Quick FactsOverview
About Pah Tempe Hot Springs
Pah Tempe Hot Springs, Utah, also known as La Verkin Hot Springs or Dixie Hot Springs, is a geothermal spring complex along the Virgin River at the mouth of Timpoweap Canyon between Hurricane and La Verkin in Washington County. The springs emerge from fractured limestone vents along the Hurricane Fault at approximately 107 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, producing approximately five million gallons of highly mineralized water daily. The fault separates the Great Basin from the Colorado Plateau, and nearby basalt flows dated to within the last 200,000 years are linked to the geothermal heat source. The springs hold cultural significance for the Southern Paiute people, and the name Pah Tempe derives from the Paiute language.
The original riverside soaking site has been closed to direct public access for many years, with no-trespassing signs and gates blocking access points. The Washington County Water Conservancy District acquired management of the spring and entered a long-term lease with resort developers. The spring water now supplies Zion Canyon Hot Springs, a resort that opened in La Verkin in late 2025. The raw spring site along the river remains inaccessible to the public.
Location & Access
Access to Pah Tempe Hot Springs
The Pah Tempe Hot Springs site is located along the Virgin River at the mouth of Timpoweap Canyon, east of the Virgin River bridge and north of La Verkin and Hurricane. The nearest address for orientation is 825 East 800 North, Hurricane, UT 84737. From Interstate 15, take the exit for Scenic Highway 9 toward Hurricane, then follow Highway 9 through Hurricane toward La Verkin. Just before the canyon bridge over the Virgin River, The Enchanted Way turns off to the right. However, this route and the surrounding land have been posted with no-trespassing signs and gated access points for a number of years. The site is not legally accessible to the public for soaking.
For those seeking the geothermal water from Pah Tempe, the recommended route is Zion Canyon Hot Springs, the resort that opened in La Verkin in late 2025 using the same spring water from the Washington County Water Conservancy District lease. The resort is located in La Verkin with views over the Virgin River canyon and is accessible from Hurricane or Springdale. It offers treated mineral pools at regulated temperatures in a managed facility setting. This is currently the only legal means of experiencing the Pah Tempe spring water. For those seeking hot springs near St. George Utah, Zion Canyon Hot Springs is approximately 25 minutes from St. George and 25 minutes from the Zion National Park entrance.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Pah Tempe Hot Springs
Pah Tempe Hot Springs is not currently suitable for visiting in its natural state. The original riverside spring site is closed to direct public access, with no-trespassing signs and gates blocking access points. Attempting to access the springs by crossing posted or gated land constitutes trespassing. This listing documents the site's geological and cultural significance and directs visitors to Zion Canyon Hot Springs as the currently accessible option for experiencing Pah Tempe spring water.
The natural riverside site was historically challenging even when open. The approach involved uneven dirt paths, loose rock, and proximity to the Virgin River, which can rise rapidly during storms. Travertine deposits at the river's edge are slippery and the bank can be undercut. There was no managed parking, no formal trail, and no safety infrastructure. The spring water is highly saline and at the mixing zone where hot water meets the river, temperatures vary significantly. The hot springs near St. George Utah in this canyon flow at 107 degrees and conditions change seasonally.
For families or individuals seeking to experience the Pah Tempe water, Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin offers the same spring water in a resort setting with regulated temperatures and facilities. It is open year-round, approximately 25 minutes from St. George and from the Zion National Park entrance at Springdale.
Safety & Etiquette
Pah Tempe Hot Springs Safety Tips
Pah Tempe Hot Springs is closed to direct public access and visiting the site means trespassing on posted and gated land. The primary safety instruction for this listing is to respect the posted signs and not attempt to access the riverside spring site. Trespassing may result in citation and can jeopardize the long-term future of public access arrangements in the area.
The geothermal spring water at Pah Tempe is highly saline and mineralized, emerging at approximately 107 degrees Fahrenheit. At source temperature it can cause burns on direct contact. The spring discharges into the Virgin River, and the mixing zone where hot spring water meets river water can be too hot for safe contact. Travertine mineral deposits on the limestone and rock surfaces are slippery when wet.
The Virgin River in this canyon section is subject to rapid water level changes following storms or upstream releases. The canyon walls restrict emergency response access. In periods of spring runoff or after heavy rain, riverbank areas can flood with very little warning.
Anyone interested in the Pah Tempe spring water should visit Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin, which treats and circulates the same spring water under managed conditions. The resort provides supervised pool environments at regulated temperatures. The Southern Paiute cultural significance of the site should be respected by treating the natural spring area as a place of historical importance, not a recreational asset to be accessed without permission.
