Hot Springs

What’s better than soaking in an all natural hot springs after a long day adventuring?! Few things. Resorts, spas, primitive pools, whatever you’re looking for, you can find the best natural hot springs in countries all around the world.

Hot Springs by American State

Not all the U.S. states have hot springs, in fact, the majority don’t. However, some do most some amazing natural hot springs. These thermal mineral waters are more prevalent out west, but you’ll find a few east of the Mississippi River too.

Visit Uncover Colorado for a list of hot springs in Colorado, featuring both public and private resorts, as well as free primitive pools.

Hot Springs by Country

The wonderful thing about hot springs is that you can find them all over the world. From the United States to Australia to Iceland and beyond, you’ll find geo-thermal pools filled with natural mineral hot springs water. Note: American states are listed further below.

Guide to the World’s Natural Hot Springs

Deep down within the Earth lies a geothermal energy that heats up natural mineral water, which sends hot water bubbling to the surface. Sometimes these hot springs pools are open and safe for public use, many times they are not.

These geothermal hot springs are not always open to soaking or safe, quite the contrary. Some are deadly. Take Yellowstone National Park in USA for example. Geothermal hot springs bubble up in sectioned off areas of the park because of their deadly nature. However, there are safe all natural hot springs all around the world, both at luxury resorts and primitive pools.

Types of Hot Springs: Resorts vs Primitive

Hot springs range in size, temperature, cost, facilities, etc. That’s part of what’s so charming about them, each one is different.

Resorts – Most are fairly simple resorts that showcase their hot springs and sometimes will offer spa facilities and massages. The minerals in these waters provide health benefits and therapeutic relaxation that’s worth traveling the world for.

Primitive – On the other end of the spectrum lies primitive pools. These free mineral hot springs range in their development, which is usually “user developed”. You can find these on the sides of roads, deep within the national forests, or in an old volcano, such as is the case in Iceland.

Factors to consider when visiting hot springs

Not all hot springs are created equal. Whether you want to stay in lodging or camp on-site, or prefer a free option, there are things to keep in mind with each choice.

Facilities – If the hot springs flow through an area that has not been developed, there are usually no facilities. In such a case, you may even have to take drinking water with you. These primitive hot springs pools are often managed by the public and are free to use.

Resort hot springs on the other end of the spectrum, range from rustic to luxury, with common features being spas, lodging and perhaps even some place to eat. To access to these springs, you have to pay.

Seclusion – Some hot springs are way too occupied and may not be your best bet simply because of the crowd. Generally, you can enjoy the most relaxing soaking sessions at night, but for this, you’ll probably have to book a suitable accommodation option as well.

Easy Access – Your chosen hot springs must be accessible. If any of the roads are closed, which may be the case during the cold winter months, they may not be such a good choice. Check the hours too, hot springs frequently have an entire day off scheduled for cleaning, sometimes once per week, other less. Some hot springs along rivers close in the spring due to high river levels.

Water Temperatures – The pool temperatures must be hot enough to be enjoyable and kill germs. The water shouldn’t scald your skin. The range is typically 95-108°F (with anything higher than 100°F starting to get pretty hot. 108°F is a lobster pot. If you soak in a tub or riverside pool, you may even be able to regulate temperatures at a comfortable level.

Cleanliness – Springs that are open for all for free can become less hygienic than a resort that gets periodically cleaned. Soaking in dirty pools is definitely not fun, nor safe. So prefer sites that are clean and well-maintained. Although some resorts could do a better job cleaning, so read reviews or ask ahead.

Usually, hot springs pools are refilled constantly with new hot springs water and manage to cycle all the existing water out reasonably fast and regularly. Could be the case with the primitive ones, but some resorts make it happen.

What are health benefits?

Generally, the mineral content of hot springs is high because heated water dissolves more salts and travels through rocks and the earth’s crust. So, you can expect this water to contain a wide array of nutrients like calcium, silica, magnesium.

These minerals serve as the perfect vitamin for your skin. Plus, the temperatures soothe aching muscles, boost blood circulation, detoxify the body and relieve stress. Here are some of the primary benefits of soaking in hot springs:

Musculoskeletal Problems – Hot springs have been known to ease symptoms of muscular conditions like muscle ache, fatigue, swollen joints, ligament damage and arthritis.

Eczema – Eczema is a condition characterized by the presence of dry and flaky skin. This condition is observed in nearly 15% of Americans and Canadians.

Circulation – Treating the condition can be challenging, but soaking in natural hot springs has proven to be quite beneficial. It reduces the redness and itching to a notable extent in patients who suffer from this disease. Some mineral springs are rich in calcium and sodium bicarbonate, improving blood circulation in the body, leading to lower blood pressure levels.

Nasal Congestion – Heat that is emitted from water combines with sulfur and produces a rotten smell that can be observed at some of the hot springs in Oregon and elsewhere. However, this odor is effective in treating nasal congestion, regardless of what the cause may be.

Detoxification – Soaking in Oregon’s thermal springs allows your body to sweat more, which eliminates toxins from the blood.

Lower Calories – Hot spring soaks can burn around 140 calories in an hour. While this may not directly lead to weight loss, it can prevent your weight from rising.

Relaxation – High stress levels expose you to so many health risks like hypertension and depression due to higher cortisol levels. Soaking your body in naturally heated water helps you rejuvenate and relax, lowering your stress levels, and thus, preventing the associated risks.

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