A Remote Hot Spring Only Accessible By Kayak And 14 More Geothermal Pools Worth Traveling For
I have always been drawn to hot springs. I mean, how cool is it that there are places on Earth where geothermally heated water creates perfectly warm, mineral-rich pools that you can soak in?
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It almost feels otherworldly to think that we have the ability to swim in water that was heated by the Earth's core. In fact, I love hot springs so much, that I live in an area that's known for its naturally hot water.
And while there are hot springs all over the globe (I'm looking at you, Japan), the US has its fair share of amazing spots.
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From Arkansas to Wyoming, these are some of the nation's best natural hot springs.
1.Iron Mountain Hot Springs — Glenwood Springs, Colorado
The city of Glenwood Springs has plenty of hot springs, but when it comes to scenery, it's hard to top Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a facility with 16 geothermally heated pools right on the Colorado River. For the best views, make sure to spend time in the infinity pool overlooking the river.
2.Travertine Hot Springs — Bridgeport, California
If you have plans to visit Yosemite National Park, you might want to continue north to Bridgeport, California, home of the Travertine Hot Springs. You won't find a fancy bathhouse or snack bar here, but you will find stunning views. The pools are surrounded by colorful, mineral-coated rocks, and you can see the Sierra Nevadas in the distance.
3.Chena Hot Springs Resort — Fairbanks, Alaska
Hot springs are practically a necessity on a winter trip to Alaska, and Chena Hot Springs Resort is just the place to go. Sure, it's beautiful, but it's also accessible from Fairbanks (just over an hour by car), which makes it somewhat of a rarity. And as for the views, you need only look up into the night sky for some seriously great aurora viewing.
4.Mystic Hot Springs — Monroe, Utah
In what feels like the middle of nowhere is Mystic Hot Springs, a series of hot spring-fed pools and repurposed baths with a distinctly bohemian and mystic vibe. You can come for the day or book a night in one of the renovated school buses, including one double-decker bus that once followed the Grateful Dead on tour.
5.Burgdorf Hot Springs — McCall, Idaho
Just 32 miles north of the super cute mountain town of McCall is Burgdorf Hot Springs, a historic resort with a rustic feel. You can book a room for 24-hour pool and repurposed bathtub access, or drop by for a short soak. For a true adventure, visit in the winter, when the springs are only accessible by snowmobile.
6.Buckstaff Bathhouse — Hot Springs, Arkansas
Set in the town of Hot Springs is "Bathhouse Row," a series of eight bathhouses built over the area's natural hot springs a long, long time ago. Of the eight original bathhouses, only two remain — Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse. Both are great options, but Buckstaff — established back in 1912 — offers visitors a full traditional bathing experience and a longstanding reputation.
7.Astoria Hot Springs — Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The great skiing in Jackson Hole is well-known, but the area's hot springs tend to fly under the radar. The perfect way to end a cold day on the slopes is an evening spent under a blanket of warm water. For the latter, head to Astoria Hot Springs, which has five natural hot spring-fed pools set along the scenic Snake River.
8.Goldmyer Hot Springs — Middle Fork Valley, Washington
You have to work to get to Goldmyer Hot Springs, but the extra effort makes the destination feel that much more special. To get to the clothing-optional springs, you'll need to take a 4.5-mile hike through the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Once you arrive, you can either set up camp (there are campsites near the springs) or get in for a quick soak before hightailing it back home.
9.The Springs Resort & Spa — Pagosa Springs, Colorado
You can buy a day pass to The Springs Resort & Spa, but for the full experience, you'll want to book a room, which includes unlimited 24-hour soaking in the facility's 25 steamy pools. Oh, and when it comes to views, The Springs aren't lacking — Pagosa Springs may be a hot spring town, but it's also set up against the San Juan Mountains.
10.Omni Homestead Resort — Hot Springs, Virginia
There's a reason why a handful of US presidents (23 to be exact) have booked a trip to Hot Springs, Virginia — the hot spring town is home to Omni Homestead Resort, a historical property set on 2,000 luscious acres housing natural, warm spring water. You can sit back in the indoor pool (it was built in 1904) or soak outside in the Serenity Garden Pool.
11.Castle Hot Springs — Morristown, Arizona
Set in Arizona's Sonoran Desert is Castle Hot Springs, an oasis with direct access to geothermally heated waters. In addition to being beautifully landscaped (think: palm trees and rich, green grass), the property is set at the foot of the Bradshaw Mountains, providing epic views and easy access to pre-soak hiking.
12.Riverbend Hot Springs — Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
While some hot springs facilities treat the water with chemicals, Riverbend Hot Springs proudly states that its hot springs are pure and chemical free. This means your soak won't be all that different from what the Apache and Mimbres tribes of Southern New Mexico experienced when they discovered the mineral-rich springs along the river.
13.Terwilliger Hot Springs — Willamette National Forest, Oregon
It may be an hour-and-a-half journey from Eugene by car, but this clothing-optional hot springs in the Willamette National Forest is as beautiful (and natural) as it gets. The four pools range from 85 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit and are only accessible via a quarter-mile hike in — which makes the soak all the more secluded and special.
14.Arizona Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
It's crazy to think that just an hour from Las Vegas is a natural hot spring that's only accessible via kayak, raft, or foot. If you opt to walk in, prepare for a stunning 5-mile roundtrip journey through dramatic slot canyons. And keep in mind that the springs are closed during the sweltering summer season from mid-May to late September.
15.Wilbur Hot Springs — Williams, California
Clothing is optional, and conversation is kept to a minimum at Wilbur Hot Springs, a facility that promises guests "sanctuary" and "connection to spirit." To that end, the pools are set on a serene1,800-acre nature preserve in Northern California, offering a slower pace and stress-melting waters.
