4 Hot Spring Destinations for Your Next Road Trip

From coast to coast, the United States has some of the most diverse geography in the world. Within a few days of driving anyone can experience majestic peaks, rolling deserts and tropical coastlines. Regardless of the season, the hard part isn’t trying to find a destination; it’s trying to find enough time to experience everything the country has to offer.

What’s the best way to get the most out of your next road trip? Most travel experts will tell you that a surefire way to maximize your time is to pick a theme and use it to focus your journey. For example, a road trip that stops at hot springs can all but guarantee that you’ll experience an eclectic mix of people, places and activities. It’s also a great way to relax and reward yourself for a long day of traveling.

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Not only are they fun and social, but hot springs are filled with therapeutic minerals and chloride, a naturally occurring germ killer that sterilizes the skin and ensures the purity of the water. When it’s time for your next road trip, set a course for one of these legendary hot spring spots:

For Those Who Like to Hike, Camp and Party

Roadtrippers looking for a party should look no further than the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area in Aspen, which is home to the Conundrum Hot Springs. It’s the only place in the world where you can relax in a regenerative pool surrounded by a 14,000-foot high peaks. The name “Conundrum” comes from early-day miners, who found gold in the stream but never could locate a profitable bonanza.

This undeveloped (read: free!) but popular hot springs pool can be reached via a “moderate difficulty” 8.5-mile trail (yup, that’s 17 hours round trip) that begins 5 miles outside of Aspen. Most hikers reach the springs in four to five hours.

The trail begins through meadows of wildflowers then becomes unceasingly uphill (although it’s rarely steep), with inspiring views of the Elk Mountains. It’s a long hike, but worth it for the experience (and selfies!) Just don’t forget your solar-powered phone charger!

Alternatively, you can hike from a town called Crested Butte, Colorado, where Conundrum Hot Springs is approximately 9 miles from the Copper Creek Trailhead. Here’s a video of a few women doing the hike and checking out the hot springs (at 2:40):

Forgot your swimsuit? No problem. These clothing-optional hot springs make up quite possibly the most crowded wilderness locale in Colorado, and there’s a party every night amongst those who camp out. The Aspen Times called these rautious nightly events “slumber parties.” The largest pool is the hottest and clearest, while three smaller lukewarm pools are clear before you get in but instantly turn to mud (for the more bashful among us).

Unless you’re there in the middle of the night or you ski or snowshoe in winter or spring, visiting is a social experience.

In summer afternoons, few people use the hot pool, instead taking day hikes to Triangle Pass in the basin above. Others hide from the sun in the smaller pools, which offer some shade, or relax in tents and hammocks.

You’ll need a good night sleep before attempting this long hike, so stay (and spa) at the St Regis Aspen. If you request it, they’ll even pack you a picnic (and a bottle of champagne) to take on your journey.

This one is definitely worth the effort, but a little pre-planning can make the journey a little more manageable. The raw beauty of the mountainous setting, the 102-degree water and the seclusion of the area make it one of Colorado’s most unique adventures. Check out this article for a first-hand account.

For Adventurous Nature-Lovers

Tofino is located on the edge of Vancouver’s western coast, just a few hours north of Seattle. It’s home to the rustic Hot Spring Cove, a geothermal pool that offers unsurpassed views of the Pacific Northwest. The area can only be reached by seaplane, but these are so common in this tourist-friendly part of Canada that you shouldn’t have to pay more than $50 for a charter. It’s well worth the added expense.

Like a scene out of Lord of the Rings, your pathway to the springs is a 2 kilometer raised cedar boardwalk through the lush, old growth Cedar rainforest. Expect to see fairies.

Upon arriving at the springs, you are met with a ten-foot-high waterfall of 104 degrees cascading into five pools which eventually lead to the ocean. Whale sightings are common here. At high tide you can have the hot water flowing on one side while the ocean waves come in on the other. It’s quite the sight.

Stay on the InnChanter, a yacht-turned-inn that floats above the hot springs. InnChanter is a heritage vessel built in the 1920′s and it has been refitted to take you back to the style and class of the era of her creation. Five staterooms, each uniquely crafted, a main salon with wood burning fireplace, a library for quiet time or a rousing game of chess, a 700 square foot sundeck, and an onboard chef to provide fabulous meals every day.

Really, where else can see whales breaching as you lounge in a hot spring-fed pool?

For Bohemians

Take the scenic route on your way back east from Tofino and make your way to Breitenbush, a bohemian hot springs retreat and spa about 60 miles east of Salem, Oregon. Staying at Breitenbush gets you three wholesome meals per day, and access to this 154-acre site, which features miles of running and biking trails and a long list of activities. Cozy, rustic, year-round cabins (some with bathrooms) and camping in Summer give many options for your stay. Men’s and women’s bathhouses serve the needs of campers and those in cabins without bathrooms.

With over 150 workshops, conferences, and celebrations annually, coupled with daily well-being programs like yoga, EDGU and meditation, you’ll always have something to do.

You can even do a guided ascent of the nearby Devil’s Peak. Don’t feel like hiking? The folks at Breitenbush are happy to help you find one of a variety of local workshops specially designed to help you relax and unwind. Afterwords, take a soak in The Meadow Pools, which are lined in smooth river rocks, or the four Spiral Hot Tubs of varying temperature. Enjoy the Steam Sauna, a cedar cabin perched above steaming waters. A spirit of respect and sanctuary pervades the clothing-optional soaking pools.

The hot springs are lined with fir-trees and have been used for generations by local native communities for their restorative properties. If you want to delve further into the native spirit, you can also participate in a monthly ritual sweat lodge ceremony, which is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Make sure to check out “The Gorge”, “Spotted Owl”, “Emerald Forest”, “Devil’s Peak” and “Inner Path”, which are all names of trails radiating from Breitenbush that lead you through ancient forest cathedrals, past river cascades, and to magnificent mountain vistas.

At the end of your completely restorative day, you can have a massage, then sit down to an organic vegetarian (or vegan) meal at Breitenbush and contemplate spending a full month here. Now what could be better than that??

For Those Who Love a Rustic Vibe

Did you know there’s a town in New Mexico named Truth or Consequences? Well, there is, and it’s home to one of the most active geothermal areas in the continental United States. The hot springs in this quaint and funky little town don’t have the distinctive sulphur smell that accompanies so many others.

Settlers originally discovered the area while travelling west in the late 1800s, and the downtown still has some of that western flair.

Located in the downtown ‘Hot Springs Bathhouse Historic and Commercial District‘, the spas and bathhouses of Truth or Consequences are central to its history. The region gained recognition as a health center at the turn of the century, and in the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s motorists flocked to area resorts. They were told that soaking in these hot springs could cure “anything that ails you.”

Today, it’s home to about ten boutique hotels with private hot springs and a charming downtown area. Since the whole town rests upon a natural geothermal spring, most of the “baths” (ie. hotels and spas that rent access to their hot springs baths) in town offer paid walk-in service for $15 to $25 per hour. Try out a few, starting with Blackstone Hotsprings and Riverbend Hot Springs.

The area is also great for camping and hiking, but those with more luxurious tastes should consider staying a night or two in the Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa, a western-themed hotel with a wealth of modern amenities. For an upscale spa-like experience, Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa has hot springs baths at $30 per half hour. A more eclectic choice of accommodations is the Mexican-style Firewater Lodge, with private hot springs tubs. Stay in the Waterfall, Morning Glory, or Datura rooms.

You’ll be happy you stopped, no matter which direction you’re headed. If you want to learn more, a blog called Feed Me Dearly did a great post about their visit to Truth or Consequences.

Read more: 5 Essential Must-Haves for Your Next Road Trip and How to Have the Road Trip of a Lifetime