If you love adventure and want to enjoy the most of nature, hot springs are the name of the game. There is nothing better than relaxing in geothermal waters, surrounded by natural beauty. Spa hopping has been a favorite of mine since I was mere a youngster. No matter the country, you can be sure that if I am to visit, I have checked to see where the closest natural hot spring is, and I am on my way. What can I say, as far as hot springs go, I have it bad!! I mean, is there a better way to enjoy the natural wonders of a land than treating my skin to the nutrients and sulfur that hot springs offer. The USA has a plethora of absolutely amazing hidden natural gems in way of hot springs, that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Below is a list of 5 hidden and amazing hot springs in the USA.
1. Travertine Hot Springs in California:
When you are looking for a calm, soothing place to relax your body, someplace surreal and magical, with beautiful, lush scenery, Travertine Hot Springs is the place for you. The Travertine Hot Springs in California are an amazing combination of nature’s glamorous views and warm waters and the perfect way to soothe your body after a day of hiking. The springs are located on California State Park land, two miles Southeast of Bridgeport, California. They are on several sizeable travertine terraces with overlooking views of the High Sierra mountains. These pools are private, small, rustic, and most importantly enchanting with the added benefit of being able to camp at nearby pull-offs. This hot spring is free and very accessible, so it gets a lot of foot traffic. They are also clothing optional.
2. Gold-Strike Canyon Hot Springs in Nevada:
Gold-strike canyon hot springs are a group of hot mineral water springs near Hoover Dam on the Arizona / Nevada border. Located in the National Recreation Area in Nevada, they are a part of Lake Mead and about one hour drive from Las Vegas.
The exhilarating two-mile hike offers an abundance of desert flowers in the early spring, February, and March. And, if you’re lucky, you might also see big horn sheep watching over you.
The hike to the hot springs is difficult and requires technical equipment such as ropes and ascending and descending gear. The hike to the springs is about 2 miles one way and has a series of 20-foot rope climbs that are not beginner level—Your group should plan for about 3-4 hours of hiking time each direction, or a full day adventure if you really want to soak up this spring’s full potential. The pools are deep enough to take a swim and well worth the effort for the experienced adventurer that loves beautiful and relaxing hot spring area is a perfect place to let your body and mind unwind and relax after a wonderful day of hiking.
3. Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah:
These beautiful, amazing hot springs in Utah are the perfect place to unwind from the stress of mundane life. A picturesque hike leads visitors to an amazing hot spring & waterfall in a forested region.It may be a bit difficult to reach but once you get there, it is worth it. Fifth Water Hot Springs is located on Diamond Fork Rd in Spanish Fork, Utah. Its approximately an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City with an additional 2.5-miles of hiking.
It may be time consuming to reach, but it is worth it, so plan for a day or two to enjoy the full benefits of this marvelous place. The trail is best used from May until October and is an easy 4.6 miles out and back trip. This supreme place has a breathtaking waterfall and hot springs pools to enjoy and relax your mind and body. The water looks amazingly pure and the turquoise color makes it a scene from a fairytale.
This is a popular hot spring and loved by many. The pools are completely free to use and if you like to camp nearby, the Diamond Campground provides you camping facility for approximately $24 a night.
The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs begins at the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon. To reach the trailhead from I-15 in Spanish Fork, Utah: Drive 10.9 miles east on Highway 6, Turn left onto Forest Road 29 with signs for Diamond Fork. Continue 9.8 miles to the signed Three Forks Trailhead parking area.
4. Verde Hot Springs in Strawberry, Arizona
Verde Hot Springs is a grouping of thermal mineral springs near the town of Camp Verde in Strawberry, Arizona. The springs are located on the western bank of the Verde River. They are the ruins of a once popular and thriving resort and bathhouse built in the 1920s, rumored to be one of Al Capone’s hideouts. Unfortunately, the resort has been abandoned since a 1962 fire engulfed it, leaving only the foundation, and constructed thermal pools along the Verde River.
Its quirky spirit, however, remains unchanged. Unique architecture around every corner serves as a reminder of the lively community that once existed here. Two springs survived the flames: one located inside a multicolored brick structure and one outside. Both are approximately 100 degrees, accommodating 3-4 adults each.
A 2.5-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail that almost everyone can embark on, today the Verde Hot Springs are a popular place to take a dip and admire the artwork from those who have previously visited the site. Plan a visit to this once-thriving hotel’s remains and enjoy the hot springs it has left for you as it is completely free to use and cherish. There are also many camping options in the area. Please note, however, that a four-wheel drive vehicle is preferred, as the road leading to the trailhead gets rough.
Verde Hot Springs are a great place to plan a visit for a relaxing time as it has multiple thermal pools varying in temperature. You can choose the pool according to your desire and jump right in. Better views of the Verde River simply do not exist anywhere else in Arizona. Plan your visit fall season, as the unrelenting desert sun will not beat down on you. Take a cool, refreshing dip before warming up in the hot springs.
It can get crowded but visiting after 6 p.m. greatly reduces this possibility. There is no feeling quite like having a hot spring to yourself in the middle of nowhere, while taking in the unparalleled mountainous vistas. And if you stick around to watch the sunset, you will have an even more unforgettable experience.
5. Boquillas Hot Springs in Texas:
The Boquillas Hot Springs are a famous group of geothermal hot springs that sit along the big bend on the Rio Grande. They are approximately 105 degrees and located in the Big Bend National Park in Big Bend, West Texas
The springs were originally built into a bathhouse by J.O. Langford in the 1900s and while only remnants of the building remain it’s still a perfect place to soak after a day of hiking in Big Bend National Park.
The springs are located where the Tornillo creek enters the Rio Grande River about four miles upriver from Boquillas Canyon.
The trailhead is located off Hot Springs Road (gravel road) and there is a parking lot at the end for easy parking. The trail is only about half a mile from the parking lot and is relatively flat the entire way. Make sure to be on the lookout for ancient pictographs of the walls leading to the hot springs. Since it’s in the desert bring a lot of water with you because spending time in the hot water will dehydrate you.
This an amazing spot in Big Bend and should not be missed! The hot springs give amazing relaxation as well as the perfect views of Mexico. They are free to use but you must have to pay an entrance fee per vehicle. You can also enjoy camping at Rio Grande Village Campground for $35 per night.
These were some amazing hot springs and camping spots in the USA that you can enjoy and never can get enough off. Hot springs are a perfect place to relax after a tiring day of hiking, biking, and mundane routine life. Sometimes I just drop the kids off at school and head to my closest thermal hole, to refresh, rebalance, and nourish my spirit and soul.
