Quick FactsOverview
About Red Hill Hot Springs
Red Hill Hot Springs, Utah is a free geothermal spring 1.3 miles east of Monroe in Sevier County, featuring three to four natural mineral pools cascading down a vivid red mineralized hillside. The water flows from a near-boiling source at the top of the hill, cooling as it descends through pools of progressively lower temperature. The site is on private land donated for public use and managed by the city of Monroe. A pit toilet and parking area are provided. The site closes at dusk and overnight camping is not permitted.
The pools range from the Lobster Pot upper pool, which is often too hot for sustained soaking, through middle pools at comfortable temperatures, to a cooler lower pool. The red coloration of the hillside comes from iron minerals and from thermophilic bacteria and algae that thrive in the warm mineral-rich environment. These organisms are fragile and should not be disturbed. Visitors should not walk on the hillside surface. Red Hill is approximately 4 miles from Mystic Hot Springs and is a popular free alternative for visitors exploring central Utah.
Location & Access
Getting to Red Hill Hot Springs
Red Hill Hot Springs is reached by turning east onto East 300 North from Main Street, also known as State Route 118, in the town of Monroe. Follow East 300 North for approximately 1.3 miles. The road becomes a graded dirt road after the last buildings at about 0.9 miles from the turn. Continue on this dirt road for approximately 0.4 miles to the parking area at the base of the red hill. The pools are visible from the parking area. Google Maps is known to misdirect visitors to Mystic Hot Springs instead of Red Hill, so following these written directions is recommended rather than relying on navigation apps.
The dirt road is well-graded and generally passable for all vehicles in dry conditions. High clearance is advisable after rain or snow. The drive from Richfield is approximately 25 miles south on SR-118. The site is approximately two hours from Salt Lake City via Interstate 15 south and SR-118. Monroe has limited services including a gas station. Richfield, 10 miles north on SR-118, is the nearest town with full services. For those seeking hot springs near Richfield Utah, Red Hill Hot Springs is the closest free, drive-up option in the Sevier Valley and can be combined with a visit to nearby Mystic Hot Springs in the same town.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Red Hill Hot Springs
Red Hill Hot Springs suits most visitors including families with children, as the access is drive-up with no hiking required, the pools are shallow, the terrain is flat at the parking area, and temperature options range from a gentle warm soak to a very hot pool for more experienced soakers. The city of Monroe manages the site and checks in on it regularly. The pools are small and can hold a handful of people each, so weekday morning visits are recommended for those wanting more space. Weekends can be busy.
There is no wheelchair access beyond the flat parking area. The ground between the parking area and the lower pools involves a short walk on uneven dirt and mineral terrain. Water shoes or sandals with grip are recommended, as the mineral surfaces around the pools can be slippery when wet. Dark-coloured swimwear is strongly advised because the iron-rich mineral water and red sediment are known to permanently stain light clothing.
Dogs are permitted on a leash and must be kept away from the hottest upper pools. The source water at the top of the hill is near boiling and should not be touched. Children should not approach the upper source area. The site is open year-round but can be difficult to access in winter if the dirt road is snowed in. BLM land around the springs provides free dispersed camping nearby, though camping directly at the spring is not allowed. For those seeking natural hot springs in Utah with a distinctive red rock character and valley views, Red Hill is one of the most visually striking free springs in the state.
Safety & Etiquette
Red Hill Hot Springs Safety Tips
Red Hill Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, but the site has significant temperature variation across its pools and the source water at the top of the hill is near boiling. The Lobster Pot upper pool can be extremely hot and is not suitable for soaking on many days. Visitors should always test the temperature of any pool before entering and should not assume that pools lower on the hill are at a safe temperature without checking first.
The thermophilic bacteria and algae covering the red hillside above the pools are fragile living organisms. Walking on the red hill surface can kill thermophiles and cause erosion that takes years to recover. Stay on designated paths and do not climb the hillside behind the pools. Keep children and pets away from the upper source area at all times.
The mineral water can stain skin temporarily and will permanently stain light-coloured clothing. Wear dark swimwear and bring older towels. The mineral deposits around the pools can be slippery when wet, so appropriate footwear is important when moving between pools. The site is in an open desert with no shade, so sun protection, a hat, and water are necessary, particularly in summer.
The site closes at dusk and camping is not permitted. Pack out all rubbish, as the site's continued free public access depends on visitor behaviour. Litter and disrespect are the primary reasons why open-access sites in Utah get closed. Leave the site cleaner than you found it. The city of Monroe invests time and resources in keeping this site open and free, and visitor respect is what makes that sustainable.
