep in mind that it is aptly named! The springs are on top of the red hill (surprise, surprise).

There are lots of parking spots beside the springs. It requires no hiking to get to the water; it’s located right beside where you will park your car. Talk about convenience! The dirt road may be rocky.  Cars with some sort of clearance typically have an easier time getting there; however, all vehicles, with careful driving, should be able to manage the ascent. With only a short distance from the parking lot to the springs, this hot spring is friendly for all ages.

Whether you are interested in dipping into a warm spring or seeing the desert charm of the area, Red Hill Hot Springs is worth a visit.

Details

Address: Monroe, Utah 84754

Phone for Monroe city: 435-527-4621

Season: Year-round