Utah Hot Springs Road Trip
Stop for a soak at one of the many natural hot springs along this scenic route
Utah offers more than its fair share of lonesome vistas, but there’s always something awesome within striking distance of hot-spring bliss.
Crystal Hot Springs
- From $9; crystalhotsprings.net.
Soak. In Honeyville, several pools and two giant slides are fed by a super-hot spring (120 to 134°) with one of the highest measurable mineral contents in the world.
Stay. From March 2 through October 30, park your camper van or pitch a tent at Crystal’s on-site campground; in the off-season, it’s tents-only on Friday nights.
Explore. Just 25 miles away sits Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a protected marshland on the edge of Great Salt Lake. On the 12-mile auto tour you’ll spot protected species like white pelicans and American avocets.
The Homestead Crater
- From $16; homesteadresort.com.
Soak. Book a standard 40-minute steep-and-swim through the Homestead Resort in Midway, or up the ante with snorkeling and scuba diving.
Stay. The 132-year-old resort’s Crater Soak Package (from $157) comes with a comfortable room and private deck, plus two adult cave swims per stay.
Explore. Park City, Utah, less than 30 minutes away, is a summer playground for cyclists and hikers who covet its fresh mountain air—and sips at High West Distillery’s Old Town saloon.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
- Free; (801) 798-3571.
Soak. These majestic springs and waterfalls sit in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest; take Diamond Fork Road off U.S. 6 to the Three Forks Trailhead, and hike in 2.5 miles.
Stay. In season (April 13–October 20), set up at Diamond Campground about 4.5 miles from the spring. Off season, splurge for a night at Sundance Mountain Resort, just over an hour north.
Explore. Consistently ranked one of the healthiest, happiest cities in the country, nearby Provo is a college town with a walkable, historic city center. Duck into Communal Restaurant for filling farm-to-table entrées.
