Every year when the weather starts to cool and the leaves start to change and fall I can't help but crave a hot spring adventure. Coming from the PNW, cold weather and hot water went hand in hand - especially when that steamy water was bubbling from a natural spring in the middle of the woods somewhere!
Since moving to the southwest and the Arizona heat, the longing for a hot bath in nature has subsided - likely due to the fact that half the year sits over 100 degrees! But a little road trip north into Utah leads to a magical place where you can find snow, hot springs and a little free-spirited vibe that will have you feeling like you've went back in time to easier days of peace, love and happiness.
This place is Mystic Hot Springs in north-eastern Monroe, Utah. According to the website, "the Indigenous People that lived in this area were nomadic bands from the Ute, Shoshone, or Piute tribes. They would make their camps on the warm ground near the hot springs. They would soak in the springs for warmth and comfort. It is told that the Indigenous People would paint themselves with the red mud to keep them safe. Later, as the settlers arrived, the hot springs became popular as a resting place along the “Old Spanish Trail”.
The water at Mystic flows at 200 gallons a minute and is a steamy 168 degrees Fahrenheit! During my visit I was short on time and could only spend a day there vs staying the night at the resort in one of their amazing buses or campground. A soaking pass allowed me access to the grounds by reservation for a two-hour time slot. Plenty of time to rejuvenate the body, enjoy the quiet and wash my worries away! The snow capped mountains in the distance just added to the ambiance and vibe of the cast iron bathtubs and mineral pools (one complete with water fall).
Needless to say, a return visit has been haunting my adventurous heart, so I thought I'd give a little tug to your heartstrings as well! Enjoy!
Learn more HERE!