Explore United States's hot springs
The United States holds the largest share of this directory, over 500 springs, from free wilderness pools on Forest Service land to grand desert resorts. No other country mixes raw backcountry soaking and polished spa culture at this scale. The West is the story: the Rockies, Cascades and Basin and Range are one long geothermal seam.
Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington
Sol Duc Hot Springs keeps things raw in Washington, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington →
Solage Calistoga, California
Solage Calistoga keeps things raw in California, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather and seasons,…
Solage Calistoga, California →
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, Nevada
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs keeps things raw in Nevada, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, Nevada →
Sophia Springs, Montana
Sophia Springs is a natural hot spring in Montana, USA. Getting there can be half the adventure — bring water, pack out…
Sophia Springs, Montana →
South Canyon Hot Springs, Colorado
For a wilder soak in Colorado, USA, South Canyon Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the…
South Canyon Hot Springs, Colorado →
South Harney Lake Hot Springs, Oregon
South Harney Lake Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Oregon, USA. Getting there can be half the adventure — bring…
South Harney Lake Hot Springs, Oregon →
Spa Castle, New York
Spa Castle brings hot spring bathing in New York, USA up to full resort standard. Book ahead in peak season, arrive hungry,…
Spa Castle, New York →
Spa Castle, Texas
Set in Texas, USA, Spa Castle pairs natural thermal water with resort comforts — pools, saunas and places to eat and unwind.…
Spa Castle, Texas →
Spa Hot Springs Motel and Clinic, Montana
Spa Hot Springs Motel and Clinic is a developed hot spring resort in Montana, USA, with maintained pools and full visitor facilities.…
Spa Hot Springs Motel and Clinic, Montana →
Spence Hot Spring, New Mexico
Spence Hot Spring keeps things raw in New Mexico, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Spence Hot Spring, New Mexico →
Choose your kind of soak
Whether you're traveling with family, seeking a quiet retreat, or looking for mineral-rich waters, United States has a spring for you.
The United States holds the largest share of this directory, over 500 springs, from free wilderness pools on Forest Service land to grand desert resorts. No other country mixes raw backcountry soaking and polished spa culture at this scale. The West is the story: the Rockies, Cascades and Basin and Range are one long geothermal seam.
How to reach United States's hot springs
Fly into Denver for the Colorado Rockies, Salt Lake City for Utah and Idaho, Reno or Las Vegas for Nevada, and Seattle or Portland for the Cascades. A car is essential, most wild springs are miles from the nearest town, and many need high-clearance or 4WD. Pair spring regions with national parks for the classic American road trip.
Where United States's springs cluster
- Colorado — Resort towns like Glenwood Springs and Pagosa Springs mixed with free creekside pools along forest roads.
- Idaho — Dozens of free river-side soaks in national forests, the connoisseur's state for backcountry bathing.
- Nevada & California — Desert playa-edge pools around the Black Rock Desert and the developed resorts of the Owens Valley.
- Pacific Northwest — Forest hot springs in Oregon and Washington, from lodge-run pools to clothing-optional creek soaks.
Best time to visit
September–October is prime: stable weather, fall color, warm water against crisp air. Winter brings legendary snow soaks but closes many forest roads. Desert springs are most comfortable October–April.
Good to know
Leave No Trace is the rule at wild pools: pack out everything, no soap in the water, keep noise down. Many backcountry pools are clothing-optional by custom. Always test temperature before entering, undeveloped sources can scald, and download offline maps, because cell service rarely reaches the trailhead.


