All Pools Now Open! | Book Now

eGift Cards
Book Now
Water
Property Details

What Is Hydrotherapy?

Southern Utah has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the continental United States—and soon, it will have a premier venue to promote both physical and mental wellness. If you’re planning a trip to the Zion Canyon area as part of an active vacation this summer, be one of the first guests at Zion Canyon Hot Springs and take advantage of the spa’s hydrotherapy treatments.

But what exactly is hydrotherapy? Also known as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy, or balneotherapy, hydrotherapy uses water to treat a wide range of symptoms throughout the body. The term applies to lots of different methods and can be as simple as soaking in a warm bath or a complex multi-step experience. It could involve a special tank or pool, or the use of pressurized jets, hot and cold temperatures, and ice packs1.

Hydrotherapy Benefits

There are many benefits to hydrotherapy treatments. Submerging a body in warm and cool water can help raise your heart rate without exercise, improve the elasticity of blood vessels, and lower blood pressure2.

Among the other benefits of hydrotherapy:

  • Water supports a body’s weight and reduces the effects of gravity. This takes pressure off joints, helping alleviate discomfort and promoting rest3.
  • Water exercises can help increase movement and range of motion.
  • It can also improve or help maintain bone health during and after menopause.
  • Warm water helps the muscles relax by increasing blood flow and decreasing pain, which can be helpful when rehabilitating injured muscles.
  • Cold or warm water can also help block pain signals and promote relaxation4.
  • For people struggling with insomnia, hydrotherapy can help improve sleep5.

Hydrotherapy has also been reported to alleviate some of the symptoms of health conditions like arthritis, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease1.

There are mental health benefits to hydrotherapy as well. Warm water can be a natural way to relax, and a study from the CDC suggests water-based activities can reduce stress and anxiety6. Hydrotherapy can also quell anxiety and pain in pregnant people, which in turn lowers elevated blood pressure and can help prevent complications throughout pregnancy4.

Hydrotherapy is beneficial as part of an active lifestyle, too. Water creates natural resistance that can work as a form of strength training, both for healthy and injured muscles3. Lastly, athletes will enjoy hydrotherapy because it improves recovery time, reduces muscle soreness, and enhances cardiovascular fitness.

Why a Circuit?

A hydrotherapy circuit—also known as contrast hydrotherapy—like the one at Zion Canyon Hot Springs uses temperature differences to stimulate circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage, and reduce inflammation7.

Hot water increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles, while cold water prompts vasoconstriction, driving oxygen-rich blood to vital organs and reducing swelling. This hot-cold alternating process acts as a natural “pump,” improving the removal of cellular waste and inflammatory chemicals.

A hydrotherapy circuit typically involves three to five minutes of warm water followed by 30 seconds of cold water. This is repeated at least three times and finished with a cold phase.

Alternating between hot- and cold-water immersion helps to stimulate circulation and enhance detoxification for a comprehensive approach to pain relief, muscle recovery, and stress reduction7.

Why Zion Canyon Hot Springs?

Zion Canyon Hot Springs’ hydrotherapy program has everything you need in one place. The circuit includes mineral-rich hot springs, freshwater pools, a cold plunge, and a barrel sauna, so each guest can develop their own pattern of working with hot and cold water to feel their best.

The venue is meant to promote relaxation and has dedicated areas for families and adults alike. The family-friendly area has 12 mineral hot springs, a large freshwater pool, and cold plunge pools.

Guests 21 and over can explore 16 pools inspired by popular aquatic destinations like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and the Dead Sea, 24 additional mineral hot springs, and two cold plunges. They can also sweat in one of the birch-lined Finnish barrel saunas located in both sections of the property or socialize at one of the fire pits or the full-service bar.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs is located less than 30 minutes from Utah’s Zion National Park. In the park, visitors can explore for a few hours or stay overnight for a multi-day excursion. Popular activities within the park include hiking, rock climbing, or boating along the Virgin River (with a permit, of course). A visit to our pools can help you relax and recover after a full day of outdoor recreation.

If you’re ready to relax in style in Southern Utah, book a visit to Zion Canyon Hot Springs and come see how different types of water-based treatments can help you feel your best, whether you’re soothing sore muscles after an active day in the Park or unwinding with friends.

Sources

  1. (23 May 2022). Hydrotherapy. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23137-hydrotherapy
  2. Sweeney, V. (3 October 2018). The Long Term Health Benefits of Using Hydrotherapy. National University of Health Sciences. Retrieved June 21, 2025, from https://www.nuhs.edu/the-long-term-health-benefits-of-using-hydrotherapy
  3. Andonian. N. (3 November 2023). The Surprising Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy. Goodrx. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/hydrotherapy-types-treatments-benefit
  4. Smith, L. (4 October 2022). What to Know About Hydrotherapy. WebMD. Retrieved June 21, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-to-know-about-hydrotherapy
  5. Rapaport, L. (10 October 2024). What Is Hydrotherapy: Benefits, Risks, and Techniques. Everyday Health. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/hydrotherapy/
  6. (8 May 2024). Swimming and Your Health. CDC Healthy Swimming. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/about/
  7. (14 February 2025) Contrast Hydrotherapy Benefits. Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://aanmc.org/natural-remedies/contrast-hydrotherapy-benefits

Other posts you may like!

  • no-alt
    Top 7 Things to Do in Southern Utah With Kids

    on Oct 7, 2025 | 3 minutes

    Looking for a unique, family-friendly destination that gives kids a true taste of nature’s beauty? Step away from the bustle and rush of everyday life and plan a Utah family vacation. From its awe-inspiring landscapes, natural diversity, and thrilling outdoor activities, there are plenty of places to visit in Utah with family. To help inspire your next adventure, this travel guide reveals our top recommendations for a Utah trip that your family will never forget. Fun Ways to Spend Your Southern Utah Family Vacation 1. Hike through the Region’s Many National Parks When you’re in southern Utah, there’s no shortage of national parks to visit. In fact, we’re known for the Mighty 5一Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park. Each of these parks offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Easy and moderate trails are often shorter and less strenuous for the kids, but waterfalls, streams, and distinctive rock formations mean there's no shortage of wondrous things to see. Planning to take a family-friendly hike? Try one of Utah's stunning beginner trails: The Toadstools (east of Kanab): 1.5 miles Riverside Walk (Zion National Park): 2.5 miles Red Reef Trail (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 3 miles Beginner/intermediate trails are great choices for more experienced young adventurers: Petrified Dunes (Snow Canyon State Park): 1.2 miles Canyon Overlook (Zion National Park): 1.25 miles Babylon Arch (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 2.9 miles No matter where your vacation takes you, remember to grab sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a camera before heading out. 2. Go Camping Take a break from hotels and give your kids the chance to sleep under the stars. After a day of hiking or other outdoor activities, sleeping in nature allows them to take in the magic of their surroundings and experience the nocturnal side of the desert come to life. Plus, camping is a great way to bond as a family, teach valuable life skills, instill resilience, encourage physical activity, and foster appreciation and respect for nature1. There are plenty of camping options to suit your preferences, whether you’re parking an RV at a national park campground or tent camping by a lake. Glen Canyon Recreational Area, Moab, Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Kodachrome Basin State Park all offer excellent campgrounds. 3. Rent a Raft or Kayak While you’re hiking Utah’s trails, why not take advantage of its many waterways? Southern Utah’s rivers run through popular trails. Flanked by towering canyons and rock formations, they provide an incredible view from the water. There are many opportunities for family-friendly rafting and kayaking, including the San Juan River, Westwater Canyon, and Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Rafting is typically seasonal, offered from spring to fall. Southern Utah offers year-round opportunities for kayaking, but it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and water levels before any excursion. 4. Visit Anasazi State Park Museum If you’re looking for educational things to do in Utah with kids, bring your family to the Anasazi State Park Museum. This park gives visitors a look into the lives of some of the earliest-known inhabitants of southern Utah and one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River2. View the museum’s collection of ancient artifacts to learn how the Ancestral Puebloans lived and explore the partially excavated ruins of their massive community. Though small, the museum provides many interactive learning opportunities for children, and they’ll love exploring the reconstructed homes. 5. Fill Your Day With Dinos Southern Utah is a haven for dino lovers. Walk alongside 200-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprints at St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, and see life-size models of the dinos that made them. At Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, your family can experience the wonders of prehistoric life. Explore their collection of 100 dinosaur sculptures at the outdoor sculpture park, take a journey through time in the Stewart Museum of Paleontology, interact with hands-on exhibits at the Ogden Natural History Museum, and be dazzled by fossils and crystals from around the world in the Gem and Mineral Museum. 6. Slide Into Fun at Jellystone Park After hot days of adventuring in the great outdoors during the summer, cool down at Zion, Utah’s Jellystone Park. Kids will have a blast taking twists and turns down water slides, getting flushed down a plunge bowl, and playing around the splashground. As a family, you can compete in an exciting water obstacle course, try gemstone mining, bounce around on a giant jump pillow, or relax and drift down the lazy river. Jellystone Park even has cabins and RV rentals for those who want to tuck in after a fun-filled day. Their cozy cabins feature a kids’ loft, a campfire pit, and seating on a private deck. 7. Take a Dip in a Hot Spring With a trip full of excitement and adventure, everyone is bound to be exhausted towards the end of the journey. When your family needs a place to recover and play, take a dip in the restorative waters of a natural hot spring pool. Mineral hot springs rejuvenate the body as you allow yourself to fully relax in a tranquil environment. At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a variety of mineral hot spring pools available in a range of temperatures, mineral compositions, and regional influences to provide various health and wellness benefits. This experience is available year-round, but don’t worry about feeling hot in the summer. The springs are heated to 90°F—cooler than your body temperature—so you’ll actually feel great in the heat! Our family-friendly area is fun for all ages, featuring 14 mineral-rich springs with water sourced and treated from the natural hot springs water of the Virgin River. Additional amenities include a large freshwater pool, cold plunge, barrel sauna, fire pits, and snack bar. The large pool is designed for the whole family’s enjoyment, so the kids can splash around and in warm, comfortable water that the grown-ups will find soothing and relaxing. The pool is also connected to a jetted spa, so everyone can unwind surrounded by beautiful canyon views. This Utah family vacation, take your family on a wellness journey and book your visit today. Sources: Joyce, E. Camping with Kids: The Benefits of Exploring Nature Together. Forest Nation. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://forestnation.com/blog/camping-with-kids-the-benefits-of-exploring-nature-together Anasazi State Park. Utah.com. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/anasazi-state-park/

  • no-alt
    The Best Hiking Trails in Southern Utah’s National Parks

    on Oct 6, 2025 | 3 minutes

    With its fiery red canyons, blue open skies, and gravity-defying rocks, Southern Utah makes you feel like you've set foot on another planet. This slice of the American Southwest is a mecca for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its many surreal national parks, known collectively as The Mighty 5. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a nature lover looking for awe-inspiring scenery, here's more information about iconic Southern Utah hiking trails that will linger in your mind long after you've dusted off your boots. The Best Places to Hike in Southern Utah's National Parks The Narrows & Angels Landing Zion National Park became the state's first national park in 1919 for a reason, and is today known for some of the most well-known Utah hikes. The Narrows, a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, is one of the park's most famous trails. It takes hikers through a winding canyon, which can be viewed from the nearby paved Riverside Walk or followed in the ankle- to waist-deep waters of the Virgin River. With its towering sandstone cliffs and vibrant desert greenery, the path is both tranquil and exciting. Extreme photographers and more experienced hikers dream of Angels Landing. The trail climbs 1,500 feet over a 5.4-mile round trip, following a narrow stone ledge with dizzying drops beyond a chain railing to reach an elevation of 5,790 feet. At the peak, you’ll see why early hikers said only angels could land there1. Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden Trails One hour east, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a different kind of glamour. It's famous for its thin rock pillars, known as hoodoos, which glow red, orange, and pink with the shifting sun. One of the most stunning Utah hikes in the park is the Navajo Loop Trail, which is often combined with Queen’s Garden Trail to total a 3-mile trek. This moderate-difficulty route gives hikers the chance to wander among large hoodoo formations on both sides of the path, delivering views that feel otherworldly. Delicate Arch & The Windows Section Trails Just outside of Moab is Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that make it one of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest. The star of the show is the Delicate Arch, which is featured on everything from postcards to the Utah license plate. Follow a moderately difficult, 3-mile trip to reach it. The uphill climb is worth the effort when you can finally witness the iconic state symbol and largest free-standing arch in the park. The Windows Section is shorter and easier, making it perfect for families. It contains a large concentration of arches and panoramic desert views that are only a short walk from the parking lot. Look for the North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch to enjoy some of the park's most photogenic landscapes at sunset. Mesa Arch Trail, Chesler Park Loop & The Maze Utah's wild spirit comes alive in Canyonlands National Park, a 30-minute drive away. Spread across 527 square miles of untamed red rock terrain, this park was carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers over a millennium. It's now divided into four districts, each offering a variety of remote stretches and moderate-difficulty hikes. The classic and most family-friendly option is the Mesa Arch Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop that leads to one of the park's most well-known landmarks: an arch that’s illuminated at sunrise. If you're looking for fewer crowds and more adventure, head to The Needles District for moderate-to-difficult trails. Those with a four-wheel-drive car will love the Chesler Park Loop, a 5.4-mile route winding through narrow rock corridors, grassy meadows, and slick rock stairs with views worthy of another planet. The wildest and most daring option for experienced backcountry travelers is The Maze, a place so remote and rugged that it's described as one of the most inaccessible areas in the country. Cohab Canyon & Hickman Bridge Trails Rounding out the Mighty 5 is Capitol Reef National Park, which stretches along the Waterpocket Fold's many cliffs, canyons, and natural bridges. This hidden gem is often less crowded than its neighbors but is equally as stunning. The park's name comes from its white stone domes that resemble the U.S. Capitol and rocky ridges that early explorers called reefs. The park also has orchards you can pick from during harvest season in June through October, making it a peaceful stop for photographers and travelers coming in with children. For a moderate challenge, head to the Cohab Canyon Trail for stunning views and colorful canyons near Fruita, the historic district home to fruit orchards from the 1800s. Just over 3 miles round-trip, this trail provides panoramic views of the historic town and the valley below. If you're looking for an option for the whole family that still provides a wow moment, try Hickman Bridge Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that leads to a massive natural stone arch with ancient petroglyphs from Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan people along the way2. What to Do After Hiking Utah National Parks After days of hiking through Zion's red cliffs, Bryce's whimsical hoodoos, Arches's gravity-defying bridges, Canyonlands's untamed wilderness, and Capitol Reef’s ancient petroglyphs, your body deserves a break at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. With mineral-rich waters set at 90 degrees, the soak is comfortably cooler than the body's natural temperature, making it refreshing even in the summer heat. These geothermal pools are rich in minerals known to help ease sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation, like magnesium and sulfate. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water while surrounded by desert peaks and sunset skies offers a peaceful, meditative contrast to your action-packed Utah hiking trip, the kind of recovery that feels as soothing to your mind as it does to your body. Treat yourself to this tranquil desert ritual and end your adventure with intention, fully reconnecting with yourself and absorbing the magic of the landscape. Because after all the miles, climbs, and views when hiking Utah national parks, the most unforgettable moment might just be the one when you finally relax. Sources U.S. Department of the Interior. Angels Landing Permits & Hiking. National Park Service. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm Utah Office of Tourism. Capitol Reef Petroglyphs. Visit Utah. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/capitol-reef/capitol-reef-petroglyphs

  • no-alt
    Barrel Sauna Benefits: A Guide to Complete Relaxation

    on Oct 3, 2025 | 3 minutes

    Zion National Park offers unforgettable experiences among stunning landscapes, from otherworldly cliffs and canyons to breathtaking sunsets. After an itinerary of hiking, camping, or golfing, visitors might find themselves looking for a way to relax. The area’s local saunas are a great way to unwind on your trip. Barrel saunas, in particular, have many wellness benefits for weary adventurers, providing a spa-like experience distinct from traditional saunas. What Is a Barrel Sauna? A barrel sauna looks just like a barrel turned on its side. These wooden, cylindrical outdoor saunas are usually dry saunas (sometimes called Finnish or traditional saunas), meaning they use a dry heat from a wood-burning stove or electric heater to heat stones and the air inside. While it uses the same heating method as a traditional sauna, the curved interior shape of a barrel sauna offers distinct advantages. Since there are no corners for heat to get trapped in, barrel saunas actually heat up faster and more efficiently than traditional saunas. Heat tends to settle at the flat ceiling of a sauna. The curvature of barrel saunas allows air to circulate back to the bottom to be reheated, resulting in a continuous flow of hot air to efficiently heat the interior space. This leads to improved energy efficiency and more even heat distribution. With their rustic charm and unique look, these structures create a cozy atmosphere for sauna bathing. The Benefits of Saunas Regardless of their shape, saunas offer many wellness benefits. Here’s why you should recharge in a sauna while you’re in Greater Zion. Reduce Stress and Boost Mood A common reason people are drawn to saunas is simply to relax. The steady, comforting heat and tranquil ambiance allows you to shut out the noise and worries of the outside world, providing a peaceful atmosphere for rest. This gives you the opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and unwind. Heat from a sauna also stimulates your body’s production of endorphins, natural mood boosters and stress relievers1. This serene environment can work wonders for your mental and emotional health. Soothe Muscle Aches Dealing with aches and pains after some intense adventuring? A trip to the sauna can help you recover. Heat reduces inflammation, dilates blood vessels, and relaxes tense muscles and joints2. This can improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and relieve tense joints and sore muscles. Spending time in a sauna can potentially support recovery after exercise or even loosen your body up for a pre-workout warm-up. That’s why so many fitness enthusiasts hit the saunas before and after a good workout. Facilitate Social Connection Meeting new people during your travels is a great way to learn unique perspectives, brush up on your social skills, and make friends from all over the world. While many people think of saunas as a solitary experience, it can also be the ideal opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and locals. The intimate environment and mood-boosting effects make saunas well-suited for quiet, friendly conversation. If you’re with family or friends, saunas give you the chance to deepen your bonds and make lasting memories. They’re a fun way to finish up a day of hiking, climbing, or biking together. Enhance Sleep Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, especially when traveling? Regular sauna use could help you sleep easier. Other than relaxing your body and mind, there are scientific reasons for this. Your body follows a sleep-wake cycle, also called your circadian rhythm. The body changes temperature throughout the day, and part of what helps you fall asleep is a rapid decrease in body temperature3. Since saunas heat your body up, significantly cooling occurs once you step out. After a few hours, your body will naturally feel sleepy, and you can look forward to a full night of rest. This temperature drop might also boost your body’s production of melatonin, known as the sleep hormone, which leads to better sleep quality and duration. May Improve Heart Health One sauna benefit that might surprise you is a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The heat of the sauna raises your body temperature, causing you to sweat heavily (often up to a pint of sweat). This is your body’s natural way of cooling itself. During this process, your heart rate increases, possibly up to 100–150 beats per minute (bpm). The combined heat and raised heart rate dilate your blood vessels, improving circulation and blood pressure4. Sweating can also increase your good cholesterol levels (HDL), improving your total cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, so lowering your total blood cholesterol can help keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise is also a good way to boost HDL cholesterol levels, so combining physical activity with sauna bathing can have even greater benefits4. Tips for an Enjoyable Sauna Experience Now that you understand how saunas can help your overall well-being, it’s important to know how to use them wisely. Saunas typically provide a safe, enjoyable experience, but there are ways you can ensure your session is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. These tips will help you maximize the benefits of sauna bathing and get the most out of your experience: Talk to your doctor: If you have heart conditions or are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna Start slow: Build up your heat tolerance with 5- to 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing your total time to 15-20 minutes Be quick: Keep the hot air inside by entering and exiting the sauna quickly Stay hydrated: Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water before and after your sauna session to replenish your fluids Avoid big meals and alcohol: Don’t drink alcohol before, during, or after using a sauna, and don’t eat large meals beforehand Know your limits: If you start to feel dizzy, sick, or lightheaded, leave the sauna immediately Let yourself relax: Clear your mind and allow yourself to fully experience the benefits of the sauna At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a restorative wellness experience through our many state-of-the-art amenities. In addition to our beautiful, birch-lined barrel saunas, you can enjoy our mineral-rich hot springs pools, freshwater cold plunges, cozy fire pits, and more. Book your visit and come prepared for a rejuvenating spa journey. Sources Sidharthan, C. (9 April 2025). The Science of Sauna & Heat Exposure. News Medical. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Saunas-Really-Do-to-Your-Brain-and-Body.aspx Cafasso, J. (8 October 2024). Are There Benefits From Using Saunas? Healthline. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you deBara, D. (21 March 2024). Can a Sauna Help You Get Better Sleep? Sleep.com. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/sauna-for-better-sleep (1 February 2023). Benefits of sauna bathing for heart health. UCLA Health. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/benefits-sauna-bathing-heart-health