Homestead Crater Hot Springs sits in Midway, Utah, where a 10,000-year-old geothermal limestone dome offers a one-of-a-kind geothermal experience in the United States.

This northern Utah destination blends rare geology, warm mineral water, and unique experiences like scuba diving and paddleboard yoga into a single remarkable natural attraction.

The crater is about 45 miles southeast of Salt Lake City (roughly a 1-hour drive), tucked on the grounds of the historic Homestead Resort at an elevation of approximately 5,640 feet.

What makes Homestead Crater unique is its warm mineral water sealed inside a natural limestone dome. You walk through a 110-foot tunnel, opened to the public in 1996, and step into a hidden geothermal pool.

The facility offers dressing rooms and on-site life vests for every guest.

As always, confirm current hours, rates, and availability before visiting, as details may change over time.

The crater formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich water rose from deep underground, depositing layer upon layer of limestone until it created the dome seen today.

The name comes from the historic Homestead Resort, founded in the late 1800s, where the crater still sits today.

Long before the tunnel existed, the only way in was through a natural opening at the top. Early visitors climbed to the summit and dropped down into the hidden pool below. The geothermal water still enters naturally through vents on the crater floor. Originally, extra water escaped through cracks and porous limestone.

Today, the source remains fully natural, but engineered drainage controls the water level and outflow to ensure safe visitor use.

Homestead Crater Water & Soaking Experience

The odorless mineral water rises from an aquifer nearly two miles underground, heated by the Earth's interior. It stays a steady 90°F to 96°F (32–36°C) all year, with most folks reporting around 94°F. About 135,000 gallons of fresh geothermal water flow naturally into the crater each day, so it stays clean and warm in every season.

The water is rich in calcium and sodium bicarbonate and has no sulfur smell.

The pool runs about 65 feet deep, and the dome stands 55 feet tall with a base nearly 400 feet wide.

The 65-foot-deep geothermal pool is enclosed within a natural limestone dome, creating one of the most unusual swimming and scuba diving environments in the United States.

The crater bottom holds a thick silt layer between 8 and 14 feet deep, full of mineral sediment and even old coins.

Kick it up, and visibility drops quickly, so divers stay above 40-45 feet to keep the water clear. On a good day, you can see 35 to 50 feet underwater. Beyond diving, you can swim, snorkel, soak, take a guided geology tour, or even try paddleboard yoga.

Most sessions run 40 minutes of water time in 60-minute slots. Reservations are strongly recommended, as walk-ins are accepted only when space allows.

There are a few dressing rooms inside the crater, but no restrooms. Restrooms are located in the parking area.

🟡 Please note that life vests are mandatory and free-diving is not permitted.

Location: Midway • Wasatch County • Northern Utah • USA
Open: Year-round; generally daily 8:00 AM–10:30 PM (seasonal)
Development: Historic resort crater with tunnel access, dressing rooms, and on-site life vests
Clothing: Required
Facilities: Dressing rooms, restrooms at the parking area, free parking, adjacent resort

Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Open daily; reservations strongly recommended, walk-ins by availability

Elevation: 5,640 ft (1,719 m)

Water T° (pools): 90–96°F (32–35.5°C)
Odor: Odorless (no sulfur)

Water depth: ~65 ft (20 m)
Flow rate: ~135,000 gallons per day

Chemical used: None (natural flow-through system)

Mineral profile: Calcium, sodium bicarbonate

Visibility (diving): 35–50 ft under ideal conditions