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.
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, South Dakota
For a wilder soak in South Dakota, USA, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect…
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, South Dakota →
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Montana
Set in Montana, USA, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort pairs natural thermal water with resort comforts — pools, saunas and places to eat…
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Montana →
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, California
Set in California, USA, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa pairs natural thermal water with resort comforts — pools, saunas and places…
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, California →
Fales Hot Springs, California
For a wilder soak in California, USA, Fales Hot Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the spot,…
Fales Hot Springs, California →
Fanning Springs, Florida
For a wilder soak in Florida, USA, Fanning Springs delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people. Respect the spot, leave…
Fanning Springs, Florida →
Faywood Hot Springs, New Mexico
Faywood Hot Springs keeps things raw in New Mexico, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Faywood Hot Springs, New Mexico →
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah
Fifth Water Hot Springs keeps things raw in Utah, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah →
Fire Water Lodge, New Mexico
Fire Water Lodge brings hot spring bathing in New Mexico, USA up to full resort standard. Book ahead in peak season, arrive…
Fire Water Lodge, New Mexico →
Firehole River Swimming Area, Wyoming
Firehole River Swimming Area keeps things raw in Wyoming, USA — geothermal water, minimal development, maximum atmosphere. Conditions can change with weather…
Firehole River Swimming Area, Wyoming →
Fish Creek Hot Springs Iva Bell, California
For a wilder soak in California, USA, Fish Creek Hot Springs Iva Bell delivers: natural pools, open surroundings and far fewer people.…
Fish Creek Hot Springs Iva Bell, California →
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.


