Trip planning
Best Hot Springs in the USA: Natural Soaks Worth the Trip
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
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The United States has more than a thousand hot springs, most of them in the West. These picks cover the classic experiences: wild riverside pools, mountain resorts and historic bathhouses.
California
Travertine Hot Springs, near Bridgeport, has pools on a pale mineral ridge facing the Sierra. The Long Valley springs near Mammoth are free and close together; see our Mammoth Lakes guide.
Colorado
Strawberry Park, near Steamboat Springs, has stone pools in a forested valley. Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs and Ouray have developed pools. See our Colorado guide.
Idaho
Idaho has more soakable springs than any other state. Kirkham Hot Springs spills hot waterfalls toward the Payette River beside the highway. See our Idaho guide.
Oregon, Washington and Montana
Oregon has Breitenbush and the terraced pools of Terwilliger; see our Oregon guide. Montana’s Paradise Valley and Washington’s mountain springs round out the Northwest; see Montana and Washington.
Alaska, Arkansas and the Southwest
Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks is the place to soak under the northern lights; see our Alaska guide. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has the historic Bathhouse Row; see our Arkansas guide. For desert and canyon springs, see New Mexico and Arizona.
Remote hot springs
The most remote soaks need a long hike or a backcountry permit. Check land manager rules, carry water and a map, and do not soak alone in the backcountry. Use the hot springs map, hot springs near me and our how to find hot springs near you guide to plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hot spring in the US?
It depends on what you want. Strawberry Park in Colorado and Travertine in California are favourites for scenery, Kirkham in Idaho for a roadside soak, and Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas for history.
Which state has the most hot springs?
Nevada and Idaho have the most recorded hot springs, and Idaho has more soakable springs than any other state.
When is the best time to visit hot springs in the US?
Fall and spring suit most of the West. Winter soaks are memorable but many mountain roads close.