Crystal Hot Springs features a rare geothermal system where hot and cold waters flow side by side to supply its soaking pools
Crystal Hot Springs sits in Honeyville, where one of the world's largest side-by-side hot-and-cold spring systems feeds a full geothermal resort.
This northern Utah destination combines rich history, mineral-rich pools, and family-friendly recreation in one location.
The resort is about 75 miles north of Salt Lake City (roughly a 1-hour and 15-minute drive), nestled among tree-shaded lawns at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet.
Crystal Hot Springs is known for its exceptionally mineral-rich water, two 365-foot waterslides, an Olympic-sized pool, and three hydrojet hot tubs.
The facility is handicap accessible with assistance.
As always, confirm current hours, rates, and availability before visiting, as details may change over time.
🟡 Please note that outside food is not allowed in the facility.
Crystal Hot Springs Water & Soaking Experience
What makes Crystal Hot Springs unique is its combination of large hot and cold springs flowing side by side.
Crystal Hot Springs is often cited as having one of the highest mineral concentrations among developed hot springs, with total dissolved solids reaching about 46,000 mg/L.
The hot spring emerges at temperatures between 120°F and 134°F (51–57°C) and produces approximately 8,400 gallons every five minutes, or about 2.4 million gallons per day. The water rises from roughly 8,000 feet underground and is estimated to have remained underground for about 22,000 years. Each day, it carries an estimated 900,000 pounds of dissolved minerals to the surface.
Less than 50 feet away, a cold spring emerges at temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18–24°C) and produces approximately 2.6 million gallons of water daily. The proximity of these two large springs creates an unusual geothermal feature rarely found elsewhere.
Together, the springs supply three mineral hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 99°F to 105°F (37–41°C), a large soaking pool, a cave pool, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool that varies seasonally from about 80°F to 99°F (27–37°C).
Bathing suits are required throughout the resort.
Crystal Hot Springs also features two 365-foot hydro-tube waterslides that operate year-round. An interesting feature is that the slide water passes through copper tubing submerged in hot spring water, allowing it to be naturally heated.
Riders must be at least 42 inches tall and ride one at a time, feet first.
Beyond soaking and waterslides, visitors can relax in the cave pool, play sand volleyball, or enjoy a picnic on the spacious lawns.
Crystal Hot Springs History
The history of these springs stretches back thousands of years. Native peoples used the area long before European settlement.
The Northwestern Band of Shoshone were the last Native Americans to call these springs home, and Chinese railroad workers built cedar soaking tubs nearby in 1869.
The site opened as a commercial resort in 1901 under the name Madsen Hot Springs. Today, Crystal Hot Springs is often described as the last remaining public hot spring resort in northern Utah, one of eight resorts that once operated in the region.
During World War II, buses regularly brought wounded soldiers to the springs for rest and rehabilitation.
Things to Do at Crystal Hot Springs: Beyond the Springs
Golden Spike National Historical Park lies about 30 miles west of the resort. This historic site marks the location where the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, roughly 25 miles southwest, protects more than 80,000 acres of wetlands and attracts over 200 species of birds. A scenic 12-mile auto tour route winds through the refuge.
For hikers, the Wellsville Mountains to the east offer steep trails reaching elevations of about 9,300 feet. The nearby Bear River also provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
Want to keep soaking? Belmont Hot Springs lies a short drive north near Garland, offering warm-water scuba diving in a deep geothermal lake.
Crystal Hot Springs Lodging and Camping
Crystal Hot Springs is a day-use resort and does not offer on-site camping, but several lodging and camping options are available nearby.
Campers can stay at Willard Bay State Park, about 15 miles south, which offers reservoir-side campsites for both RVs and tents.
RV travelers may prefer Belmont Hot Springs RV Park, 18 miles north, which offers full-hookup sites within easy driving distance of the springs.
For hotels, restaurants, and additional services, Brigham City is about 11 miles south, while Tremonton lies 12 miles northwest. Salt Lake City is approximately 75 miles south.
Crystal Hot Springs | Facts
Location: Honeyville • Box Elder County • Northern Utah • USA
Open: Year-round; summer and winter hours
Development: Historic public resort with Olympic pool, cave pool, soaker pool, three hot tubs, and two waterslides
Clothing: Required
Facilities: Locker rooms, lodge, sand volleyball, picnic sites, free parking
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Open daily; Mon–Thu 12–10 PM, Fri–Sat 12–11 PM, Sun 12–8 PM
Elevation: 4,200 ft (1,280 m)
Water T° (source): 120–134°F (51–57°C)
Water T° (cold spring): 65–75°F (18–24°C)
Water T° (pools): 70–105°F across pools
Odor: Mild mineral
Chemical used: Minimal chlorine (flow-through system)
Mineral profile: Sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, lithium, sulfate
Mineral content: 46,000 mg/L - highest in the world
More Adventures
Directions to Crystal Hot Springs
From Salt Lake City,
- Take I-15 N and exit at Honeyville, exit 372
- Head east on Utah Highway 240 for about 1 mile
- Turn left onto Highway 38 and travel north 1.7 miles.
Crystal Hot Springs is on the west side of the highway
Phone: (435) 339-0038
crystalhotsprings.net