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.
Turkey Creek Hot Springs, New Mexico
For a wilder soak in New Mexico, USA, Turkey Creek Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect…
Turkey Creek Hot Springs, New Mexico →
Tuscan Springs Hotel and Spa, California
Tuscan Springs Hotel and Spa is a developed hot spring resort in California, USA, with maintained pools and full visitor facilities. Expect…
Tuscan Springs Hotel and Spa, California →
Twelvemile Hot Springs, Nevada
For a wilder soak in Nevada, USA, Twelvemile Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the spot,…
Twelvemile Hot Springs, Nevada →
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, Colorado
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs is a developed hot spring resort in Colorado, USA, with maintained pools and full visitor facilities.…
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, Colorado →
Two Bunch Palms, California
For a wilder soak in California, USA, Two Bunch Palms delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the spot,…
Two Bunch Palms, California →
Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon
For a wilder soak in Oregon, USA, Umpqua Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the spot,…
Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon →
Upper Warm Spring Saline Valley, California
Upper Warm Spring Saline Valley is a natural hot spring in California, USA. Getting there can be half the adventure — bring…
Upper Warm Spring Saline Valley, California →
Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado
For a wilder soak in Colorado, USA, Valley View Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the…
Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado →
Verde Hot Springs, Arizona
Verde Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Arizona, USA. Getting there can be half the adventure — bring water, pack…
Verde Hot Springs, Arizona →
Veyo Pool Hot Springs, Utah
Veyo Pool Hot Springs is a public thermal bathing spot in Utah, USA — easy to reach, easy on the wallet, and…
Veyo Pool Hot Springs, Utah →
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.