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As we prepare to settle in for the winter, are you yearning for the return of warm, comforting trips to the beach?
You don’t have to wish this frosty season away. To get through this snow-kissed season, perhaps all you need is a trip to one of America’s warm and mineral-rich hot springs! Get ready to read about the best hot springs in the U.S.
These geothermal springs are scattered throughout the United States and are filled with minerals that can have healing effects on your skin and body. Moreover, they’re almost always surrounded by soul-soothing natural beauty.
Today, we are going to talk about our favorite hot springs to help you plan your winter getaway. So, get ready to ward off those winter blues, and start picking out your chic blue bathing suits instead.
It’s time to take a trip!
Visit the Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
The hydrothermal springs at Hot Springs National Park are almost 4,000 years old but still in their natural state. The 5,500-acre park is considered the main attraction in Hot Springs. Standing as an icon for healing, it is a tribute to the “American Spa” of the 20th century.
With the land covered in snow and solitude, now is the ideal time to visit Hot Springs National Park. Since it is open year-round, fewer people visit the park during the colder days than the warmer ones, making it a perfect destination for people seeking peace and quiet.
Visitors can find soaking opportunities in both the historical facilities that Bathhouse Row offers: The Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse. Both of these bathhouses have thermal springs piped directly into them, giving you a chance for an authentic experience in the water. Simply take a dip in your vibrant one-piece, and be prepared to forget about all your winter worries.
The Buckstaff Bathhouse
The Buckstaff Bathhouse originally opened in 1912. It is the only establishment in Bathhouse Row that has remained open ever since it first opened its doors to visitors.
The services include:
- Baths (in the thermal water)
- Massages
- Pedicures
- Manicures
- Facials
Baths and massages can cost anywhere between $38 and $95, while the additional services have varying prices.
Here are the times when the Buckstaff Bathhouse is open to visitors:
Months |
Days |
Time |
March–November |
Monday–Saturday |
8–11:45 a.m., 1:30–3 p.m. |
March–November |
Sunday |
8–11:45 a.m. |
December–February |
Monday–Friday |
8–11:45 a.m., 1:30–3 p.m. |
December–February |
Saturday |
8–11:45 a.m. |
The Quapaw Bathhouse
The Quapaw Bathhouse offers a modern-day spa experience with amenities such as:
- Thermal pools
- A steam cave
- Private baths
It’s the most modern and updated establishment on Bathhouse Row. If you plan to visit, it is recommended that you place reservations beforehand.
The co-ed communal pools are of varying temperatures and require you to put on bathing suits. We recommend you dazzle everyone with this colorful, sand stripe-patterned swimwear.
The pools also have a small cafe with free wifi, which makes waiting for your reservation much more bearable. This may also be helpful if you are visiting with kids who are not old enough to bathe.
Here’s a review from a customer who gave the Quapaw Bathhouse five stars on Google:
“Great place to relax, friendly staff, great complimentary services!”
Jason Arrington
Explore the Hot Springs in Colorado
If you look at a map, you may think that every other town in the Centennial State was named after a source of geothermal water:
- Manitou
- Pagosa
- Glenwood
- Steamboat
The list does not stop there. Needless to say, there is no shortage of hot springs in Colorado. While there are over two dozen thermal springs spread out across the state, we have chosen two notable options for you to explore. Luckily we have plenty of on trend bikini tops and bikini bottoms you can choose from to look and feel your best when you visit.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs
Located about an hour away from Vail and Aspen ski resorts, these hot springs boast 14 healing minerals, all to help you forget the sores you accumulated from skiing.
Iron Mountain contains 16 naturally shaped hot springs. They range from 98 to 108 degrees to help you customize your healing experience. There’s also a large freshwater family pool with a jetted spa. The lower part is filled with 86,000 gallons of water that are kept at around 93 degrees, while the jetted spa is heated to approximately 103 degrees.
Picture relaxing in the water with the calming sounds of a waterfall in the background, restoring your muscles and spirit. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
You’ll also find rain showers at the Cooling Corner to help you cool off after or between soaks.
The entry fee starts at $20 for adults and is $14 for children.
Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores
If you like your holidays to be served with a side of thrill and adventure, you’re going to love this exclusive hot spring experience.
Found in a picturesque and rustic 1800s town, this luxury lodging will greet you with ghost tours and haunted tales. The Dunton Hot Springs once comforted the aching muscles of the Ute Indians and later the overworked bones of gold miners, who redirected the flow of the original spring to fill a bathhouse and expanded the use of the healing mineral properties.
Nowadays, the hot springs attract a somewhat wealthier crowd who don’t mind roughing it in a gorgeous ghost town. Imagine pine trees, mountain peaks, charming snow-covered cabins, and fresh, clean oxygen filling your lungs.
The indoor pools that await you are not only pretty; they are rich in minerals and are known to promote blood circulation and improve your skin.
The prices start at $125 per person for lunch and a soak. The rates of staying overnight in a cabin can range from $600 to $1,500.
Take a Trip to the Hot Springs in California
After a long day in the snow, nothing is better than soaking in a hot spring—nothing except a hot spring with a picturesque view.
The Golden State has several noteworthy geothermal springs to offer. Here, we picked two of California’s hot springs for you to dip into. Dive or hop in with one of our fun and flattering one piece swimsuits.
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Calistoga
The Calistoga Spa Hot Spring rests between the rolling hills of the Upper Napa Valley. While you may go there for the enticing hot springs, you’ll definitely be tempted by the Syrah.
You can choose to spend your time dipping in Calistoga’s geothermal waters, or you can spend a day visiting popular vineyards such as Sterling Vineyards and Castello di Armosa.
Don’t worry about inclement weather ruining your trip; all the mineral baths are situated indoors. Your only concern should be deciding between a steamy Jacuzzi pool, which can go as high as 104 degrees, a soaking pool, which won’t rise above 100 degrees; and an 80-degree lap pool.
If you’re planning to visit with kids, you’ll be happy to know there’s even a wading pool for children!
The hot springs will cost you $25 on weekdays. If you plan to stay overnight, your hot spring fee gets added to the room rate.
During the winter, the overnight accommodations start at $165.
Crowley (Wild Willy’s) Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes
Most people instantly think of skiing or snowboarding when they plan a visit to Mammoth Lakes, California, and after a long day on the slopes, there’s no better way to heal your muscles than a dip in a natural hot spring.
Luckily Mammoth has plenty of them.
Of the several hot springs located off Benton Crossing Road, the one we recommend for you is Wild Willy’s. This is the easiest one to locate.
You’ll find that there are two pools: one large and one small. Both of these are as hot as a jacuzzi and are surrounded by a stunning view of grasslands and mountains.
Since the area is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you can turn the visit into a camping trip. Simply find a secluded spot, get everything up, and you’re good to go!
Dip in the Hot Springs in Style
Now, all that remains is to decide which hot spring is the one for you.
Whichever it is, picture yourself easing into it in a form-fitting bathing suit as you brush off the ice from your shoulders. Just don’t forget your beach towel. Safe travels!
Citations
https://www.coloradodirectory.com/iron-mountain/
https://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/dunton-hot-springs-resort
https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/nature/hotsprings.htm
https://www.arkansas.com/hot-springs/points-interest/quapaw-baths-spa
https://www.resortsandlodges.com/lodging/usa/california/wine-country/calistoga-spa-hot-springs.html