Hot springs are one of my favorite destinations for a relaxing time. Ever since I was a kid, we vacationed in Western Colorado, and always made a stop at Glenwood Hot Springs. I usually associate hot springs with the West, but when I asked fellow travel bloggers for their favorite hot springs, I received submissions from all over the country. Not counting all the amazing backcountry hot springs out there, these are some of the best hot springs in USA.

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Glenwood Springs, Colorado

At the western edge of Glenwood Canyon in Colorado is a geothermal area that produces massive quantities of hot water. The water bubbles up naturally in the mountains surrounding the Colorado River, which produces several “hot pots,” or “hippie dips” as they are known locally. However, most of the geothermal waters are funneled into the Glenwood Hot Springs. Most of the north side of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs is taken up by the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.  The main pool is the largest hot springs mineral pool in the world – and is the size of several football fields. The smaller hot pool is bigger than the footprint of most homes.  In the summer, diving boards, water slides, and a giant children’s pool complete the complex. Glenwood Springs Resort is one of the best hot springs in Colorado!

Check prices at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

While technically a private resort (part of a lodge) and spa, the hot springs essentially operate as Glenwood’s public pool. There are swim lessons for youngsters and lane swimming for adults, and plenty of room for just lounging in the hot water. You can come for the day or get an annual pass. – Lance & Laura, Travel Addicts

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is another resort with soaking pools set on thermal springs. It’s located just down the river, also in Glenwood Springs.

Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

I first heard about Ojo Caliente from my mom and my aunts, who visited on a road trip several years ago. Recently, I finally got the opportunity to visit during our annual girlfriends’ getaway, and we all loved it so much that we wished we had stayed at the resort rather than driven back to Santa Fe after a relaxing soak. Ojo Caliente is a must for any northern New Mexico visit, with six pools of varying sizes and temperatures. We started our visit to Ojo Caliente with a delicious meal and drinks at the bar, before heading to the locker rooms to start our evening of soaking. We really did have to drag ourselves out of the warm springs and into the car. The property offers suites, cottages, private homes, and even RV camping options. I can’t wait to return to Ojo Caliente again! It is a truly magical place and a great reward for hiking all day at the nearby Bandelier National Monument.

Jemez Springs is another New Mexico hot spring that I would love to visit.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Colorado

I always thought Glenwood Springs was the best hot springs in Colorado…until I discovered Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. I first spotted Mount Princeton Hot Springs resort on a quick trip through the area, and immediately made reservations for a Colorado hot springs weekend the following year. In addition to a hot pool, where we had yoga in the morning, there are several natural springs, including areas in the river where you can create your own pool using rocks to let cold or boiling river water in. I have yet to visit the hot springs in Ouray or Steamboat, but so far, I think these are the best hot springs in Colorado. In part, because they have adorable cabins on the property, meaning you can soak late into the night and walk back to your cabin when you get sleepy. Or visit multiple times in one day!

See more Colorado hot springs on this Rocky Mountain road trip!

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs

Another favorite Colorado hot spring resort is located just south of Glenwood Springs and Carbondale at Avalanche Ranch. My sister turned us on to this cute resort near Aspen. The property has three hot springs pools, including one with a 3-foot waterfall. There are 15 cabins ranging from a studio to three bedrooms, plus several cute little wagons you can sleep in. The pools are also open to the public at certain times, but they do limit the numbers, so be sure to call ahead if you’re not staying here. There’s also a stocked fishing pond, gift shop, game room, and shower house on the property.

If you’re looking for a cute Colorado glamping spot, these wagons are perfect! And walking distance to the hot springs pools!

Astoria Hot Springs Park, Wyoming

After the last ski season ended, I took a quick road trip up to Jackson Hole. When I was looking for cool things to do near Jackson, I found Astoria Hot Springs. This Wyoming hot springs resort sits along the Snake River in the Snake River Canyon, about one hour south of Grand Teton National Park. The first hot springs pool was built here in the 1960s and was only recently redone into the resort you see today. We spent most of our time in the Leisure Pool, which is the largest pool, where the average water temperature is 96 to 98 degrees. Other smaller soaking pools reach up to 104 degrees, and there’s a children’s pool that is heated to just 90 degrees. There are men’s and women’s locker rooms with cubbies to keep your belongings, but no lockers, so leave valuables in the car. They also have a snack shop and a few souvenirs. This is a cute place to stop for a soak if you’re looking for unique attractions near Jackson Hole and the surrounding National Forest.

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis is supposed to be another great hot spring in Wyoming. This is definitely going on my travel wishlist!

Lava Hot Springs

One of these days, I will plan a full Idaho hot springs trip, but for now, I can highly recommend Lava Hot Springs in Southern Idaho. The Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools range from 102 to 112 degrees. The surrounding town has a few restaurants, hotels and campgrounds. It’s only two hours north of Salt Lake City. We stayed in Pocatello after visiting Lava Hot Springs.

Mystic Hot Springs Utah

One of the most photographed hot springs in Utah is Mystic Hot Springs. It had a bit of an odd vibe when I visited solo, but I think it would be pretty fun with a few friends. The views are beautiful, and it’s only one hour from Pando, the largest Aspen Grove in the world and one of the best places to see Fall colors in Utah.

Boquillas Hot Spring, Texas

Big Bend National Park lies on the U.S.-Mexico border, along the Rio Grande. One of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park is to soak in the Boquillas Hot Spring. The hot spring is situated right on the Rio Grande, relatively close to the Rio Grande Village on the Southeast side of the park. To get to the springs, you have to drive through a dirt road and park at the trailhead. The easy, flat trail is about 0.5 miles round trip. Throughout the walk, you can hear the Rio Grande flowing right next to you. Soon enough, you arrive at the hot springs. You can’t miss it. Jump right in! The water feels wonderful!

Browse Hotels near Big Bend National Park

While the hot springs are one of the best parts of Big Bend, I don’t recommend visiting the hot springs year-round. Big Bend is in West Texas, and it can get sweltering hot in the summer (Easily over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter and early spring are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park.  Also, be sure to visit Boquillas Hot Springs in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. – Michelle, The Wandering Queen

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Chena Hot Springs is more than a traditional hot spring. It is a full resort with many amenities. Located about an hour east of Fairbanks, Alaska, the drive to the resort is entertaining as it follows the Chena River through a State Recreation Area. The resort complex includes a beautiful lodge, cabins, yurts, and a campground. All facilities are also open to day visitors. The lodge restaurant features a “greenhouse to table” menu specializing in foods grown on-site. You’ll also find a snack shop and lounge in the resort area.

Check prices at Chena Hot Springs Resort

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The Chena Hot Springs’ main feature is an adult-only natural outdoor healing pool. In order to maintain its healing integrity, this pool is not treated with chemicals. It is beautifully landscaped with fountains and large boulders you can climb on to cool down. For families, there are several chlorinated hot tubs and an indoor pool, all fed by the hot springs. This is an extremely popular winter hot spring! It’s a naturally dark sky so it’s the perfect spot to view the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights. The resort also offers dog sled rides, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.  – Ladona, Walking the Parks

Chico Hot Springs, Montana

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is a local favorite and tourist destination with a rich history. Located in a small valley in the Absaroka Mountains, just north of Yellowstone National Park, the springs and hotel have long drawn people looking for a soak and respite. This turn-of-the-century resort features an outdoor swimming pool and an attached, covered soaking pool. In the early 1900s, the springs were thought to heal everything from kidney troubles to skin disorders. Today, they are known to soothe muscles and invoke relaxation. The springs flow from deep beneath the ground into two mineral hot springs pools. The smaller and hotter of the two pools is a toasty 103 degrees, while the larger pool hovers around 96 degrees. Temperatures vary a little depending on geothermal activity and weather.

Chico Hot Springs resort is also known for gourmet food, much of which is grown in the onsite garden and year-round greenhouse, as well as great local bands and luxurious spa services. Since Chico is only about 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, it would be a shame to pass by without a soak on the way to or from Yellowstone. Since the park is often crazy-busy, Chico can provide an alternate, quieter place to spend a night or two and still explore the Greater Yellowstone Area.  – Mel, YellowstoneTrips, and TravelingMel

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

While there are many hot springs near National Parks, this is the only one that IS a National Park. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas was built around natural hot springs that bubble out of the mountains in this historic spot. During its heyday, visitors would travel from all over the South to soak in the warm mineral water. As modern medicine improved and indoor plumbing became common, the famous baths slowly lost some of their popularity. They’re now preserved and maintained by the National Park Service. Bathhouse Row, right in the heart of the town of Hot Springs, is home to several of the old bathhouses that hosted visitors, some of which are still in operation. The National Park visitor center is located in one of these elegant old buildings, and while you can tour it, the baths there are no longer operational. Another bathhouse has been repurposed into a brewery. Superior Bathhouse Brewery claims to be the only hot water brewery in the world. If you do want to enjoy a soak in the hot waters, the Quapaw Baths & Spa and Buckstaff Bath House are both still operational and offer appointments. While you’re visiting Hot Springs National Park, you can also go hiking or camping, ride up to an observation tower, stroll along the Grand Promenade, or touch hot water trickling out of the mountain.  – Kris, Nomad by Trade

Browse Hot Springs, Arkansas Hotels

Saratoga Springs, New York

Two hours north of New York City, the college town of Saratoga Springs has been thriving as an arts community for over 100 years. A summer getaway for wealthy Manhattanites, the history of Saratoga Springs goes back a long way. The healing waters of Saratoga Springs are well-known to almost everyone on the East Coast. The iconic cobalt blue bottles that adorn tables at fancy restaurants contain the spring waters. But many people don’t know that the water has played an important role in history. There are a number of spas in Saratoga Springs where visitors can soak in the healing waters. The Roosevelt Baths & Spa were built during the Great Depression and named after FDR, who came here for hydrotherapy treatments to counter the effects of polio.

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While the numerous private spas and baths in town (usually associated with hotels) are popular, the Victoria Pool is the first heated/hot pool constructed in the United States.  In the summers, the pool can be packed with families, and there is no better place in town to visit on sunny days. – Lance & Laura, Travel Addicts

Alvord Hot Springs, Oregon

Oregon is known for its lush green forests, but just six hours away from Portland lies a desert. Yes, that’s right, A DESERT in Oregon. The Alvord Desert, located in the Southeast corner of the state, is the driest place in Oregon. There are multiple hot springs in this area, but my favorite is the Alvord Hot Springs. The springs do have a sulfur smell, but not the strongest I’ve ever experienced. There is a caretaker for the springs (yay, clean hot springs!), so there is an $8 fee per person. There are two soaking tubs, one open and the other covered, and they are both very relaxing. While you are here, you can explore the nearby desert flat, and after a long dip in the hot spring, head back out to the desert for the best stargazing in Oregon. If you’re looking for a secluded hot spring, then Alvord Springs is for you! The closest city is Fields, Oregon and it has a population of only 86.  It doesn’t get more off the beaten path than that. – Kay, The Awkward Traveller

Do you have a favorite hot spring in the USA? Tell me about it in the comments!