What Are the Best Natural Hot Springs in the US?
The best natural hot springs in the US include Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Colorado, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Wilbur Hot Springs in California, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska, and Sol Duc Hot Springs in Washington’s Olympic National Park. Whether you are after a free wilderness soak or a full resort experience, every region of the country has a geothermal gem worth the detour.
Across the US, you can easily find hot springs that fit every travel preference, whether you’re looking to take a dip in nature after a tiresome hike or prefer a private hot tub room for a spa-like experience. This list of hot springs is ideal for planning a relaxing vacation.
Relax and unwind, rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, while frolicking in mineral-rich waters in one of these natural thermal pools sprinkled across the United States. From Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California to the network of bubbling waters at Hot Springs, Arkansas, you’re in for a treat.
If this sounds delightful to you, let’s read on and take a look at the best natural hot springs the USA has to offer.
If you have an interest in natural cascades and other breathtaking water sources to dip into, take a look at this list of the most beautiful waterfalls you won’t want to miss.
Quick Guide: Best Natural Hot Springs in the US at a Glance
Use this quick-reference table to compare the top natural hot springs side by side before you plan your trip.
| Hot Spring | State | Approx. Temp. | Clothing Optional | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Colorado | n/a | No | World’s largest hot springs pool |
| Hot Springs National Park | Arkansas | n/a | No | 47 springs; Bathhouse Row |
| Wilbur Hot Springs | California | 140-152°F | Yes | 1,800-acre nature preserve |
| Sierra Hot Springs | California | n/a | Yes | Geodesic dome hot pool |
| Hot Springs State Park | Wyoming | 135°F | No | Free bathhouse; bison herds |
| Wild Willy’s Hot Springs | California | 95-105°F | n/a | Open-air mountain views |
| Valley View Hot Springs | Colorado | 93-107°F | Yes | Guest quota; reservations required |
| Deep Creek Hot Springs | California | 96-102°F | n/a | San Bernardino National Forest |
| Langford Hot Springs | Texas | 105°F | n/a | Rio Grande setting |
| Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming | n/a | No | Two swim-permitted areas |
| Barton Springs Pool | Texas | 68-70°F | No | Three-acre spring-fed pool |
| Chena Hot Springs | Alaska | Up to 156°F | n/a | Aurora Ice Museum on site |
| Sol Duc Hot Springs | Washington | n/a | No | Olympic National Park rainforest |
What to Know Before You Soak: Hot Springs Etiquette and Safety
A few practical points make the difference between a blissful soak and an awkward one.
On clothing: Many natural hot springs in the US are clothing-optional, including Sierra Hot Springs, Wilbur Hot Springs, Valley View Hot Springs, and Deep Creek Hot Springs. That said, clothing-optional does not mean clothing-prohibited. At developed pools and state parks such as Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming and Barton Springs Pool in Texas, swimwear is standard and required. When in doubt, bring a swimsuit and read the signage on arrival.
On temperature: Natural hot springs are geothermally heated and can range from a comfortable 93°F to dangerously high temperatures above 140°F. Children and pregnant women should be especially cautious.
On the environment: Stay on marked paths and boardwalks, especially in protected areas like Yellowstone and Big Bend National Parks. The mineral-rich soil around thermal features is fragile, and stepping off a boardwalk can cause lasting damage, not to mention serious injury.
Book ahead, especially for weekend visits.
Top Natural Hot Springs In the US For a Relaxing Soak
Mother Nature spoils us with a clean supply of steamy water that bubbles up and gives us divine temperatures. Now, let’s take a dive into the best natural hot springs around the USA.
1. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Colorado
Located between the luxurious ski resorts of Aspen and Vail in Colorado, Glenwood Hot Springs claims the title as the world’s largest hot springs pool. The Glenwood Resort got its claim to fame for holding these world famous hot springs.
The soothing mineral waters of the pools are sourced from the nearby Glenwood springs, but there are also luxury spa treatments and other rejuvenating therapies available at the resort. And with lakes, canyons, and mountains surrounding the area, there are plenty of activities to excite all kinds of travelers.
Picture cutting down the ski slopes in the wintertime before dipping into some revitalizing, warm mineral waters thereafter – sounds delightful, right?
Also in Glenwood, there are sixteen soaking pools and a family pool next to the Colorado River at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. And don’t miss one of the only natural geothermal steam baths in North America at Yampa Spa & Vapor Caves.
For a night at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, check prices and availability here.
2. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is promptly named “Valley of the Vapors.” And with 47 natural hot springs that rise up through the vents in the streets and causing the town to fall under a geothermal fog, this name is deemed appropriate.
All of the 47 hot springs are located within the Hot Springs National Park. Here you’ll find plenty of activities, from forested hikes and abundant trickling creeks to thermal waters.
Visit Bathhouse Row or Quapaw Baths to soak in the geothermal waters or head to the Display Springs or Hot Water Cascades to see the bubbling pools in their natural setting.
3. Wilbur Hot Springs, California
Located in Northern California, Wilbur Hot Springs is a naturally occurring hot spring nestled in a health sanctuary, retreat, and nature reserve in Williams. These thermal waters come from the ground near Bear Creek and boast cozy temperatures ranging between 140 to 152 °F.
At Wilbur, guests are able to enjoy a solar-powered health retreat with natural healing hot springs centered in the heart of the 1800-acre nature preserve. Enjoy hiking and biking on the many trails before taking a dip in the clothing-optional hot springs to relax.
Due to the remote location of this hot spring resort, it’s essential to make a reservation.
4. Sierra Hot Springs, California
These natural hot springs are located around 40 minutes north of Truckee in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For centuries, Native Americans have regarded this area as a sacred healing place, and today, it’s an 800-acre non-profit retreat and workshop center.
At these California hot springs, visitors are provided with an array of clothing optional pools, including a large swimming pool, a hot pool inside a large geodesic dome, and several shallow pools dotted in the Aspen Forest. There are also seasonal hot tub rooms inside private places to relax and unwind.
5. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming is a few hour’s drive away from the popular Yellowstone National Park. It’s situated along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis, where hot springs flow at a constant temperature of around
135 °F.
The park features plenty of hiking trails and thermal pools surrounded by a beautiful landscape. There’s a free bathhouse with an indoor and outdoor pool fed by the surrounding mineral hot springs – ideal for a relaxing soak and for soothing your muscles after a vigorous hike in the park.
Note: Keep a lookout for the bison herds that call the park home.
6. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, California
Located south of Mammoth Lakes in Long Valley Caldera, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs boasts natural thermal waters that bubble up in the middle of a beautiful, unpopulated area. Visitors can leave their cars in the designated parking lot and take the elevated, wooden walkway for about 0.2 miles to reach the hot springs.
The geothermal water temperatures range between 95 and 105°F, varying slightly each day. The larger pool is the main draw here; it’s deeper and can hold a handful of people comfortably. The smaller pool is shallower and can hold a maximum of two soakers.
Take a dip in the hot springs and be spoiled with vast views of the grassy plains and the towering mountains as the backdrop.
7. Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado
Valley View Hot Springs is located around an hour’s drive north of Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. The clothing-optional retreat welcomes visitors to a series of all-natural soaking ponds hugging an array of wilderness trails.
The temperatures range from 93 to 107°F, depending on the season and which soaking pond you’ve chosen to dip in. The resort also features a hydroelectric-powered sauna, where you can frolic in a water-based therapy bath.
Note: To preserve the delicate ecosystem, visitation is managed through a guest quota, so reservations are required.
8. Deep Creek Hot Springs, California
Located hugging the northern Mojave Desert in the San Bernardino National Forest, Deep Creek Hot Springs offers soakers three large steamy hot pools. Here the waters vary in temperatures from 96 to 102°F.
There are two entry points to access the hot springs. You can either take the 6-mile hike starting at Arrowhead Lake Road and head east along the Pacific Crest Trail. Alternatively, you can embark on a steeper hike along the Freedom Trail for two miles, starting at Bowen Ranch.
Those that brave the hikes, either way, are rewarded with picturesque scenery of the rugged desert mountains and large natural soaking pools.
Note: Deep Creek Hot Springs is a day-visit area only, so there’s no overnight camping permitted.
9. Langford Hot Springs, Texas
Langford Hot Springs, also known as Boquillas or Big Bend, is located west of Rio Grande Village in the Big Bend National Park, 85 miles from Texas. It’s a short 0.5-mile round trip hike to get to these thermal springs nestled in the Rio Grande. Once you arrive, you’ll be spoiled with a primitive bathing experience, all while enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding area.
These hot springs are considered fossilized waters that are heated by a geothermal process. The pools reach around 105°F and contain dissolved mineral salts with healing powers – cool right?
Note: The road gets narrow and a little bumpy on the way, so be sure to come in a 4X4 wheel drive, high clearance vehicle.
10. Yellowstone National Park
It’s illegal to swim and soak in most areas of Yellowstone National Park. That’s because these natural hot springs are so hat that they can scald you.
However, even though you cannot bathe there, the hot springs are still impressive to view. If you’re keen for a swim, there are two permitted areas within Yellowstone National Park:
- The Boiling River Swim Area – be careful as the Gardner River current can be fast.
- The Firehole Swim Area – usually only open from mid Summer. Swimming and wading are prohibited at Midway Geyser Basin and in the Upper Geyser Basin on Firehole River.
Do not do as Pierce Brosnan allegedly did and leave the boardwalk at Mammoth Hot Springs, it is not allowed!
A more relaxing option is to visit commercially run hot spring pools in Thermopolis. The following attractions are located within Hot Springs State Park Bath House:
- Star Plunge – currently closed, attractions include a steam cave, fountain waterfall and water jets.
- TePee Pools and Spa – amenities include a water slide and indoor and outdoor hot tubs.
11. Barton Springs Pool, Austin, Texas
Located amid the rolling hills of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas lies the sparkling spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool. This historic swimming hole has provided respite from the sweltering Texas heat since 1837.
Fed by underground springs, the 68-70 degree water remains a constant, refreshing temperature year-round. Visitors delight in Barton Springs’ tranquil setting, where majestic old pecan trees provide shade and Spanish moss dances in the breeze.
The pool stretches over three acres and ranges from just a few feet deep to over 18 feet. It’s a favorite spot for recreational swimmers, who glide through the clear water, as well as competitive swimmers, who utilize the pool for rigorous training. Robert Redford learned to swim here when he was 5 years old.
Barton Springs attracts people of all ages – kids splashing on the shallow end, college students sunbathing on the lawn, and seniors swimming laps early in the morning. This natural oasis provides the perfect escape from the bustle of downtown Austin, inviting you to dive in and immerse yourself in its cool, restorative waters.
12. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
In the remote wilderness of central Alaska, Chena Hot Springs is an oasis of geothermal wonder. These mineral springs produce waters heated deep underground to temperatures as high as 156 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the hot water surfaces, it cools slightly before cascading into a series of steaming pools perfect for soaking. Snow-dusted evergreens surround the ethereal mist rising from the springs, where visitors soak away stress and tension.
The area also features the Aurora Ice Museum, with world-class ice carvings and fantastical designs. Though off the beaten path 60 miles from Fairbanks, the scenic journey to Chena Springs rewards visitors with tranquility and renewed energy from a warm mineral soak amid Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
13. Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington
Sol Duc Hot Springs sits deep inside Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula, making it one of the most scenically remote soaking spots in the Pacific Northwest. The springs feed into three sulphur-mineral pools and one freshwater pool, all set among old-growth rainforest that feels genuinely otherworldly.
The pools are maintained and operated as part of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which means you get changing facilities, towel rentals, and a day-use option if you do not want to stay overnight. The surrounding forest trails lead to Sol Duc Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington, making this an easy full-day itinerary: hike to the falls in the morning, soak in the afternoon.
For couples looking to extend the indulgence, a dedicated guide to luxury spa breaks for couples has plenty of ideas to complement a trip like this.
Note: The resort is typically open spring through autumn; check the official Olympic National Park site for current seasonal hours before you go.
A Footnote on the Best Natural Hot Springs in the USA
No matter the time of year, natural hot springs pools offer a relaxing, and rejuvenating experience basked in geothermal waters surrounded by scenic settings.
So, there you have it; the best hot springs in the USA. If you’ve been to any of these thermal waters or know of some other natural mineral pools that are absolute jewels to mention, please share; we’d love to know.
Key Takeaways
●Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: world’s largest hot springs pool.
●Barton Springs Pool stays 68-70°F year-round, great for swimming.
●Several springs are clothing-optional; swimwear required at parks.
●Wilbur and Valley View Hot Springs require advance reservations.
●Yellowstone has two legal swim areas: Boiling River and Firehole.
●Sol Duc, Washington: three mineral pools in Olympic rainforest.
●Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: 47 springs in one city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there natural hot springs in Washington State?
Yes. Sol Duc Hot Springs inside Olympic National Park is Washington’s most accessible natural hot spring, with three sulphur-mineral pools and one freshwater pool set in old-growth rainforest. The resort operates a day-use option so you can soak without an overnight stay. Other backcountry options exist across the Cascades, but Sol Duc is the most visitor-ready.
Do you have to take your clothes off at a natural hot spring?
Not always. Many US natural hot springs are clothing-optional, including Sierra Hot Springs, Wilbur Hot Springs, Valley View Hot Springs, and Deep Creek Hot Springs. However, at developed facilities like Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming and Barton Springs Pool in Texas, swimwear is required. The safest approach is to bring a swimsuit and read the posted rules on arrival.
What are the best natural hot springs in the US you can actually swim in?
Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas is one of the best swim-friendly options, with a three-acre spring-fed pool at a consistent 68-70°F year-round. Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming has a free bathhouse with an indoor and outdoor pool.
At Yellowstone, two designated swim areas exist: the Boiling River Swim Area and the Firehole Swim Area. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs in California and Deep Creek Hot Springs also allow swimming in their natural pools.
What are some good hot springs in the Midwest or South?
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is the most celebrated option in the South, with 47 natural springs, Bathhouse Row, and Quapaw Baths for soaking. Langford Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park, Texas sits in a rugged Rio Grande setting and is well worth the drive for those in the region.
For true Midwest options, choices are more limited, so many travelers head to Arkansas or Wyoming as the nearest accessible destinations.
Do you need to book in advance to visit natural hot springs in the US?
It depends on the spring. Developed facilities like Glenwood Hot Springs Resort benefit from pre-booking, especially in peak season.
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