The best natural hot spring escapes in the US

Hot water pools
Hot water pools

There are plenty of benefits for physical and mental health from soaking in a natural hot spring. Better than any hot tub, spa center, or cyber-modern home bathroom, a hot spring is a magical spot with volcanic power. All of the pools on this list are suitable for swimming because of the perfect water temperature, but they are also stunningly beautiful. If you hate winter and cold weather, here are some interesting suggestions on where to spend a ‘hot’ weekend and escape the city noise. Check this natural hot springs list and pick your favorite one. Let’s get started!

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon

Lodge at Breitenbush Hot Springs – Author: Mark Allyn – CC BY-SA 3.0
Lodge at Breitenbush Hot Springs – Author: Mark Allyn – CC BY-SA 3.0

Breitenbush is only 10 miles away from Detroit in Oregon. It’s a remote retreat known for its stone pools, peace, and serenity. You can stay in the charming cabins overnight, enjoy the vegan and vegetarian fare, rest in the hot-water pools or go hiking. Breitenbush Hot Springs offers much more than just relaxing waters. If you are a hiking fan, go and explore the trails in the area and enjoy the magnificent vistas.

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho – Author: Decumanus – CC BY-SA 3.0
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho – Author: Decumanus – CC BY-SA 3.0

Lava Hot Springs is a small city in Bannock County in Idaho. Lava Hot Springs is perfect for families that love water. Besides the gorgeous 20,000 gallon pool fed by hot springs, here you can find a water park with an Olympic swimming pool, kiddie pool, and water slides with different speeds. No matter what your preference is, Lava Hot Springs has something for every family member.

Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado

The large hot springs pool – Author: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD – CC BY-SA 3.0
The large hot springs pool – Author: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD – CC BY-SA 3.0

Glenwood hot-water pool is really famous among the locals and people from other parts of the country as well. If you like the winter, but hate the cold, then visit Glenwood when there’s snow outside and relax in the steaming water. Nothing feels better than sitting in a hot bath under a starry sky. The smaller Therapy pool is slightly warmer and contains more minerals, so people who have some health issues choose this one. Water slides, mini golf, and a kiddie pool are also available, but not during the cold months. So, if you visit Glenwood Hot Springs now, you will get to swim only in the two pools. Something is better than nothing, right?

Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming

Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis WY – Author: Charles Willgren – CC-BY 2.0
Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis WY – Author: Charles Willgren – CC-BY 2.0

If you ever find yourself in Thermopolis in Wyoming, you must visit Hot Springs State Park, just a few hours drive from Yellowstone National Park. In the middle of a unique landscape, the park is full of mineral springs, Rainbow Terraces, and local bison herds. One of the main reasons why people love this place is the free bath house. There are indoor and outdoor soaking pools where you can enjoy the mineral rich hot water. Plan a weekend in the park where you can hike the 6.2-mile trail and relax your tired muscles in a thermal water after the walk.

If your long-time wish is to escape from the dirt, the crowd and the noise of your home city and soak your tired body in a hot spring somewhere remote, now you know where you can do it. Mineral rich hot water is the most pleasant treatment that you can give your body, especially if you have problems with rheumatism, arthritis, or nervous system. Thermal water pools are a gift from nature for us to enjoy and improve our health. If you have any doubts about these natural wonders, explore how the ancient civilizations used the power of the hot springs. Never underestimate the force of nature because we are all part of it. Choose your favorite hot spring and have a nice, relaxing weekend. Good luck!

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival