The best hot springs to visit in winter

01Day pools · Jackson, Wyoming

Granite Hot Springs

Closed for the season Oct 31, 2026; the winter season reopens in December on a date set by snow and road conditions.

A concrete pool fed by the spring sits above Granite Creek in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, about 34 miles from Jackson. Its winter season runs from early December to March 17, when the last stretch is open only to snowmobiles, dog sleds, skis and fat bikes. Entry is cash only, and winter hours are 10 am to 4 pm.

From $12 · 104°F · Clothing rule not stated

02Resort & lodging · McCall, Idaho

Burgdorf Hot Springs

A historic off-grid resort about 30 miles north of McCall, with three log-sided, gravel-bottomed pools and two 113°F source pools. In winter Warren Wagon Road becomes a groomed snowmobile trail from a lot about 23 miles out, so guests arrive by snowmobile or tracked vehicle. Soaks are booked online in two-hour blocks, and the rustic cabins have no electricity or plumbing.

From $20 · 99–113°F · Clothing rule not stated

03Day pools · Skykomish, Washington

Scenic Hot Springs

Two natural stone pools in the Cascades about 10 miles east of Skykomish, up a steep 2-mile trail with 1,100 feet of gain. From December to April you need snowshoes or skis and traction spikes, there is a separate winter parking area, and US 2 may need 4WD or chains. Visits are by advance reservation only, and the unchlorinated pools are clothing-optional.

From $30 · Temps not published · Clothing optional

04Resort & lodging · Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Stone-lined pools in a forested valley about 7 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs. From November 1 to May 1 the partly unpaved road legally requires 4WD or AWD with snow tires or chains, and shuttle services run if you would rather not drive it. Visits are booked in two-hour slots and paid in cash; after dark the pools are adults-only and clothing-optional.

From $30 · Temps not published · 3 hr 44 min from Denver · Clothing optional after dark

05Day pools · Donnelly, Idaho

Gold Fork Hot Springs

Six rock-formed, flow-through pools and a sandy children’s pool east of Donnelly, open year-round including holidays. The venue strongly recommends all-wheel drive on its dirt road in winter, when it opens Wednesday to Monday and keeps Thursdays for guests 18 and over. Cash only, no reservations and a two-hour soak limit; blizzards can close the pools.

From $15 · 85–110°F · Swimsuits required

06Day pools · Ouray, Colorado

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

The city-run pool complex at the north end of Ouray has soaking pools from about 95 to 106°F, and in winter its activity pool becomes a cold plunge. Entry is walk-in, families are welcome, and there is an adults-only soaking section.

From $30 · 95–106°F · 6 hr 36 min from Denver · Clothing rule not stated

07Resort & lodging · Fairbanks, Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort

At the end of Chena Hot Springs Road northeast of Fairbanks, this resort is open 365 days a year. Its outdoor rock-lined hot springs lake is about 106°F and open to guests 18 and over; younger visitors use the indoor family pool and hot tubs. Day passes need no hotel stay, and the Aurora Ice Museum on site is kept at 25°F year-round.

From $20 · 82–106°F · Clothing rule not stated

08Day pools · Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman Hot Springs

Twelve indoor and outdoor pools from about 57°F to 106°F, 8 miles west of Bozeman, plus a dry sauna and steam room. It is open year-round with no reservations, but the pools close when it drops below −10°F or there is lightning within 10 miles. It also closes from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.

From $28 · 57–106°F · Clothing rule not stated

09Day pools · Julian, California

Agua Caliente County Park

A San Diego County camping park surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, open only from Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day. It has three geothermally heated mineral pools: an indoor pool with set adult hours, an outdoor pool and a children’s pool. Non-campers can soak for a small per-person fee, and there are hookup sites, tent sites and seven cabins.

From $7 · Temps not published · Clothing rule not stated

10Day pools · Tecopa, California

Tecopa Hot Springs & Campground

Now run by concessionaire Flippin-Hamrick under a 10-year county agreement; the county page still shows an old closure notice heading.

An Inyo County park with two bathhouses, each with separate enclosed pools for men and women, fed by artesian water of about 102°F. Bathing is nude only, under county code. October to April is peak season, so reserve a campsite ahead; $15 day soaking passes are sold at the office.

From $15 · Temps not published · Clothing rule not stated

11Resort & lodging · Morristown, Arizona

Castle Hot Springs

An adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the desert foothills about an hour north of Phoenix Sky Harbor. Three natural-floored spring pools step down from the source at about 104–108°F, 98–102°F and 75–90°F. Only overnight guests can soak, and the last 7 miles are a rough dirt road, so bring a high-clearance vehicle such as an SUV.

Overnight guests · 75–108°F · Swimsuits required