Utah has 21 hot springs, including 13 free primitive soaks and 8 paid resorts, home to the most colorful travertine and tufa terraces of any US hot springs region, and the only state where you can scuba dive inside a 55-foot-tall geothermal dome (Homestead Crater). Utah's springs run from tucked-away high-desert soaks to full-service crater dives, making it a varied stop. Springs cluster in three regions: central Utah (Meadow, Mystic, Baker), the Wasatch Front (Diamond Fork / Fifth Water, Crystal, Ogden), and the Heber Valley (Homestead Crater, Midway Crater). Flagship sites include Mystic Hot Springs, Meadow Hot Springs, Diamond Fork / Fifth Water, and Homestead Crater. Utah's thermal activity is driven by Basin & Range extension in the central and western part of the state, producing rich travertine deposits at Mystic and Meadow. Surface temperatures range 95-135°F. Land ownership is a mix of private (Mystic, Homestead), state, BLM, and US Forest Service (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache for Fifth Water). Access ranges from drive-up (Meadow, Homestead) to a 2.5-mile hike (Fifth Water). Best season is year-round while Fifth Water winter hikes are particularly popular. Gateway airports are Salt Lake City and Cedar City. Clothing-optional is not standard at developed sites - Fifth Water and Meadow are informal. Reviewed and updated August 2026.
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