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Utah's Mighty 5: An Overview of Utah’s National Parks

Visiting Utah’s National Parks is a bucket-list worthy adventure. From hoodoos to natural bridges, sandstone cliffs to narrow slot canyons, and rushing rivers to vibrant communities steeped in history, each place holds its own enchantment. If you’re visiting national parks in Utah, plan ahead and factor in rest and recovery since you’ll be exerting yourself most days.

Many of the parks’ campsites and lodges book out long in advance, and some trails and entry points require permits or timed entry. We recommend reserving at least a week for this trip. Travelers often fly into Salt Lake City and start their journeys in Moab—where two of the Mighty 5 are close by—and work their way to Zion, but you could easily reverse this order. Below, you’ll find legendary trails, nearby attractions, kid and pet-friendly activities, and places to stop along the way on this epic, breathtaking road trip.

Pick up an America the Beautiful National Park Pass (this will save you money in park fees) and hit the trails in Utah National Parks.

Arches National Park

Just outside the charming town of Moab, you’ll find the largest concentration of natural arches in the world. Though relatively small and crowded, with over 2,000 arches, it’s a great place to start your adventure. It'll give you a taste of the region’s wonders with first glimpses of sandstone fins, towers, ribs, hoodoos, and balanced rocks, too1.

Timed entry permits are required April 1–July 6 and August 28–October 31.

Top Activities in Arches National Park

Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or new to the national parks, there’s plenty to see and explore:

  • Hike to Delicate Arch at Sunset or Sunrise (4.2 miles, 682 feet, strenuous): The 65-foot arc steals the show, but it’s a steep trail on slickrock with little shade. The trail also gets quite hot in summer. Experienced hikers can look forward to a challenging day. If you’re traveling with small children, there are plenty of options with equally breathtaking views2.
  • Take the Scenic Drive: Enjoy a paved 36-mile path with trail access and overlooks3.
  • Hike Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch (2 miles, 250 feet, moderate): Spanning 306 feet, this arch is known for its slenderness; experts suggest it could collapse any time.
  • Explore the Sand Dune Arch Trail (0.4 miles, easy): Kids love exploring the natural sandpit and sandstone structures that make up this family-friendly trail.

Canyonlands National Park

Formed by the same rivers that forged The Grand Canyon (Green and Colorado), Canyonlands consists of five districts of towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs, and spires. Most visitors stick to the Island in the Sky area as the others are quite remote.

Top Activities in Canyonlands National Park

The area in and around this park is a haven for photographers, whether you want to capture the natural formations or unique slices of life in a historic town:

  • Hike to Mesa Arch (0.5 miles, easy): One of the most photographed landforms in the West, the trail is perfect for beginners and families but still includes iconic vistas.
  • Drive the Grand View Point Road: Though dogs aren’t allowed on most trails in Utah’s Mighty 5, scenic drives are a good way to experience the parks with your pups4.
  • Explore Charming Moab: The perfect home base for both Canyonlands and Arches, the town has impressive restaurants (try Garage and Doughbird), fun tours, and hotels. If renovated roadside motels are your preferred type of lodging, check out Field Station5.

Capitol Reef National Park

This underrated park may see fewer visitors than the others, but it’s home to an unforgettable landscape. You’ll find an endless moody expanse of sky and desert rock, including the preserved Water Pocket Fold (a rippling of the earth’s crust 100 miles long) and a place steeped in Mormon settler and Indigenous history6.

Top Activities at Capitol Reef National Park

Discover what makes this hidden gem one of Utah’s finest national parks, including a taste of history and spectacular starlight:

  • View Petroglyphs East of the Visitor Center and Hike Through to Capitol Gorge (1 mile, easy): View etchings made by ancient Puebloan and Freemont indigenous people.
  • Hike Hickman Bridge Trail (2 miles, easy): Perfect for kids with plenty of rocks for them to climb on safely2.
  • Grab Some Pie at the Gifford Homestead: From June through October, you can pick fruit from the orchards and sample some of the best baked goods around at this former Mormon settlement. This is also a rare dog-friendly trail from the Visitor Center.
  • Watch the Sunset at Sunset Pt. and Stay for Stargazing: As a Designated Dark Sky park, this is one of the best spots in the country to see the Milky Way.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive the breathtaking Scenic Byway 12 from Capitol Reef, which passes through Grand Staircase Escalante to a fantasy land of hoodoos (tall, thin spires that protrude from the basin)5. Though these formations can be found all over the world, they’re more prevalent here than anywhere else.

Top Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon truly has something for everyone, including families and visitors with adventurous dogs:

  • Do the Scenic Drive with the Guide Along App: A wonderful kid-friendly activity to learn more about the place as you stop at Inspiration and Rainbow Points2.
  • Hike Queen’s Garden to Navajo Trail (1.8 miles, moderate): Queen’s Garden is a short 0.9-mile route that drops 320 feet below the rim. The trail can loop back up by connecting with either branch of the Navajo Loop.
  • Explore Nearby Red Canyon: This is a mini version of Bryce that you can explore with your pups.

Zion National Park

Carved by water and time for millennia, the park invites you to participate in the very forces that forged it. Zion translates to “The Promised Land,” so we saved it for last. Before hitting two of the most epic hikes in the country, take time to rest—you’ll thank yourself3.

Top Activities in Zion National Park

This park is the perfect place to enjoy sunny days year-round and seemingly endless options for outdoor adventure and recreational activities:

  • Explore Springdale, St. George, and Hurricane: Resting up between hikes is an ideal time for shopping, visiting local galleries, and refueling in the towns surrounding the park.
  • Experience Rest and Rejuvenation at Zion Canyon Hot Springs: Located near Hurricane, this self-care destination boasts 50+ bodies of water including natural mineral waters, globally-inspired mineral soaking pools, a large family pool, cold plunges, barrel saunas, a cafe and bar, and more! It’s the perfect place to soothe your aching muscles before getting back on the trails.
  • Take the First Shuttle to Hike the Narrows (up to 9 miles, moderate) or Angels Landing Trail (5.4 miles, strenuous; permit required): The Narrows is a water hike to a slot canyon through some of the most beautiful rock forms in the Southwest. Stop in at the Visitor Center first to check conditions. Angels Landing, a top hike in the country, is a harrowing climb up roughly 1,500 vertical feet along the narrow fin of stone, but the views alone are worth the whole trip.

Whether you want to focus on one park at a time or plan the adventure of a lifetime by seeing a little of everything, Zion Canyon Hot Springs is the place to unwind and recover. Enjoy our pools and amenities and create a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling your best.

Sources:

  1. The Mighty 5. Visit Utah. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/the-mighty-5
  2. Borchers, K. (26 December 2024). The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks with Young Kids. Dr. Kayla Borchers Holistic Physical Therapy & Wellness. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://drkaylaborchers.com/utah-mighty-five-with-young-kids/
  3. The Mighty 5: The Ultimate Journey. Visit Utah. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/recommended-itineraries/the-mighty-5-ultimate-journey
  4. Exploring The Mighty 5 With Your Dog. Dog Friendly SLC. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://dogfriendlyslc.com/exploring-the-mighty-5-with-your-dog/
  5. (18 October 2024). Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 National Park Road Trip Itinerary. Lita of the Pack. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.litaofthepack.com/utah-mighty-5-road-trip/
  6. (26 June 2025). Utah’s Mighty 5: How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip Itinerary. Earth Trekkers. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.earthtrekkers.com/utah-mighty-5-travel-guide-and-road-trip-itinerary/

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    Contrast Therapy & The Mineral Method | Zion Canyon

    on Aug 27, 2026 | 5 minutes

    Contrast therapy means moving between hot and cold water in a deliberate cycle. The Mineral Method is the Zion Canyon Hot Springs name for that circuit, built from hot mineral pools, cold plunges, cool springs, and barrel saunas. Mineral waters here range from 70 to 104 degrees, cold plunges sit in the 40s and 50s, cool springs start in the 70s, and three birch-lined Finnish barrel saunas anchor the heat. Research suggests contrast water therapy may reduce muscle soreness versus rest, though the evidence base is limited and mixed. The sections below explain the science, the circuit, and the seasonal ending that suits your visit in 2026. What Is Contrast Therapy? Contrast therapy is the practice of alternating between heat and cold in one structured session. Warm water widens blood vessels, a response called vasodilation. Cold water narrows them, a response called vasoconstriction. Repeating the cycle creates a pumping action often described as a vascular flush. Clinicians also call the method contrast hydrotherapy, hot and cold therapy, or thermal contrast. Zion Canyon Hot Springs turns that clinical idea into an open-air circuit in the Utah desert. What Is The Mineral Method? The Mineral Method is the Zion Canyon Hot Springs name for its guided contrast circuit through mineral water, cold plunges, cool springs, and barrel saunas. Most contrast therapy happens in gyms, cryotherapy chambers, or small spa tubs. The Mineral Method happens outdoors in geothermal water drawn from the historic Pah Tempe Hot Springs. Guests move between hot mineral pools, freshwater cold plunges, cool mineral springs, and three barrel saunas in one loop. No competitor circuit combines natural mineral water, desert air, and evening soaking the way Zion Canyon Hot Springs does. Every soak draws on the 14+ minerals in the Pah Tempe spring water, including magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron. How to Do The Mineral Method Step by Step? The Mineral Method runs as heat, cold, recovery, and repeat, with rest and water between rounds. The Mineral Method circuit includes the following steps: Warm mineral soak: settle into a hot mineral pool up to 104 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Cold plunge: move to a cold plunge in the 40s and 50s for 1 to 3 minutes. Recovery: warm up in a barrel sauna or a cool spring in the 70s, then rest. Repeat: run the loop 2 to 3 rounds, then finish according to your goal. Drink water before you start and between each round. Rest 5 to 10 minutes between rounds so your heart rate settles. Zion Canyon Hot Springs places hydration stations throughout the property for that reason. The Summer Version and the Winter Version End the circuit cold in summer for a refreshed exit, and end warm in winter for a relaxed exit. Summer visitors often want to cool down after long Zion trails. Finishing in a cold plunge or a cool spring leaves the body alert and refreshed. Winter visitors often want to warm up and unwind. Finishing in a hot mineral pool or a barrel sauna leaves the body calm before the drive home. Some practitioners favor ending on cold, a pattern named the Søberg Principle by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman after researcher Dr. Susanna Søberg. Treat the ending as personal guidance, not medical prescription. Zion Canyon Hot Springs stays open 10am to 11pm daily, so evening soaking suits either goal. What the Science Says About Benefits? Research suggests contrast therapy may reduce muscle soreness versus rest, though the evidence remains limited and mixed. A 2013 PLoS ONE meta-analysis by Bieuzen, Bleakley, and Costello found contrast water therapy produced significantly greater improvements in muscle soreness than passive recovery, while noting all 18 included trials had a high risk of bias. A 2017 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research review by Higgins, Greene, and Baker, pooling 23 studies of team-sport athletes, found neither cold water immersion nor contrast water therapy was beneficial for perceptions of muscle soreness. The two findings show the science is genuinely mixed. Separately, regular sauna bathing has been linked to cardiovascular benefits: in Laukkanen and colleagues' 2018 Mayo Clinic Proceedings review of a Finnish cohort of 2,315 men, those with 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week had a 63 percent lower risk of sudden cardiac death than once-weekly bathers. Zion Canyon Hot Springs presents these as potential benefits, not guarantees. Who Should Be Cautious Pregnant guests and people with cardiovascular conditions should avoid contrast therapy or consult a doctor first. The following guests should consult a healthcare provider before trying The Mineral Method: Pregnant guests, because heat raises core temperature. People with heart disease, arrhythmia, or high blood pressure. People with Raynaud's disease or strong cold sensitivity. Anyone recovering from recent surgery or illness. Start gradually and step out when you feel lightheaded. Avoid alcohol before the circuit. Zion Canyon Hot Springs staff can point you toward gentler pools when you arrive. The Facilities Behind the Circuit Zion Canyon Hot Springs provides every element of The Mineral Method in one desert property. The Mineral Method uses the following on-site features: 32 natural hot springs pools spanning the cool 70s to a hot 104 degrees. 16 WorldSprings-inspired pools on the 21+ Premier side. 3 freshwater cold plunges in the 40s and 50s. 3 birch-lined Finnish barrel saunas. Hydration stations, fire pits, and rest areas between rounds. Explore the saunas, cold plunges, and pools among the Zion Canyon Hot Springs amenities before you plan your loop. Compare the full range of hot springs pools at Zion Canyon Hot Springs to pick your starting temperature. For deeper reading, see the science of cold plunges, the case for barrel saunas, and the value of mineral soaking. The property sits in La Verkin, 25 to 30 minutes from the Zion National Park south entrance, 25 minutes from St. George, and 2 hours from Las Vegas. A family side and a 21+ Premier side serve different visits. Plan Your Visit to Zion Canyon Hot Springs Zion Canyon Hot Springs unites the summer cool down and the year-round soak in one circuit, The Mineral Method. The desert property gives you hot mineral pools, cold plunges, cool springs, and barrel saunas to build your own loop. Make reservations at Zion Canyon Hot Springs and arrive with time to complete a few rounds. Book in minutes. Soak for hours. Feel good for days. Frequently Asked Questions What is contrast therapy? Contrast therapy is the practice of alternating hot and cold immersion in one session. The heat widens blood vessels and the cold narrows them. Zion Canyon Hot Springs delivers the method through The Mineral Method circuit. How long should you do contrast therapy? Most sessions run 15 to 30 minutes across 2 to 3 rounds. A common pattern pairs 10 to 15 minutes of heat with 1 to 3 minutes of cold. Rest and hydrate between each round. Is contrast therapy good for sore muscles? Research suggests contrast water therapy may reduce muscle soreness compared with rest. A 2013 PLoS ONE meta-analysis reported that benefit while noting weak study quality. A 2017 team-sport review found no soreness benefit, so results vary. Should you end contrast therapy hot or cold? End cold for an alert, refreshed finish, or end warm for a calm, relaxed finish. Summer visitors to Zion Canyon Hot Springs often end cold. Winter visitors often end warm. Can you do contrast therapy at a hot springs? Yes, a natural hot springs with cold plunges and saunas suits contrast therapy well. Zion Canyon Hot Springs was designed for the circuit through The Mineral Method. Hot mineral pools, cold plunges, cool springs, and barrel saunas sit in one loop. Sources Bieuzen, F., Bleakley, C. M., and Costello, J. T. (2013). Contrast Water Therapy and Exercise Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE, 8(4), e62356. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0062356 Higgins, T. R., Greene, D. A., and Baker, M. K. (2017). Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Contrast Water Therapy for Recovery From Team Sport: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(5), 1443 to 1460. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27398915/ Laukkanen, J. A., Laukkanen, T., and Kunutsor, S. K. (2018). Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(8), 1111 to 1121. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/s0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltext Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Our Waters. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.zioncanyonhotsprings.com/our-waters Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Our Amenities. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.zioncanyonhotsprings.com/amenities Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Home. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.zioncanyonhotsprings.com/

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    Hot Springs Near Zion National Park: 2026 Guide

    on Aug 16, 2026 | 4 minutes

    Zion National Park contains no hot springs inside its boundaries. The closest hot spring to Zion is the historic Pah Tempe spring in La Verkin, 25 to 30 minutes from the south entrance, and public soaking there has been closed since 2013. Zion Canyon Hot Springs draws its mineral water from that exact spring, which makes the resort the way to soak in those historic waters today. The property holds more than 50 bodies of water, including 32 natural hot springs pools from the cool 70s to 104 degrees. Other natural hot springs in Utah sit about two hours or more from the park. Are There Hot Springs in Zion National Park? No, Zion National Park has no hot springs inside its boundaries. The park's water features are the Virgin River, the Emerald Pools, and seasonal waterfalls, all cold water. Geothermal activity in this region surfaces along the Hurricane Fault, west of the park. The nearest geothermal spring sits along that fault in La Verkin. Zion Canyon Hot Springs soaks guests in water from that spring, 25 to 30 minutes from the park's south entrance. Visitors who search for hot springs in Zion are usually looking for exactly this spot. The Closest Hot Spring to Zion: Pah Tempe Pah Tempe Hot Springs is the closest natural hot spring to Zion National Park, and public access has been closed since 2013. The spring is also known as La Verkin Hot Springs, Dixie Hot Springs, and La Verkin Sulphur Springs. Water surfaces on the Virgin River between La Verkin and Hurricane at about 107 degrees. The source produces more than seven million gallons daily, per the Washington County Water Conservancy District. The history runs deep. The Paiute people held these waters sacred for centuries before settlement. Thomas Judd recorded the first ownership, and a resort company built the first cement pool in 1918. The springs passed through many hands until the Washington County Water Conservancy District became sole owner in 2013 and closed public access over safety and environmental concerns. The closure matters for your trip planning. Hiking to Pah Tempe is trespassing on managed property. The waters themselves never stopped flowing, and they now have a legal home. Soaking in the Pah Tempe Waters at Zion Canyon Hot Springs Zion Canyon Hot Springs pipes mineral water directly from the Pah Tempe source, so guests soak in the same historic waters legally and comfortably. We draw the water from the spring, treat and filter it, and control pool temperatures across the property. Pool water changes over about every two hours. The water carries more than 14 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and sulfate. Read about the mineral content and source of the Pah Tempe waters before your visit. The property turns one spring into a full day. Guests move between 32 natural hot springs pools at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, spanning the cool 70s to a hot 104 degrees. The 21+ Premier side adds 16 WorldSprings-inspired pools modeled on famous soaks worldwide. Three cold plunges in the 40s and 50s and three birch-lined barrel saunas complete the circuit. Families and adults each get their own space. The Family Friendly side holds 14 mineral pools, a large freshwater pool, and the Little Canyon Café. The 21+ side adds a full-service bar and quieter soaking. Other Natural Hot Springs in Utah Worth the Drive The other natural hot springs in Utah sit about two hours or more from Zion National Park. These springs suit travelers building a longer Utah route. Zion Canyon Hot Springs remains the only option within half an hour of the park. The main natural hot springs within driving range include the following: Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe sits about two hours north of Zion. Mineral water flows into rustic soaking tubs and pools. Red Hill Hot Springs, also near Monroe, offers free primitive pools about two hours from the park. Meadow Hot Springs near Fillmore sits roughly two and a half hours away. Clear geothermal pools rest on private land open to respectful visitors. Each of these rewards the drive in cooler months. Travelers can compare the full region in our guide to mineral hot springs across Southern Utah. Planning Your Soak Around a Zion Visit The best pattern pairs morning trails in Zion with an afternoon or evening soak at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Hike early when the canyon is cool and the shuttle lines are short. Leave the park in the afternoon heat and reach the pools in under half an hour. Warm mineral water may support tired muscles after a day on Angels Landing or the Riverside Walk. Alternating hot pools, cold plunges, and saunas follows The Mineral Method contrast circuit for a fuller recovery session. Evening soaking runs until 11 p.m. under dark desert skies. Arriving from Las Vegas works on the same rhythm. Pair the park and the pools using the Las Vegas to Zion day trip plan. Start planning your first visit to Zion Canyon Hot Springs so check-in goes quickly. Soak in the Historic Waters Near Zion Zion Canyon Hot Springs is your reward at the end of the trail. The same mineral waters the Paiute people revered and generations of Utahns soaked in now fill more than 50 pools, 25 minutes from the park. Hike the canyon, then let the historic Pah Tempe waters do the rest. Make reservations at Zion Canyon Hot Springs before your Zion trip fills the calendar. Book in minutes. Soak for hours. Feel good for days. Frequently Asked Questions Are there hot springs in Zion National Park? No, Zion National Park contains no hot springs. The nearest geothermal spring is Pah Tempe in La Verkin, 25 to 30 minutes from the south entrance. Zion Canyon Hot Springs soaks guests in water from that spring. What is the closest hot spring to Zion National Park? Pah Tempe Hot Springs in La Verkin is the closest, and Zion Canyon Hot Springs provides the access. The natural spring site has been closed to the public since 2013. The resort pipes the same mineral water into more than 50 pools. Is Pah Tempe Hot Springs open to the public? No, Pah Tempe has been closed to public soaking since 2013. The Washington County Water Conservancy District owns the site and closed it over safety and environmental concerns. Zion Canyon Hot Springs is where those waters can be soaked in today. Can you swim in the Virgin River in Zion? River wading is popular, but the National Park Service has posted cyanobacteria advisories in recent years. Check current park conditions before entering the water. The river stays cold year-round. Do you need a reservation for Zion Canyon Hot Springs? Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead secures your entry time and pass type. Annual members walk in without a reservation. Sources Washington County Water Conservancy District. Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.wcwcd.gov/hot-springs/ Pah Tempe Hot Springs. Save the Healing Waters. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://pahtempe.org/ St. George News. This Is Finally the Day: $60M Hot Springs Resort Breaks Ground in LaVerkin. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/local/this-is-finally-the-day-60m-hot-springs-resort-breaks-ground-in-laverkin/ St. George News. Pah Tempe Revisited: Hurricane City Considers Options for Reopening Southern Utah Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/government-news/pah-tempe-revisited-hurricane-city-considers-options-for-reopening-southern-utah-hot-springs/ U.S. National Park Service. Zion National Park Current Conditions. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Our Waters. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.zioncanyonhotsprings.com/our-waters

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    Best Hot Springs in Utah: 2026 Developed vs Natural

    on Aug 10, 2026 | 5 minutes

    Utah's best hot springs split into two groups: developed resorts and natural soaks. Zion Canyon Hot Springs is the newest developed resort in the state and the only hot springs within 30 minutes of Zion National Park. Crystal Hot Springs, the Homestead Crater, and Mystic Hot Springs round out the developed options in northern and central Utah. Meadow, Red Hill, and Fifth Water reward travelers who want primitive pools and do not mind the access work. The right choice depends on your season, your group, and how far you want to drive. The Best Hot Springs in Utah at a Glance Utah offers a hot spring for every trip style, from full resorts to farm-field pools. The quick picks below match each spring to its best use: Best near Zion National Park: Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin, 25 to 30 minutes from the south entrance. Most unique setting: the Homestead Crater in Midway, a 55-foot limestone dome. Best rustic character: Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, with vintage bathtubs on a mineral hillside. Best free natural soak: Meadow Hot Springs near Fillmore, clear pools on private farmland. Best hike-in springs: Fifth Water Hot Springs near Spanish Fork, a 2.5-mile trail to blue pools. Best for kids and waterslides: Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, operating since 1901. Developed Hot Springs Resorts in Utah Developed hot springs resorts in Utah give you treated water, facilities, and year-round access. Four destinations lead this group, and each serves a different region of the state. Zion Canyon Hot Springs opened in 2025 as the newest hot springs resort in Utah. The property in La Verkin draws mineral water from the historic Pah Tempe spring on the Virgin River, a source the Paiute people revered for centuries. Guests soak in more than 50 bodies of water, including 32 natural hot springs pools at Zion Canyon Hot Springs running from the cool 70s to 104 degrees. Three cold plunges, three barrel saunas, a family side, and a 21+ side with 16 WorldSprings-inspired pools complete the property. We treat and filter the water, and pool water changes over about every two hours. The water carries more than 14 minerals from the Pah Tempe source, including magnesium, calcium, and iron. Crystal Hot Springs sits in Honeyville, about 70 miles north of Salt Lake City. The site has operated since 1901 and pairs hot and cold springs with mineral tubs, large pools, and waterslides. Visit Utah credits the springs with the highest mineral content in the country. The Homestead Crater in Midway soaks visitors inside a 55-foot limestone dome formed over 10,000 years. Water holds 90 to 96 degrees year-round, and the 65-foot depth supports the only warm-water scuba diving in the continental United States. Reservations are required for timed sessions. Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe splits the difference between developed and rustic. Source water emerges at 168 degrees and cools into pools and famous cast-iron bathtubs set in mineral deposits. Reservations and a soaking pass are required, and the site sits about two hours north of Zion. Natural Hot Springs in Utah Natural hot springs in Utah are free or donation-based pools with no staff and no facilities. These soaks reward preparation and respect for the land. The best natural options include the following: Meadow Hot Springs near Fillmore offers three clear geothermal pools around 90 to 100 degrees on private farmland open to respectful visitors. Pack out everything you bring. Red Hill Hot Springs near Monroe holds small free pools against red rock, minutes from Mystic. Fifth Water Hot Springs, also called Diamond Fork, requires a 2.5-mile hike near Spanish Fork. Blue mineral pools and waterfalls wait at the top. Natural springs shine in spring and fall. Summer heat makes the hikes harder, and winter access depends on road and trail conditions. Developed or Natural: How to Choose Choose a developed resort for reliability and amenities, and choose a natural spring for solitude and adventure. The decision comes down to four questions most hot springs lists never ask. Season decides first. Developed resorts run every day of the year with controlled temperatures. Natural pools depend on weather, road conditions, and daylight. Zion Canyon Hot Springs adds evening soaking until 11 p.m., an option no primitive spring can match. Water treatment decides second. Natural pools are untested and untreated. Developed resorts filter and monitor their water. We change pool water at Zion Canyon Hot Springs about every two hours. Group decides third. Families want changing rooms, food, and varied temperatures. Crystal and Zion Canyon Hot Springs both serve families well. Fifth Water suits fit hikers, and Meadow suits calm adults. Recovery goals decide fourth. Alternating hot pools, cold plunges, and saunas follows The Mineral Method contrast circuit, a rotation only a developed property can offer in one place. Pairing Hot Springs With Utah's National Parks Zion Canyon Hot Springs is the only hot springs within half an hour of a Utah national park entrance. Zion sits 25 to 30 minutes east, which makes a post-hike soak the natural end to a park day. Mystic and Red Hill pair with a central Utah route toward Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef, both about two hours away. Meadow works as an Interstate 15 stop between Salt Lake City and the southern parks. Travelers building a southern route can compare every option in our guide to mineral hot springs across Southern Utah. Park-focused planners should read the full answer on hot springs near Zion National Park before booking a trip. Find Your Pool in Utah Zion Canyon Hot Springs is your reward at the end of the trail. Utah gives you more than 100 documented hot springs, and the best one is the one that fits your season, your group, and your route. Southern Utah travelers get the newest resort in the state, historic Pah Tempe water, and Zion 25 minutes away. Make reservations at Zion Canyon Hot Springs and settle the question in warm mineral water. Book in minutes. Soak for hours. Feel good for days. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best hot spring in Utah? The best hot spring in Utah depends on your trip: Zion Canyon Hot Springs leads for southern Utah and park visits. The Homestead Crater offers the most unusual setting. Meadow Hot Springs is the best free natural soak. Are there free hot springs in Utah? Yes, Meadow Hot Springs, Red Hill Hot Springs, and Fifth Water Hot Springs are free or donation-based. All three are primitive, with no staff or facilities. Fifth Water requires a 2.5-mile hike and a parking fee. Are Utah hot springs open in winter? Developed resorts stay open all winter, and natural springs depend on conditions. Zion Canyon Hot Springs, Crystal, the Crater, and Mystic operate year-round. Snow and mud can limit access to Meadow, Red Hill, and Fifth Water. What is the closest hot spring to Zion National Park? Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin is the closest, 25 to 30 minutes from the south entrance. The resort draws water from the historic Pah Tempe spring. No other Utah hot spring sits within two hours of the park. Which Utah hot springs are best for kids? Crystal Hot Springs and the family side at Zion Canyon Hot Springs are the best for kids. Crystal adds waterslides and large pools. The Zion Canyon Hot Springs family side holds 14 mineral pools and a heated freshwater pool. Sources Visit Utah. Your Guide to Utah's Best Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.visitutah.com/articles/guide-to-utahs-hot-springs Utah National Park Trips. 7 Best Hot Springs in Utah. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.myutahparks.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/hot-springs-utah/ Washington County Water Conservancy District. Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.wcwcd.gov/hot-springs/ St. George News. $60M Hot Springs Resort Breaks Ground in LaVerkin. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/local/this-is-finally-the-day-60m-hot-springs-resort-breaks-ground-in-laverkin/ Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Our Waters. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.zioncanyonhotsprings.com/our-waters