Hot Springs Getaways in the United States

From Friday Hike: Bagby Hot Springs by Salmagundia

Winter is fast approaching in the Northern Hemisphere. If cold temperatures, snow-covered streets, icy walkways, and the hectic pace of the holidays already has you daydreaming about getting away, stay tuned to the Editor’s Pick Blog this week for great ideas on destinations that’ll keep you cozy and warm through the Winter months.

The United States boasts a number of relaxing and naturally beautiful hot springs, where travelers searching for a soothing respite may unwind in warmth and tranquility. For centuries, natural hot springs have been used to sooth the soul, heal the body, and calm the mind. Plus, what could be a better way to forget the dreary gray and cold of winter than taking a dip in bubbling, curative waters with awe-inspiring scenery all around?

Hot Springs in the United States

California

From posh spas and resorts to natural hot springs nestled within the desert wilderness, California offers a variety of calming springs in which to forget your troubles. The small, unique city of Desert Hot Springs is home to a world-renowned hot mineral water aquifer, supplying the town’s over 40 hotels and spas with the hot spring waters that make them ultimate relaxation hubs. The city lies within the Coachella Valley, in the San Bernardino foothills and Joshua Tree National Park. A great place to let yourself be spoiled, Desert Hot Springs offers posh resorts and exclusive retreats where guests may luxuriate in a variety of massages and treatments. Other fantastic hot springs areas and resorts in California include: Sykes Hot Springs, a popular respite for Big Sur area trekkers. Big Caliente Hot Springs in Santa Barbara offers a great mountain experience, while Saline Valley Hot Spring in Lone Pine is perfect for travelers desiring an isolated spot. Deep Creek Hot Springs is a favorite spot for folks who like to experience hot springs in their birthday suits.

More Resources:
California Hot Springs
Hot Springs Enthusiast
Soak.net

Colorado

There are so many great hot springs location in Colorado, it’s difficult to narrow the list down. But most hot spring enthusiasts seem to agree, Glenwood Springs deserves the top spot. The town itself is fun to visit, with charming shops, museums, plenty of restaurants, and inspiring scenery; but most come to soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the largest of its kind in the world. Swim, play on water slides, go deep in the diving pool, or just soak. Nearby are the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves, where you may relax on marble benches in hot mineral water steam baths within underground caves. Other hot springs spas and resorts in Colorado that have received top star ratings are Rainbow Hot Springs in the Weminuche Wilderness Area located within the San Juan National Forest near a picturesque river; Strawberry Park Hot Springs, 7 miles outside of the great ski resort town of Steamboat Springs, and boasting a variety of lovely springs including a large pool all set against a scenic backdrop; and Conundrum Hot Springs in gorgeous and luxurious Aspen, one of the world’s best ski and snowboard destinations — the hot springs offer a secluded and gloriously scenic experience, with waterfalls, flowers, mountains, and alpine trails all around.

More Resources:
Best Hot Springs in Colorado
Colorado Hot Springs and Mineral Baths
Hot Spring Enthusiast
Colorado Travel Guide

Hot Springs in other parts of the U.S.

California and Colorado are certainly not the only places travelers can find wonderful hot springs. States like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arkansas, Alaska, and New Mexico offer a wide variety of natural and developed springs, often set amidst striking natural settings. Lava Hot Springs in Idaho is open year-round, and has four outdoor natural mineral water pools and a staff of massage therapists ready to deliver you to relaxation-ville. Oregon is home to a variety of hot springs, some of the most popular being Bagby Hot Springs located just outside Portland, the natural hot springs of Mcredie which are about 50 miles southeast of Eugene, and Cougar (Terwilliger) Hot Springs in beautiful Willamette National Forest. Just a bit further north in Washington, you’ll find Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort, where you can spend the day golfing, and then relax your muscles with a mineral bath, wrap, massage, or all three. The hotel is quaint and lovely, and the surrounding area offers great fishing and sightseeing.

This is just a taste of the fantastic hot spring resorts, bathhouses, and natural mineral pools the western United States has to offer. For folks traveling south, you’ll find excellent facilities in Arizona, New Mexico, and Arkansas. For more information on how to plan your next relaxing hot spring getaway, including great springs in British Columbia, visit the links below.

More useful links:
Best Hot Springs Destinations
Search U.S. Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Top 7 Hot Springs
Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada

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