From the thermal waters of Yellowstone to the cozy charm of Glenwood Springs, we’ve rounded up the best hot springs in the US—just in time for the colder months. Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoorsy trip in Alaska, a dip into American history in Virginia, or a romantic getaway in Colorado, natural hot springs are the perfect escape from chilly winter temperatures.
Here, find our handpicked lineup of bucket list-worthy hot springs for every type of traveler.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Tucked away in a remote oasis approximately 60 miles from downtown Fairbanks, Chena is a must-do. For those who prefer not to stay on-site, book a stay at Borealis Basecamp, Aurora Villa, or rent an Airbnb, like this cabin with its own outdoor barrel sauna. A day pass at the resort includes access to the thermal springs lake, an indoor heated pool, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs, and convenient shower and locker facilities. When temperatures drop, Chena transforms into a winter wonderland, offering adventures from dog sledding and snowmobiling to ice fishing, skiing, and a tour of the Aurora Ice Museum. To optimize your chances of catching the northern lights, plan your visit between September and April.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
With the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, immerse yourself in 16 mineral hot springs, conveniently connected by heated walkways. Afterwards, unwind in the family swimming pool, kept at a comfortable 94 degrees. Don’t miss the World Experience area, featuring 10 soaking pools inspired by natural springs worldwide, and complete with two outdoor pools with waterfalls and a cold plunge. And if 16 hot pools aren’t enough for you, Colorado has a plethora of geothermal waters to explore, including the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, boasting the world’s largest hot springs pool.
The Crater
Location: Midway, Utah
The Crater, a geothermal spring with a history spanning over 10,000 years, is nestled within a 55-foot tall “beehive-shaped” limestone rock at the Homestead property. Enjoy a soothing soak, go swimming, or try snorkeling and paddleboard yoga. If you’d rather stay dry, take a guided tour of this natural wonder s rich history. The Crater is also the sole warm-water scuba diving locale in the USA. For a plush stay near the ski slopes, consider Deer Valley’s Stein Eriksen Lodge and Montage, both under a 40-minute drive from The Crater.
Castle Hot Springs
Location: Morristown, Arizona
In the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs is just an hour north of Phoenix, and the destination begs for an extended stay. Access to the springs is exclusive to overnight guests, but with such luxe offerings, why wouldn t you stay here? Indulge in an all-inclusive resort experience, complete with farm-to-table meals and activities ranging from trail hikes, pickleball, and a gardening course. Castle Hot Springs also has a Wellness Through Water package, which is a hot springs-focused experience, with a Watsu treatment and a 60-minute water-centric program of yoga, meditation, and breathwork.
Warm Springs Pools
Location: Hot Springs, Virginia
The Warm Springs Pools, hailed as America’s first spa, reopened last year at The Omni Homestead Resort following renovations. Reservations are required for these Eastern Seaboard pools, with separate time slots for family soaking, adult co-ed soaking, and an adults-only option with swimsuits optional. Thomas Jefferson himself bathed here—if that’s not reason enough to add this place to your bucket list, I’m not sure what is!
Dunton Hot Springs
Location: Dolores, Colorado
A dreamy glamping retreat in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, Dunton was the backdrop of Lily Collins’s wedding. There are five unique sites where you can bask in mineral-rich waters, including a beautifully restored 19th-century bathhouse. In the summertime, cross off other bucket-list adventures like rock climbing in the San Juans, rafting excursions, and fly fishing.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Rent a chalet with mountain views in Gardiner, and recharge in the healing waters of a 104-degree hot water plunge, a 60-degree cold plunge, or a relaxing 102-degree soak. No reservations are required, and admission grants access for the entire day, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Yellowstone National Park, and a road trip away to Thermopolis, Wyoming, or Burgdorf Hot Springs in Idaho for more mineral pools.
Ojo Caliente
Location: New Mexico
About an hour north of Santa Fe in a small unincorporated community within Taos County, Ojo Caliente is as breathtaking as it is mystical. Its namesake resort and spa is among the oldest in North America (the bathhouse opened in 1868) and its healing waters were discovered and used by Indigenous communities thousands of years ago. Now, visitors can soak in iron, arsenic, soda, and lithia waters (each within a distinct setting, such as a rock-enclosed pool) as well as slather on a special clay blend at the mud pool followed by a leisurely lounge in the sun. If you’re not staying on property, consider this striking Airbnb complete with mountain views and a kiva fireplace.
Esalen Hot Springs
Location: Big Sur, California
Since its founding in 1962, Esalen Institute in Big Sur has epitomized California’s holistic wellness scene. The non-profit retreat center (regarded as the “birthplace of the human potential movement”) perches above the breathtaking Pacific coastline and offers everything from spiritual seminars to yoga and meditation workshops. Visitors can also experience Esalen’s hot springs that overlook the ocean, followed by a massage session. If you’re just joining for the day, make sure to reserve in advance.
Summer Lake Hot Springs
Location: Paisley, Oregon
The postcard-worthy state of Oregon is home to several natural hot springs, some hidden away in woodlands and others—like Summer Lake Hot Springs—peppered across the Oregon Outback. This remote retreat is two hours southeast of Bend and offers far-as-the-eyes-can-see views of mountains to the south and desert to the north. There are three outdoor pools and an indoor pool, all of which are open only to guests staying on property.
