16 Amazing Hot Springs in the U.S. Everyone Must Visit

There’s nothing like a soothing dip in a natural hot spring to make you feel like you’re royalty. Letting warm, mineral-rich waters soak away stress and soothe the body is one of nature's greatest treats. And the best part of all? Accessing and enjoying hot springs in the U.S. usually doesn't cost very much. Check out these incredible hot springs across the nation and let the amazing views and therapeutic waters deliver the bath of a lifetime.

A note to the eager traveler: it’s always a good idea to confirm that these sites are open before you grab your swimsuit and hop in your car. Many of these hot springs are accessed via trails that might close during certain times of the year due to weather conditions. Some may also require a reliable pair of hiking boots and have limited to no cell service, so be sure to come prepared. 

1. Dunton Hot Springs in Telluride, Colorado

Hot water is nice and all, but the real draw of Dunton is the incredible natural landscape. Colorado's premier glamping destination features six therapeutic pools, including a soaking pool inside a gorgeous restored 19th-century bathhouse. If you’d rather soak out in the open, Dunton offers some of the best scenery around.

2. Morning Glory Pool in Teton County, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

As pretty as it looks, this is one hot spring you don’t want to dive into. Located in Yellowstone National Park, the jewel tones of the water are actually due to bacteria that inhabit the hot spring. On a few rare occasions, Morning Glory Pool has erupted into a geyser, usually following an earthquake. A beautiful site to behold, it's just one of Wyoming's many must-see hot springs.

3. Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

This luxury resort features the world’s largest hot springs pool, two water slides, a mini golf course, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainside. Whether you come to cure your ailments or warm your spirit, you’ll definitely sleep better with complimentary hot spring soaking and swimming included with each night's stay. Learn more about some of the best hot springs in Colorado.

4. Travertine Hot Springs in Bridgeport, California

Nestled in the eastern Sierras is a town called Bridgeport, which is home to one of the most spectacular hot springs in Northern California. Mineral deposits create the most amazing red, green, and orange colors in the surrounding rocks. The waters are steaming and fragrant, and the view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range is spectacular. Dive deeper into the details of this iconic NorCal hot spring here.

5. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Anaconda, Montana

Fairmont is a family-friendly hot springs destination. With a 350-foot water slide, two soaking tubs, a huge indoor swimming pool, a golf course, a children’s playground, and a spa, there’s something here for everyone. Discover more relaxing Montana hot springs here.

6. Abyss Pool in West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

In 1883, a visitor to the pool described it as "a great, pure, sparkling sapphire rippling with heat." Since then, the pool has lost little of its grandeur. Measuring 53 feet deep and a steady 181 degrees Fahrenheit, this watery gem is not open for swimming but is a definite must-see on any tour of Yellowstone National Park. Although entrance passes can be bought at the gate of this glorious national park, you’ll save time if you purchase one online beforehand.

7. Black Rock Hot Spring in Gerlach, Nevada

Black Rock Hot Spring is named after the (black) rock that the Black Rock Desert got its name from. You may be tempted to jump right in, but be sure to use the wooden plank to enter the main end of the pool: the other end can get scorching hot, and there’s nothing less soothing than second-degree burns. The spring water eventually flows into a small marshy area, and the surrounding desert landscape offers a sense of rugged tranquility and seclusion.

8. Conundrum Hot Springs in Aspen, Colorado

Getting to this place requires a little exertion on your part—it’s about an 8.5-mile hike from the road—but your muscles will soon be in for the treat of their little muscle lives. This place offers jaw-dropping views; natural infinity pools with swirling, warm mineral water; an abundance of flowering plant life for the naturalist in you; and therapeutic peace and quiet. The hike might deter less determined soakers, but that just means there’s more beauty and tranquility left for you. The Forest Service recommends visiting the Conundrum Hot Springs from July through September, as from October to late June the trail can be snow-covered and difficult to navigate. The pools are free to access, but overnight camping in the area requires a permit from Recreation.gov.

9. Bagby Hot Springs in Oregon

If you’re up for the 1.5-mile hike to this secluded cabin complex, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best hot springs destinations in Oregon. Situated under the dramatic eaves of the towering northwest Oregon forest, these bathhouses are a fairytale woodland retreat from the stress and bustle of daily life. Soaking fees are $5 per person and can be paid in cash.

10. Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Even with more than 300 naturally occurring hot springs peppered throughout Nevada, Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs holds its own. After hiking Goldstrike Canyon for approximately two miles (there is some clambering and scrambling required, so bring sturdy shoes and some adventurous spirit), you’ll arrive at a large pool flanked by bubbling waterfalls and several smaller pools. The waters are between 70 degrees and 144 degrees Fahrenheit, and many are deep enough for swimming about. Plus, you can’t beat the view. Be aware that the trail to these hot springs closes for the summer season due to extreme heat, often starting in May and lasting until October. Find more amazing Nevada hot springs to visit here.

11. Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat in Detroit, Oregon

This relaxing sanctuary features natural hot springs, historical hiking trails, well-being workshops, and an amazing dedication to the preservation of natural beauty and the cultivation of a healthful community. This is a full-featured cabin retreat, so whether you long to be able to walk through the woods and meditate, soak for hours in the rejuvenating hot springs, or just want to hunker down in a cozy cabin and get through your reading list, this is an incredible place to hide away from the world for a bit.

12. The Quapaw Baths and Spa in Hot Springs, Arkansas

A town named Hot Springs better have some pretty fantastic bubbly bathing options to show for it. If trekking through the desert or hiking up mountains isn’t for you, but you still long for a good mineral soak, then this luxury spa is just the ticket. The bathhouse was constructed in 1922 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and its huge central dome is a work of art in itself. Named after the indigenous Quapaw tribe, who were well aware of the surrounding springs’ beneficial properties, it carries a long tradition of restoration and wellness. A hotspot (ha) during the Roaring Twenties, this bathhouse now caters to those looking for a bit of pampering and royal treatment.

13. Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah

Also called Diamond Fork Hot Springs, these bathing pools are tucked away about 2.5 miles from the Fifth Water Hot Springs trailhead. Featuring several stepped soaking pools and a gorgeous, sparkling waterfall, this hot spring looks like something out of Wonderland. The waters do smell slightly sulfurous, but just look at that turquoise color. Stunning. The pools are free, but parking at the trailhead will cost you $10.

14. Granite Hot Springs in Sublette County, Wyoming

Located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and nestled in the Gros Ventre Mountains, this spot is sure to completely relax you. It’s a quick drive from the main road in the summer. However, during the winter, the only way to get to this beautiful spring is by snowmobile, dog sled, or cross-country skiing. The water temperature ranges from 93 degrees in the summer to 112 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and the view from the soaking pool is amazing. Be aware, there is a fee to soak in this spring, currently costing $12 per adult and $7 per child. Discover more about this stunning hot spring here.

15. Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, Washington

You don’t have to travel to the southwestern states to have a soothing soak in a hot spring. This gorgeous spa in the heart of the magnificent Olympic National Park offers three mineral hot spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool. Temperatures vary between the different pools, from about 99 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the springs are drained nightly, cleaned, and then filled again naturally. The resort is surrounded by old-growth trees and the sounds of nature.

16. Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska

This hot spring is an amazing place to catch a breathtaking, complimentary light show. Besides the soothing hot waters, this resort offers freshly grown produce (from their state-of-the-art greenhouses) and thrilling dog sled rides through the snow. The best time to visit for prime Aurora viewing is between the months of August and May. The resort even offers "aurora wake-up calls" so you can be alerted by phone when the lights are on display. Learn more about this spectacular Alaska hot spring to plan your trip!

Have you ever been to any of these incredible hot springs? Know of any other amazing hot springs spots? Be sure to share this article with someone you'd enjoy going on a hot springs adventure with! For even more travel inspiration, take a look at this list of our very best travel destinations across the U.S. Inspired to grab your bags and buy your ticket? Use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to help you build your custom trip.