Do you love Hot Springs? Which of these have you been to?
After having such a great time visiting our very first natural hot springs here in Vegas, we had to see what else was an easy road trip away.
We put together a bucket list of hot springs and a map to help us navigate through another cross-country road trip. Some of these require a hike, and some have become resorts after being discovered, but all the water comes naturally from the earth.
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Last Updated: September 9, 2024
25 Amazing Hot Springs in the US You Music SOak In
1. Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska
56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road Fairbanks AK 99711, map
Soak in the toasty waters and gaze at the spectacular views around you, but the highlight is getting a glimpse of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, dancing across the sky as you soak. The best times to see the northern lights are from September to March. Find hotels nearby.
2. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado
52068 Co Rd 38 Dolores CO 81323, map
This restored ghost town gives you six ways to soak in their water, from being right under the stars to a king-bedded cabin for two. I can’t wait to visit this place soon! Search for hotels nearby.
3. Conundrum Hot Springs, Aspen, Colorado
806 W Hallam St Aspen CO 81611, map
This 17-mile hike round trip takes you through beautiful woods and meadows. At the end of the trail, there is a cabin and thermal springs where you can soak and take in all that surrounds you. Find hotels in Aspen.
4. Umpqua Hot Springs, Glide, Oregon
Umpqua National Forest OR, map
The geothermal spring on the North Umpqua River is a great place to soak and relax. It is a “clothing optional” hot spring, so be prepared to befriend unclothed strangers. It’s highly popular among Instagrammers. Book your hotel now.
5. Weir Creek Hot Springs, Idaho
46.4632655,-115.0447077, map
This hot spring can be tricky to get to but is worth the trek. There is a dedicated following, and the pool fits about 7-10 people.
6. Olympic Hot Springs, Port Angeles, Washington
Olympic National Park WA 98363, map
These hot spring pools are the remains of a torn-down resort. It’s fairly remote and rarely frequented, but they are supposedly amazing. Look for a hotel here.
7. Granite Falls Hot Springs, Jackson, Wyoming →
Granite Creek Rd, Jackson WY, 83001, map
An hour drive outside of Jackson, there are two natural pools that you can soak in for free, but we found it a little challenging to wade across Granite Creek. I’m sure the flow varies throughout the year, but it helps to bring a hiking pole to keep yourself from falling since the water moves quickly.
The established pool nearby has a small fee ($8 adults, $5 children) and onsite bathrooms.
Local Tip: The road getting here is rough, so take it slow or bring a high-clearance vehicle.
See More: 11 Incredible Things You Can’t Miss in Jackson Hole
8. McCredie Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Willamette National Forest OR, map
This series of pools make its home beside a river in the Willamette National Forest. The further you go down, the cooler the water gets, so you can pick the one that is just right for you.
9. Mystic Hot Springs, Monroe, Utah
475 E 100 N Monroe UT 84754, map
The waters at these hot springs get up to 168 degrees and are set to a beautiful desert backdrop. Be sure to enjoy the sunset and take in all the beauty. Book a nearby hotel here.
See More: Check Out Our Friends Guide to Mystic Hot Springs
10. Marin Tidal / Steep Ravine Hot Springs, Stinson Beach, California
Golden Gate National Recreation Area CA, map
Hidden behind a boulder, these springs are only accessible during low tide, but it’s worth the trouble. Look for hotels in the area here.
11. Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport, CA
Half Mile South of Bridgeport on Route 395 Bridgeport CA 93517, map
This scenery, warm mineral water, and soft sediment bottoms makes for a heavenly experience. Find a nearby hotel.
12. Goldmyer Hot Springs, North Bend, Washington
Snoqualmie National Forest WA 98045, map
These hot springs require you to hike 5 miles in to enjoy them, but it’s such a rewarding hike. Find hotels here.
13. Calistoga Hot Springs, Calistoga, California
1006 Washington St Calistoga CA 94515, map
This is more the luxury retreat where you can have a glass of Napa Valley wine and enjoy a dip in the geothermal pools and volcanic ash mud pits. It’s perfect for a couples getaway if you’re looking to relax. Find a place to stay here.
14. Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park AR, map
The name says it all. Hot Springs National Park is nicknamed “The American Spa.” You can’t soak in any of the outdoor springs, but there are two bathhouses you can enjoy. Look for hotels here.
See More: Complete List of National Parks by State
15. Carson Mineral Hot Springs, Carson, Washington
372 St Martins Springs Rd Carson WA 98610, map
This Victorian-styled resort is a great getaway. The bathhouse is fed by water from the Wind River. Find hotels here.
16. Arizona Hot Springs, Willow Beach, Arizona →
35.9656189,-114.7159539, map
About an hour from Las Vegas, Arizona Hot Springs is our favorite local hot springs. It’s unique because it’s located inside a slot canyon! Check out our full guide below.
See More: How to Hike to Arizona Hot Springs aka Ringbolt Hot Springs
17. Bagby Hot SPrings, Estacada, Oregon
Mt Hood National Forest OR, map
While living in Portland, this was one of the hot springs that the locals often mentioned. Take a 3-mile stroll through the forest to find these amazing springs. Look for nearby hotels here.
See More: The Ultimate Oregon Bucket List
18. Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, Boulder City, Nevada →
Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, map
This hike takes you through a canyon wash, over boulders, and down ropes to find a couple of natural hot spring pools to enjoy. You can extend the hike to take a cold dip in the Colorado River.
See More: Your Essential Guide to Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs
19. Rainbow Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs, Colorado
San Juan National Forest CO, map
These secluded hot springs take you 9 miles in and out. Enjoy the fresh air and trees all around, and if you dare, dip in the cold river, too.
20. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
415 E 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, map
If the resort is more your speed, go to Glenwood Springs Resort and soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool. Or head to the underdeveloped pools of South Canyon Hot Springs that reward you with a great view if you’re willing to find them.
21. Valley View Hot Springs, Villa Grove, Colorado
64393 E County Road Gg Villa Grove CO 81155, map
This clothing-optional retreat takes you to a simpler time. Focused on enjoying the springs and less on amenities, the springs are surrounded by Colorado’s beauty.
22. Deep Creek Hot Springs, Hesperia, California
6221 Bowen Ranch Road Apple Valley CA 92308, map
A 12-mile out-and-back hike takes you to a group of natural hot springs in a canyon. You can also take a shorter 4-mile route that is much steeper. Find a nearby place to stay.
23. Boquillas Hot Springs, Big Bend, Texas →
Big Bend National Park, map
It’s also known as Langford Hot Springs or Big Bend Hot Springs and is a must on any Big Bend National Park visit. A short 0.5-mile round trip hike takes you to a historic hot spring at the Rio Grande.
Local Tip: The road gets narrow and rough, so bring your 4-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicle.
See More: 11 Amazing Thing to Do in Big Bend National Park
24. Sykes Hot Spring, Los Padres National Forest, California
Los Padres National Forest CA, map
These hot spring pools make their home amongst a popular backpacking campground and make for the perfect spot to stop during your 20-mile round-trip hike.
25. San Antonio Hot Springs, Jemez Springs, New Mexico
San Antonio Hot Springs Jemez Springs NM 87025, map
Several pools are at the end of this 5-mile hike through the Santa Fe National Forest. While soaking, you can gaze upon the surrounding valley, creek, and forest.
Map of Best Hot Springs in the US
If you’re on a cross-country road trip, here’s a map of all 25 Amazing Hot Springs in the US to soak in.
More Notable Hot Springs
If you can’t get enough hot springs, and you’ve been to all the above, here are a few more to check out.
- Boiling River (Yellowstone National Park WY, map)
- Breitenbush Hot Springs (Detroit OR, map)
- Burgdorf Hot Springs (McCall ID, map)
- Carson Hot Springs Resort (Carson WA, map)
- Esalen Hot Springs (Big Sur CA, map)
- Fifth Water Hot Springs, also called Diamond Fork (Spanish Fork UT, map)
- Gila Hot Springs (NM, map) – recommended by Matt, one of our readers.
- Gold Fork Hot Springs (Donnelly ID, map)
- Homestead Crater Hot Springs (Midway UT, map)
- Hot Springs State Park (Thermapolis WY, map)
- Kirkham Hot Springs (Lowman ID, map)
- Mono Hot Springs Resort (Lakeshore CA, map)
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs (Nathrop CO, map)
- Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs (Ojo Caliente NM, map)
- Quapaw Baths & Spa (Hot Springs AR, map)
- Riverbend Hot Springs (Truth of Consequences NM, map)
- Sierra Hot Springs (Sierraville CA, map)
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs CO, map)
- Ten Thousand Waves Spa (Santa Fe NM, map)
- Trail Creek Hot Springs (Boise National Forest ID, map)
- Verde Hot Springs (Strawberry AZ, map)
- Wild Willy’s Hot Springs (Mammoth CA, map)
Essential Tips
- Don’t forget to follow the leave-no-trace principles. Or better yet, leave it better than you found it and pick up any litter you see.
- Some hot springs are clothing optional. If this is a problem, remember to look up details for each spot before you go.
- Test the water before jumping in. Some hot springs are scalding hot, while others are lukewarm.
- Depending on how hot the water is, it’s not good for you to soak for more than 10-15 minutes at a time or it can cause severe heat-related illnesses. Take lots of breaks and drink enough water to stay hydrated.
- Some hot springs may have brain-eating bacteria. They enter through the nose, so we keep our heads above water.
- Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light for photographs and fewer crowds.
What to Pack
- Swimsuit – This reversible one is my current fave since I always try to maximize my options while still packing light.
- Towels – I always travel with these travel towels. Sometimes they have limited editions, and I have the Yosemite one.
- Sunblock
- Water Shoes especially if you’re stepping into a pool with a rocky bottom.
- Flip Flops – These are my go-to flip flops good for hanging out near water and they’re very lightweight.
- Water Bottle – these are the top travel water bottles we tested on the road.
- Appropriate layers for the season and weather. This fleece jacket is one of our go-to layers (outer if it’s cool, and a mid-layer if it’s cold)
- If Hiking – Hiking Shoes, Hiking Poles, Headlamp
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Have you been to any of these? Any others that shouldn’t be missed – US or Worldwide?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
