Hot Spring Soaking
"Escape the mundane and immerse yourself in the natural world with a visit to a wild hot spring. These geothermal wonders, found in locations all over the globe, offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful outdoor setting. But as with any outdoor adventure, it's important to practice leave no trace principles to ensure the preservation of these natural wonders for generations to come.
So, where can you find these wild hot springs? They can be found in many different landscapes, from the snowy mountains to the arid desert. Some popular destinations include Yellowstone National Park in the United States, Rotorua in New Zealand, and Pamukkale in Turkey.
But what makes a hot spring "wild"? Wild hot springs are those that are not developed or commercialized, offering a more rustic and natural experience. These springs may not have amenities such as changing rooms or developed pools, but that's part of their charm.
So why visit a wild hot spring? For one, it's a chance to disconnect from technology and daily life and reconnect with nature. The warm, soothing waters are also believed to have health benefits, such as easing muscle tension and improving circulation.
When visiting a wild hot spring, it's important to follow leave no trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. This includes packing out all trash, respecting wildlife and plant life, and not altering the area in any way.
Now that you know the what, where, and why of wild hot springs, it's time to start planning your adventure. Do some research to find a spring in a location that appeals to you, and be sure to follow all leave no trace guidelines to ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience for all."
Here's some of our favorite hot springs
Bear Creek Hot Springs
Irwin, Idaho
9.8 miles S of Irwin, IdahoTrek ~13 miles up a creek canyon near Palisades Reservoir to a secluded natural hot spring ā gentle most of the way, with one rewarding final climb.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Hot Springs, Mountain Bike Add Location
Meadow Hot Spring
Meadow, Utah
5.4 miles W of Meadow, UtahThree pools of varying warmth on private land ā with fire pits and very deep, dive-worthy water ā open to the public thanks to gracious landowners. Pack out all trash.
Hot Springs, Swim 4.7 mi
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Provo, Utah
19.0 miles SE of Provo, UtahA scenic 2.5-mile riverside hike to the famous Diamond Fork rock pools and waterfall, with soaks up to 108°.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs, Mountain Bike, Swim
Snively Hot Springs
Nyssa, Oregon
14.5 miles SW of Nyssa, OregonEasy-access riverside soaking pools along the Owyhee near Nyssa, where hot water blends with the cold river to your liking.
Hot Springs
Russian John Hot Spring
Ketchum, Idaho
14.2 miles NW of Ketchum, IdahoA small rock-walled warm spring pool just off Highway 75, about 18 miles north of Ketchum, with a view of the Boulder Mountains. The water runs only in the mid-80s, so it is best on a hot summer day.
Hot Springs
Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs
Ketchum, Idaho
6.8 miles SW of Ketchum, IdahoFree, rock-walled hot spring pools on both banks of Warm Springs Creek, about 11 miles west of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. Day use only, swimsuits required, and the road is usually closed during spring runoff.
Hot Springs
Preis Hot Spring
Fairfield, Idaho
16.0 miles N of Fairfield, IdahoA small sunken wooden box beside Forest Road 227 north of Fairfield that fits two people in clear, roughly 102 degree water. Pair it with Worswick Hot Springs a couple of miles away.
Camp, Hot Springs
Worswick Hot Springs
Fairfield, Idaho
15.0 miles N of Fairfield, IdahoFree hillside hot spring pools on Worswick Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest, about 20 miles north of Fairfield. The lower pools run about 90 to 105 degrees, and the source water is hot enough to scald.
Camp, Hot Springs
Slab City Hot Springs
Niland
2.5 miles E of NilandSlab City Hot Springs is a free, user-dug geothermal pool in bare desert just off Beal Road, about two and a half miles east-northeast of Niland. Nobody runs it, nobody maintains it and nobody tests the water, so it is a soak you take entirely at your own
Camp, Hot Springs, Swim
Verde Hot Springs
Camp Verde, Arizona
17.4 miles SE of Camp Verde, ArizonaNatural hot spring pools beside the Verde River ā the remnants of an old resort ā reached by wading upstream from a dispersed camping area with no amenities near Sedona.
Camp, Hike, Hot Springs- Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.