Quick FactsOverview
About Ogden Hot Springs
Ogden Hot Springs, Utah is a geothermal spring at the mouth of Ogden Canyon along the Ogden River in Weber County, approximately one hour north of Salt Lake City. The source produces water at approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Historically the site supported between two and eight soaking pools depending on river levels and maintenance, and was used informally by locals for decades. The springs are on private land. As of 2024, the Weber County Sheriff's Office enforces a no-trespassing policy on behalf of the private landowners, and the pools have been dismantled. Soaking is not possible and public access is not permitted.
The site gained a following among northern Utah hot spring enthusiasts because of its accessibility from Ogden and the canyon setting. It suffered from heavy use, littering, and vandalism over the years, and pools were built on private property without permission. The landowner closed access, and visiting now constitutes trespassing. Efforts to establish a prescriptive easement based on historical use have not succeeded. The Standard-Examiner reported in March 2024 that the sheriff was actively enforcing the no-trespassing letter of agency.
Location & Access
Access to Ogden Hot Springs
Ogden Hot Springs is located along the Ogden River at the mouth of Ogden Canyon in Weber County, Utah, near the city of Ogden. From Interstate 15, take exit 344 for 12th Street and State Route 39 east into Ogden Canyon. The springs are situated near the canyon entrance along the river corridor, close to the Ogden Canyon Waterfall. However, reaching the springs requires crossing private land, which is not permitted. The Weber County Sheriff's Office holds a letter of agency from the private landowners authorizing enforcement of no-trespassing. Visiting constitutes trespassing and may result in citation or arrest. There is no designated parking area, no maintained trail, and no public facilities at the site.
The springs are not located on BLM, Forest Service, or other public land. For those seeking hot springs near Ogden Utah, the nearest suitable alternative is Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, approximately 20 miles north of Ogden on US-89, which is a fully developed public facility with multiple pools, waterslides, and overnight camping. Belmont Hot Springs near Fielding, approximately 50 miles north of Ogden, is another legal option with mineral pools and an RV park set in a rural northern Utah landscape. Both facilities offer genuine soaking experiences with legal access and maintained infrastructure.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Ogden Hot Springs
Ogden Hot Springs is not suitable for visiting. The springs are on private land and the Weber County Sheriff's Office actively enforces a no-trespassing policy at the site as of March 2024. The soaking pools that previously existed have been dismantled. Visiting constitutes trespassing and may result in a criminal citation. This listing exists to document the site's current closure and redirect visitors who find it in searches to accurate information.
The springs were not safely accessible even when informal access was possible. Reports from that period described water temperatures above 104 degrees in all pools, murky water, heavy litter, and makeshift fabric dams used to manage temperature. The site's condition and legal situation make it unsuitable as a destination regardless of the trespassing issue. Visitors seeking hot springs near Ogden should consider alternatives with proper facilities and legal access.
There is no wheelchair access, no family-suitable infrastructure, no facilities, and no safe or legal means of reaching the water. The canyon mouth location along the Ogden River means seasonal flooding during spring runoff can make the area additionally hazardous. This listing is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to visit.
Safety & Etiquette
Ogden Hot Springs Safety Tips
Ogden Hot Springs is closed to the public and visiting the site constitutes trespassing on private property. The Weber County Sheriff's Office enforces a no-trespassing policy at the site through a letter of agency agreement with the private landowners, as confirmed by reporting from the Standard-Examiner in March 2024. Do not attempt to access the springs. The primary safety guidance for this listing is to not visit.
If you are researching the springs from a historical or geological perspective, the springs are geothermal with a source temperature of approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, uncontrolled contact with source water would cause severe burns. Even when pools existed at the site, all water temperatures were reported as above 104 degrees, which is at the upper limit of safe soaking. The absence of any managed infrastructure, lifeguard, or safety oversight made the springs hazardous at all times.
The springs are located at the canyon mouth along the Ogden River. During spring runoff, river levels rise significantly and areas near the bank can flood rapidly. The terrain is uneven and rocky. There is no maintained path and no parking area designed for visitor access. Visitors who historically accessed the site did so by crossing private land with no legal right to do so.
For those seeking an outdoor soaking experience near Ogden, Utah, Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville is the recommended alternative. It is a legal, fully staffed, and maintained public facility approximately 20 miles north of Ogden. It offers multiple pools, overnight accommodation, and proper safety supervision. Belmont Hot Springs near Fielding is another option further north with a relaxed atmosphere and mineral pools.
