Natural Hot Springs in the United States
The U.S. is home to countless natural hot springs tucked away in forests, deserts, and mountain valleys. Deciding where to go can be overwhelming, but after seeking them out across the country, some just as a day trips, others a longer stay, here are some of my favorite spots worth soaking in that I think you will approve of.
1. Bathhouse Bliss in Hot Springs, Arkansas
I thought this historic spa town was an absolute treasure — set in the Ouachita Mountains with naturally steaming thermal waters bubbling up from the earth, ornate bathhouses lining the grand avenue, and forested hills offering peaceful trails above the springs. The whole place felt like a blend of wellness, history, and nature.
After a 1.5-hour drive southwest from Little Rock, winding through rolling green countryside and lake-filled valleys, I checked into the charming, retro-style Waters Hotel right on Bathhouse Row.
I spent the day exploring the preserved Bathhouse Row, stepping inside the ornate Fordyce Bathhouse to see its marble tubs and stained-glass ceilings, soaking in modern thermal spas, and then hiking through Hot Springs National Park’s forested trails, where scenic overlooks opened onto sweeping views of the town and surrounding Ouachita hills.
My food highlight was a Southern breakfast at The Pancake Shop, where I had banana pancakes with pecan butter and a side of crisp bacon. It was old-school, comforting, and absolutely worth the wait.
2. Hot Springs, North Carolina
I thought this riverside mountain town was a hidden gem — tucked away in a lush valley where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail, with natural hot mineral springs bubbling beside the water and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Surrounded by the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, it felt both rustic and rejuvenating, a blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
After a scenic 45-minute drive northwest from Asheville, winding past forested ridges and mountain farms, I checked into a cozy riverside cabin at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
I spent the day soaking in the mineral spring-fed tubs with views of the river, wandering through the quaint downtown with its local shops and cafés, and hiking a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes right through town. In the evening, I joined locals listening to live bluegrass at a community spot — the music and mountain air made it feel like a true Appalachian experience.
My food highlight was dinner at Iron Horse Station, where I had blackened trout with roasted vegetables and a glass of North Carolina wine. The dining room was warm and filled with laughter. It was like coming home, even though I’d never been.
3. Faywood Hot Springs
I thought this desert oasis was a soulful retreat — set in the wide, open landscapes of southern New Mexico, with steaming mineral pools tucked among mesquite and desert scrub, and a tranquil, almost timeless atmosphere. It felt like a place where the land itself offered healing, quiet, and renewal.
After a 30-minute drive south from Silver City through sunlit mesas and open rangeland, I checked into one of the rustic cabins at Faywood Hot Springs Resort.
I spent the day rotating between the soothing thermal pools, some open to the desert skies and others shaded and more private. The stillness of the desert amplified the sound of the breeze and the calls of nearby birds. In the evening, I wandered a short trail up a hilltop to watch the sunset paint the horizon in brilliant purples and golds — the perfect capstone to a day of relaxation.
What I Loved Most: Soaking at dusk with stars beginning to appear, the desert wind brushing against my face while the water stayed warm against my skin. No phones, no noise, just presence.
My highlights? A campfire meal under the stars. I brought my own provisions (nothing fancy) but the backdrop made it taste like something sacred. Simplicity made perfect.
4. Glen Ivy Hot Springs
I thought this wellness sanctuary was a rejuvenating escape — nestled at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains, surrounded by palm trees and gardens, with mineral-rich pools, lush greenery, and a sense of pampered relaxation. This place felt curated and indulgent, a blend of natural healing waters and spa luxury.
After a 1-hour drive southeast from Los Angeles through rolling citrus groves and winding foothill roads, I arrived at Glen Ivy and checked in for a full-day experience.
I spent the day moving between the mineral hot pools, soaking in the geothermal waters, and cooling off in the lap pool shaded by palms. The highlight was plunging into the famous Club Mud, where I coated myself in red clay before basking in the sun to let it dry, then rinsed off in the warm pools — both playful and therapeutic.
I also took time to wander the manicured gardens, sip herbal tea on shaded patios, and enjoy a quiet wellness class before ending with a relaxing massage.
5. Montezuma Hot Springs, New Mexico
I completely fell for this natural spot — Montezuma Hot Springs is a cluster of rustic, rock-lined artesian pools fed by geothermal waters, tucked along the banks of the Gallinas River. I spent two nights at Best Western Plus Montezuma Inn & Suites to enjoy this unique spot.
These springs felt intimate, earthy, and healing — steam rising from the pools against the backdrop of cottonwoods and mesas created a laid-back, soulful energy.
After leaving Las Vegas, New Mexico, I made the quick ten-minute drive up into the foothills toward Montezuma. The springs were hidden just off the road, near the historic Montezuma Castle. I spent the late afternoon soaking in different pools of varying temperatures, moving between warm, hot, and almost scalding springs, each with its own character and mineral feel.
I alternated between dips in the steaming water and lounging along the riverbank, where the sound of flowing water and occasional birdsong set a deeply relaxing rhythm. Locals drifted in and out, some sharing stories about the springs’ long history as a gathering place — from Indigenous use to the days of the grand Montezuma Hotel spa.
6. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs felt like a spa carved right into the Colorado River’s edge. Unlike the rustic charm of Montezuma, here it was all about variety and views: more than two dozen artfully designed soaking pools, each a different temperature, framed by the Rockies and the steady flow of the river. The mix of mineral water and mountain scenery gave it a serene, restorative vibe, while still feeling social and lively.
After the winding drive through Glenwood Canyon, I arrived in Glenwood Springs and checked into town for the night. The hot springs complex was just a short hop from the center of town, making it super easy to spend the afternoon moving between pools. Some were small and intimate, tucked among stonework and gardens; others were larger with sweeping views of the Colorado River.
I even cooled off in the family pool, where the mineral water is tempered for a refreshing contrast. I drifted between hot soaks and breaks on the lounge chairs, watching the river roll past and the sun slip behind the canyon walls. It struck the perfect balance of mountain grandeur and the comfort of modern amenities — plush changing rooms, riverside patios, and even a café for refueling between dips.
7. Goldbug Hot Springs & Hillside Solitude
I remember the climb before I remember the water. The trail rose steep and dusty through the Salmon-Challis hills, sagebrush brushing my legs, the scent sharp and dry in the heat. When the hot springs finally came into view, steaming pools tucked into a rocky ledge, I thought, “This feels like stumbling into a secret the mountains were holding back.” Below stretched the Salmon River valley, endless and quiet, the kind of view that made me want to linger forever.
What I Loved Most: Soaking in a hillside pool while snow still dusted the peaks in the distance. The water was hot against the chill air, and the contrast made every muscle unclench.
My highlights? After the hike back down, I stopped in the small town of Salmon for a meal at Bertram’s Brewery, a bison burger with caramelized onions and hand-cut fries. The burger was juicy with a smoky edge, the onions sweet enough to balance it, and the fries still crisp with a hint of salt. I didn’t rush; the whole day had already taught me to slow down.
A downside? The trail could get crowded on weekends, and some pools filled fast. I had to wait a while before sliding into one of the upper basins with the best views.
Plan your Goldbug Hot Springs trip:
- Drive Time from Salmon, ID: ~20 minutes south on US-93
- Vibe: Rustic, hidden, rejuvenating
- Highlights: Natural hillside hot springs, sweeping valley views, mountain hike
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for comfortable hiking weather
- Cost: Free; only parking at trailhead
- Hours: Open year-round; trail ~2 miles each way
What Stays with You
I didn’t just remember the water. I remembered the feeling: quiet mornings, still evenings, and the warmth that lingered long after I’d dried off. These were places that didn’t need anything fancy to feel extraordinary. I remember thinking, "Sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from sinking in and doing nothing at all."
Booking Checklist
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