Quick FactsOverview
About Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Springs, Utah is a rustic 175-acre resort at 475 E 100 N in Monroe, Sevier County, historically known as Monroe Hot Springs. The property was homesteaded in 1886 and used by Ute, Shoshone, and Paiute peoples before European settlement. The current owner purchased it in the mid-1990s after passing through Monroe following the last Grateful Dead shows in Las Vegas, and has developed the property into its current form as a bohemian soaking resort. The resort features two outdoor concrete soaking pools and eight vintage cast-iron bathtubs set into travertine formations on a hillside above the Sevier Valley, with water temperatures from 99 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and no sulfur odor.
The property has a distinctive counterculture character unlike any other hot spring resort in Utah. Eight converted vintage school buses serve as accommodation, a collection of pioneer cabins from the 1800s have been restored to varying degrees, and live music events are held on the grounds. Peacocks and other animals roam freely. Six fish ponds fed by the hot spring water support a diverse population of fish. The travertine formations surrounding the tubs grow continuously as minerals calcify, and two tubs near the top of the hill have become the most photographed features of the property as the orange travertine slowly overtakes them.
Location & Access
Getting to Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Springs is located at 475 E 100 N in Monroe, Utah, approximately two to two and a half hours south of Salt Lake City. From Salt Lake City, take Interstate 15 south to exit 188 at Scipio, then US-50 east for approximately 25 miles to Interstate 70 west. Take exit 31, turn left at the bottom of the ramp, and drive approximately 2 miles before turning right onto State Route 118. Follow SR-118 for 3 to 4 miles into Monroe. In Monroe, turn left onto 100 North and follow it uphill for approximately 5 blocks to the resort at the end of the road. The nearest major town is Richfield, approximately 10 miles north on SR-118, with fuel, grocery, and accommodation.
The resort is open 24 hours a day for overnight guests. Day soaking sessions are timed and must be reserved in advance through the Mystic Hot Springs website. Walk-ins are not accepted. Cell service can be limited on the approach from Interstate 70. Parking is at the base of the property near the main building. From the parking area, a staircase leads up to the two concrete pools and then continues further uphill to the cast-iron tubs and travertine formations. For those seeking hot springs near Richfield Utah, Mystic Hot Springs is the most distinctive and well-known soaking destination in the Sevier Valley.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Mystic Hot Springs
Mystic Hot Springs suits visitors who appreciate a quirky, bohemian outdoor environment over a polished resort experience. The two concrete pools at the base of the hillside offer communal soaking at slightly cooler temperatures, while the eight cast-iron tubs higher up the hill provide a more private soak at hotter temperatures with panoramic views of the Sevier Valley. The tubs are timed and fill up quickly on weekends, so advance booking is strongly recommended. The pools and tubs are family-friendly and nudity is not permitted.
Reaching the upper cast-iron tubs requires climbing a hillside staircase and a dirt path with uneven terrain. This makes the upper tubs inaccessible for visitors with significant mobility limitations, though the lower concrete pools are reachable from the parking level. There is no wheelchair-accessible path to the upper soaking area. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear as the travertine surfaces can be slippery when wet.
Overnight guests can choose from tent campsites, full-hookup RV sites available April through October, converted vintage buses with electricity and furnishings, and pioneer cabins at various stages of restoration. The property has a campground feel and is best suited to visitors comfortable with rustic amenities. The absence of sulfur in the water is a standout feature, making extended soaking more comfortable than at many Utah springs. For those seeking hot springs in Utah with a genuinely unusual and memorable character, Mystic Hot Springs is one of the most distinctive sites in the state.
Safety & Etiquette
Mystic Hot Springs Safety Tips
Mystic Hot Springs is a managed resort with staff on property and timed soaking sessions. Pool and tub temperatures range from 99 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The upper tubs closest to the source are significantly hotter than the lower pools, and visitors should test the temperature of each tub before entering. Soaking in water above 104 degrees for extended periods risks heat stress. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and limit time in the hottest tubs particularly in warm weather.
The pools are drained and cleaned multiple times per week. The tubs are drained and cleaned several times per day with continuous fresh water flowing through. The water appears cloudy due to dissolved minerals, which is natural and not a sign of contamination. No sulfur is present so rinsing after soaking is not required for odor, though it remains good practice.
The hillside terrain leading to the upper tubs is uneven and can be slippery when wet. Appropriate footwear is important. The travertine formations around the upper tubs are growing and some tub interiors are narrowing, which limits comfort in the most heavily calcified tubs. Children must be supervised at all times throughout the property, particularly near the pools and on the hillside path. The resort prohibits alcohol, smoking, and illegal substances. Nudity is not permitted.
Overnight guests in buses or cabins should note that facilities are rustic and vary in condition. The property covers 175 acres and some areas are undeveloped. Visitors with specific accessibility or medical needs should contact the resort before arriving, as the hillside terrain and rustic conditions may not suit all requirements.
