Top 10 Popular U.S. Hot Springs You Should Visit This Winter

There’s nothing quite like pulling up the snow and slipping into the steaming waters of a natural hot spring when the temperatures drop and winter has blanketed the country in snow. There’s nothing like the combination of cold air on your face and mineral-rich water hugging your body for the ultimate winter escape. If you crave an adventure of relaxation after a day of bouncing off mountains, or maybe you’re simply seeking solace, whatever your reason, hot springs are nature’s version of a pampering spa, only cheaper.

Some very hot springs are within the United States and provide relaxation as well as beautiful views of nature. Some of these steaming spots are remote pools tucked into mountain ranges, others are well-maintained resorts, but all are perfect for beating the winter chills. Grab your swimsuit, a warm robe, and a spirit of adventure, then dip into one of these 10 hot springs this season.

Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado

The largest hot spring pool in the world can be found at Glenwood Hot Springs, tucked in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This mineral-rich pool is big enough to swim laps or float your stress away, at over 405 feet long. The water has been naturally warm and reputed to have healing properties, and it’s been bringing in visitors for over a century. It’s a truly relaxing experience, and you’ll have the most relaxing experience if you visit at night—there’s nothing like watching steam dance off the water under a sky full of stars.

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

If soaking in steamy water while watching the Northern Lights sounds like magic, then Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska, delivers just that. This spot is prime time to visit during winter, as auroras are most active from September to March. Up here 106°F springs keep things cozy, just right for thawing out after a day in Alaska’s icy wilderness. To make it especially frosty pair your soak with a visit to the nearby Aurora Ice Museum.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

With its bubbling waters making a “steamboat-like” sound, Steamboat Springs is a favorite with winter travelers. A must-visit is the nearby Strawberry Park Hot Springs with outdoor pools surrounded by snow-covered trees. Just be warned: After dark it’s clothing optional, so if you’re visiting with kids… plan accordingly. It’s definitely an unforgettable stop.

The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is home to Mother Spring, the deepest geothermal hot spring on the planet, with depths plunging over 1,000 feet. The Springs Resort & Spa, built around this natural wonder, offers 25 different pools ranging in temperature from toasty to downright hot. Guests can hop from pool to pool like a kid in a candy store. The soothing mineral water and mountain views make it a relaxing winter retreat.

Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming

Free public soaking areas make Wyoming’s Hot Springs State Park in the town of Thermopolis proof that the best things in life are free. The water in the park is mineral-rich, with sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, and is thought to work wonders for aches and pains. Stroll the boardwalk and check out the park’s iconic mineral terraces, after a long soak, they are colorful deposits that look straight out of a science fiction movie.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Dunton Hot Springs in southwestern Colorado is fancy rustic living with modern comforts. Once a mining town, this is now a high-end retreat with six natural hot spring pools, snug log cabins, and fine dining. It’s the best of both worlds: old-world character mixed with upscale relaxation. A picture-perfect backdrop of the surrounding San Juan Mountains looks like it came right out of a postcard.

Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana

This is just outside Yellowstone National Park, where these are natural springs, perfect for visitors looking for warmth during the park’s freezing winter season. While Yellowstone’s boiling geothermal features (no swimming here, unless you want trouble) are closed to the public, the Yellowstone Hot Springs are open to the public and offer safely cooled pools. It’s easy to see why this spot feels so rejuvenating with sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks.

Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington

For something remote, Washington’s Cascade Mountains have Goldmyer Hot Springs. The springs are a four-and-a-half mile hike over snowy trails, a perfect adventure for the adventurous person who wants to earn their reward. After a short hike, you’ll find yourself in clear pools under the canopy of forest trees with water temps at a toasty 125°F. It’s also more satisfying because of the effort it takes to get there.

Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon

Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest hides a rustic and peaceful escape deep in the forest: Bagby Hot Springs. Natural, piping-hot water flows through wooden flumes, feeding hand-carved cedar tubs in the middle of a forest. The site is first come, first served, so bring your own towel and maybe a thermos of tea. It is such a serene spot and could be simply considered a secret sanctuary kept in nature.

Riverbend Hot Springs, New Mexico

Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is tucked along the Rio Grande, with crystal clear thermal pools and river views to match. Naturally heated to temperatures of around 100°F, it is thought to have therapeutic properties for body and mind. Pick your private or public pool for your soak and sit back and enjoy the desert sunset. This stop is worth adding to your list just for the views.

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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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