3 Utah Hot Springs Perfect for a Winter Swim
Here in our home state of Utah, it can get a little discouraging when summer season ends and we’re greeted with months and months of snow and cold weather. After all, all we want to do is keep spending every day playing in our swimsuits! But this year, we realized there is a way to keep our swimsuits on all year long – exploring our local hot springs! Utah is full of so many beautiful spots and they’re made even more gorgeous (and relaxing) by the white snow!
Not only are they beautiful, but there are numerous health and skin benefits to soaking in hot springs. They boost blood circulation, soften your skin, reduce stress and help you sleep better. So next time you feel like going for a swim, head out on an adventure to one of these three spots!
Meadow Hot Springs
These are about a two hour drive south of Salt Lake City – perfect for stopping by on your way to a weekend getaway in St. George. Meadow is a small town just south of Fillmore, UT, and these springs are located on private property that the owner graciously allows the public to use. You can drive right up to them, so the walk from your car will be a little brisk in the cold but not too long!
There are three springs on the property, with varying degrees in temperature. One has a dock and a ladder (and even has fish swimming around at the bottom), but is a little cooler and more suited to summer swimming. The second is warmer, comparable to warm bath water. It’s not too cold but you won’t want to stay it for long if there’s snow on the ground. The third is like a big hot tub and is definitely the warmest one and the one that will be full of people. You can actually dive down and explore the bottom – it’s about 20 feet deep in the middle and the water is crystal clear.
Swimsuits: Black Zipper One Piece / Daisy Bralette + High-Waist Black Bottoms
Make sure you clean up after yourself and others while you’re here, and consider making a donation to the owner of the springs. Remember it’s private property, and he could close it to the public at any time! Head here for the full directions to Meadow Hot Springs.
Homestead Crater
If you’re looking for a more relaxing, not-so-adventurous experience, you’ll find that at the Homestead Crater. It’s a natural crater made from hard water deposits over time, but it’s owned by a hotel (the Homestead Resort) and comes complete with heated changing rooms, benches to sit on in the water, life vests, and more. It costs $13 on weekdays and $16 on weekends and holidays, but it’s the perfect place for a natural soak!
Scuba diving lessons and even stand up paddle board yoga classes are also available in the crater, but must be signed up for separately and in advance. The water here is about 65 feet deep, and swimmers are required to wear life vests – but we think it’s just that much more relaxing when you don’t have to worry about staying afloat!
Swimsuits: Lemon Dot High-Neck Crop + High-Waist Black Bottoms / Blueberry Dot Bralette + Sapphire Classic Bottoms
The water is a toasty 90-96 degrees and you’ll get so comfortable, you won’t even remember it’s cold outside! All the information including how to make reservations can be found at the Homestead Crater’s website.
Diamond Fork Hot Springs
This one includes a hike and is definitely the most adventurous on our list, but we think it’s also the most beautiful! Diamond Fork Hot Springs are deep in Spanish Fork Canyon. In the summer, the hike is only about 2.5 miles each way, but in the winter, the road is closed, adding another 3.5 miles each way to the hike. Luckily, it’s not hard since most of the hike is on the flat road, but it does take a long time and you’ll want to bundle up!
When you see the springs though, you’ll see that it was all worth it. The water in the pools ranges from a bright turquoise blue to an emerald green, and there’s even a waterfall at the top of the hill. Once you put on your swimsuit and step in, you’ll never want to leave! Just make sure you bring extra clothes so that once you do want to head back, you’ll have something dry to change into so your suit doesn’t freeze to you!
Swimsuits: White Rose Peplum + White Rose High-Waist Bottoms / Sapphire One-Shoulder + Water Dot Ruched Bottoms / Water Dot T-Back + Classic Sapphire Bottoms
Plan for a full day to complete this trip – about 2.5-3 hours each way for the hike, plus however long you want to stay in the pools. You might end up soaking it in longer than you even plan! Before you make the trip, make sure you read a full trail guide to Diamond Fork Hot Springs.
So, what to you think? Which one of these hot springs would you visit – or all three? Leave a comment and let us know, and then head to our website to find the perfect swimsuit for all your adventures!
Photography by Melissa Kruger, Amy Bischoff, & Shannon Hall