Quick FactsOverview
About Homestead Crater
Homestead Crater, Utah is a paid geothermal spring at 700 North Homestead Drive in Midway, Wasatch County, enclosed within a 55-foot tall beehive-shaped limestone dome formed over approximately 10,000 years as snowmelt from the Wasatch Mountains percolated two miles into the earth, was heated by geothermal processes, and returned to the surface carrying dissolved minerals that built up into the dome structure. The spring maintains 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the pool reaches 65 feet in depth, and the base of the crater is approximately 400 feet wide. Access is through a 110-foot tunnel built into the side of the dome in the 1990s. Reservations are required.
The site is also known as Utah Crater and is operated by the Homestead Resort, which is located on the same property in Midway. Homestead Crater is the only warm inland SCUBA diving destination in the continental United States, making it a significant draw for divers from across the country. Activities include soaking, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and SUP yoga. The crater is approximately one hour southeast of Salt Lake City and 30 minutes south of Park City, in the scenic Heber Valley. Infrastructure improvements are underway at the site through Spring 2027.
Location & Access
Getting to Homestead Crater
Homestead Crater is located at the Homestead Resort at 700 North Homestead Drive in Midway, Utah. From Salt Lake City, take I-80 East to US-40 toward Heber City, then follow signs to Midway, approximately 45 miles total. From Park City, the drive is approximately 30 minutes south via US-40. From the resort entrance, follow signs to the Crater and park in the visitor lot. Check-in takes place at the Activity Center before proceeding to the crater entrance. The crater itself is accessed via a 110-foot illuminated tunnel bored into the side of the limestone dome.
Reservations are required and should be booked in advance, particularly for weekends and holidays when capacity fills quickly. The crater operates year-round. Current hours are weekdays approximately noon to 8pm and weekends from approximately 10am to 8pm, though hours may vary and should be confirmed directly with the facility before visiting. Reservations can be made via the Utah Crater website or by calling the facility directly. Swimsuit and personal towel are required; towels are not provided. Life jackets are mandatory and provided at no charge. Changing rooms and lockers are available on site. Scuba diving requires prior reservation and current certification.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Homestead Crater
Homestead Crater suits a wide range of visitors including families, couples, SCUBA divers, and anyone seeking an unusually sheltered geothermal soaking experience, as the enclosed dome maintains consistent warm temperatures year-round and the pool is large enough to swim in rather than merely soak. Life jackets are mandatory for all visitors inside the crater regardless of swimming ability, making the site genuinely accessible to non-swimmers. Children must be at least three years old to enter.
SCUBA divers are particularly well served by Homestead Crater. The warm, clear water and enclosed setting make it ideal for open-water certification checkout dives and for experienced divers who want a comfortable environment. An in-house dive shop provides equipment rentals, instruction, and certification programs. Snorkeling equipment is also available to rent. Stand-up paddleboarding and SUP yoga are offered on a scheduled basis through a partner operator.
The access to the crater is through a paved 110-foot tunnel, and the interior has a dock and floating platform. Visitors with mobility considerations should contact the facility in advance. No outside food or alcohol is permitted inside the crater. Pets are not permitted. The experience uses timed sessions, so visitors should arrive promptly. Hot springs near Park City Utah offer several options, but Homestead Crater stands apart for its enclosed dome environment and diving access.
Safety & Etiquette
Homestead Crater Safety Tips
Homestead Crater is a managed facility with staff on site, and all standard water safety protocols apply. Life jackets are mandatory for all visitors inside the crater and are provided at no charge. Visitors must not bring their own flotation devices. The water temperature ranges from 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warm enough to cause heat stress with extended sessions. Visitors should take breaks outside the water, stay hydrated, and monitor their own and children's comfort throughout the visit.
The dome interior has limited natural light, supplemented by artificial lighting. The ceiling of the dome rises 55 feet and the opening at the top provides a small amount of natural light. The enclosed space and tunnel access mean that visitors with claustrophobia should be aware of the environment before booking. A self-guided tour of the crater is available for visitors who want to view the interior without getting into the water.
SCUBA diving at Homestead Crater requires current certification and a prior reservation. The dive shop provides equipment rentals and certified instruction. Divers must present proof of certification and sign a waiver. The depth of the crater reaches 65 feet and the bottom contains a layer of silt that can reduce visibility when disturbed. Diving is available during scheduled dive sessions only, not during general swim sessions.
Pregnancy, cardiovascular conditions, and certain skin conditions are common contraindications for extended soaking in warm geothermal water. Visitors with health concerns should consult a doctor before booking. The facility website and booking pages include current safety guidelines and any temporary conditions related to the infrastructure improvements underway through Spring 2027.
