Lava Hot Springs

Just over 180 miles from Park City is the kitschy town of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, named for the mineral water pools there, ranging in temp from 102 to 110 degrees (430 E Main St, 208.776.5221). Book a room at the Home Hotel (306 E Main St, 208.776.5050) and grab a post-soak beer at the Blue Moon Bar & Grill (89 S 1st E, 208.776.5007). Go: I-15 N to Exit 47, then drive east for 11 miles.

Crystal Hot Springs

These 100-year-old pools outside of Honeyville (8215 N Hwy 38, 435.339.0038) have an interesting history: during World War II, wounded soldiers were sent to rehab at these springs by President Roosevelt. Today, you’ll find there a large natural soaking pool, a steamy Olympic-size pool, and a hot pool with a cool waterslide. Go: Hwy 84 N to I-15 N to Exit 372 at Honeyville.    

The Homestead Crater

You’ll feel like you’re on another planet when you walk into the massive limestone rock dome to access this 65-foot-deep geothermal pool, hovering around a constant 90 to 96 degrees, at the Homestead Resort (700 N Homestead Dr, 435.654.1102, reservations required). Go: US 40 E to a right turn on River Rd, then follow the signs.

Diamond Fork Hot Springs (a.k.a. Fifth Water Hot Springs)

Good things come to those who hike: upon completing the 2.5-mile walk from the trailhead on Diamond Fork Road, you’ll be rewarded with a variety of hot natural pools and scenic waterfalls. Don’t be alarmed if you happen upon nude bathers here—swimsuits, while required, are often considered optional. Go: I-15 S to Exit 258/Price and drive east for 11 miles to Diamond Fork Rd.

Baker Hot Springs

The water in the three large soaking tubs at Baker Hot Springs can be very hot, but you can adjust the temp via two hot- and cold-water ditches that fill the tubs. Admission is free, but all maintenance is performed by volunteers, so please pack out your trash. Go: I-15 S to Hwy 132 W (Nephi) to Hwy 174 and follow the signs.

Meadow Hot Springs

These three crystal-clear pools are deep enough for snorkeling and scuba diving with the proper gear. The pools are located on private property in Meadow, just south of Fillmore, but they’re open to the public and camping is allowed. Go: I-15 S to a left off Exit 158; drive 4 miles to the hot springs. 

Mystic Hot Springs

Owned by artist Mike Ginsburg, a.k.a. Mystic Mike, this funky Monroe-area resort (475 E 100 N, 435.527.3286) features two soaking pools and eight bathtubs built into the red-rock landscape. Buy a daily pass, or spend the night in a restored pioneer cabin or a converted school bus; tent and car camping are also permitted. Go: Take I-15 S to Exit 188/Scipio. Head east on Hwy 50 to I-70 W. Pull off at Exit 31 to Monroe.