Quick FactsOverview
About Meadow Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs, Utah is a geothermal spring on private land in an open pasture west of the small town of Meadow in Millard County, approximately 5 miles south of Fillmore near Interstate 15. Three open-air pools sit in a flat desert landscape, fed by a geothermal source, with water temperatures ranging from warm to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools are formed from travertine deposits and are crystal-clear, reaching depths of up to 20 feet. The landowner has historically allowed public access at no charge. Visitors must respect all posted signs and rules to help keep the site open.
The three pools vary in temperature, with the cooler pools sitting closer to the surface and the hottest pool running near 100 degrees. The clear water and the open pasture setting are the site's most distinctive qualities, and the pools are visible from the parking area. Native warm-water fish can be seen in the pools. No facilities are on site. The springs are on private property and camping is not permitted, though a donation box is present and contributions are appreciated. The site is near other central Utah geological attractions including the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes and Pahvant Butte.
Location & Access
Getting to Meadow Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs is reached from Interstate 15 by taking exit 158 at Meadow, approximately 4 miles south of Fillmore. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left at the stop sign and pass under the freeway heading south. Continue through the small town of Meadow for about 1.5 miles until past the last buildings on the left. Turn right onto an unmarked dirt road. Follow this road west, crossing back over the freeway, and continue west for approximately 4.8 miles to the parking area. The road has several forks but the correct route continues consistently west. The dirt road is well-graded and passable for standard vehicles in dry conditions.
Parking is on the roadside near the springs, which are a short walk of approximately 150 yards from the parking area. The springs are visible from the parking area in clear conditions. There are no facilities on site, no restrooms, and no potable water. The nearest services are in Fillmore, approximately 5 miles to the north, which has fuel, restaurants, and accommodation. For those seeking natural hot springs near Fillmore Utah, Meadow is the most accessible option in Millard County and is frequently combined with a visit to the nearby Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes approximately 15 miles away.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Meadow Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs suits most visitors including families with children, as the pools sit in flat open terrain, the walk from the parking area is very short, and no hiking experience is required. The pools range from warm to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing visitors to choose a comfortable temperature. The crystal-clear water and relatively shallow entry points at some pools make this accessible for less experienced swimmers, though the deeper pools reach up to 20 feet and visitors should exercise appropriate caution.
The site is on private land and the landowner has historically allowed public access at no charge. Access is conditional on responsible visitor behaviour, and posted rules at the gate must be respected. AllTrails currently marks the site as private property, which reflects the sensitivity of this arrangement. Visitors should check current access conditions before making a trip, as access on private land can change at any time.
There is no wheelchair access. The terrain from the parking area to the pools is open pasture that can be uneven or muddy near the water's edge. No shade is available at the site. Dogs are generally welcome but should be kept out of the pools. Sun protection and water are essential. For those seeking natural hot springs in Utah with clear crystal water in a flat, easy-to-reach setting, Meadow is one of the most distinctive options in central Utah when access is available.
Safety & Etiquette
Meadow Hot Springs Safety Tips
Meadow Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, but several conditions require care. The pools reach up to 20 feet in depth and entry requires swimming ability in the deeper areas. The rocky and travertine sides of the pools can be slippery, and visitors should enter and exit carefully. Children and non-swimmers should wear life jackets, as the Millard County tourism website explicitly recommends this given the depth of the pools. The spring water is not treated or monitored and visitors should avoid swallowing it.
The deepest pool can reach temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should test the temperature before entering and should limit soaking time, particularly in warm weather when the combination of sun and hot water accelerates dehydration. Taking breaks in the shade is difficult given the lack of shade at the site, so bringing a hat and water is important.
The site is on private land. Posted signs at the gate establish the conditions of access and must be respected. The property can be closed by the landowner at any time, and the site should be treated with the care appropriate to a guest on someone else's land. Packing out all rubbish and leaving no trace are especially important here given that the site's continued public availability depends entirely on the goodwill of the private landowner.
No emergency services are present on site. The nearest emergency medical services are in Fillmore. The open desert location and flat terrain mean that cell service from the parking area is generally available, unlike some more remote Utah springs. Visiting during daylight hours and informing someone of your plans are both advisable practices at any undeveloped spring.
