Homestead Crater Hot Springs is located in Midway, Utah, about 45 miles southeast of Salt Lake City (roughly a one-hour drive), tucked on the grounds of the historic Homestead Resort at an elevation of approximately 5,640 feet.

The main attraction is a 10,000-year-old geothermal limestone dome, a rare geological phenomenon offering a one-of-a-kind soaking (as well as scuba diving and paddleboard yoga) experience in the United States.

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

Make sure to confirm operating hours, rates, and availability before visiting, as details may change over time.

The crater is named after the historic Homestead Resort, founded in the late 1800s. The resort is home to the famous Homestead Crater, a natural geothermal spring.

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

Hot water enters naturally through vents in the crater floor. However, the drainage system has changed over time.

In the past, excess water escaped through cracks and pores in limestone.

Today, engineered drainage controls water levels and outflows, helping to maintain safe conditions for visitors.

Before the 110-foot tunnel was built in 1996, the only way to enter the dome was through a natural opening at the top.

Visitors climbed to the summit, where they were lowered by rope into the warm mineral pool below. After their visit, they were lifted back to the top by rope.

Homestead Crater Water & Soaking Experience

Heated by the Earth's interior, odorless mineral water rises from an aquifer nearly two miles underground. Its temperature stays within the 90°F-96°F (32–36°C) range year-round. About 135,000 gallons of fresh geothermal water flow in daily, keeping the crater clean and warm.

The pool is about 65 feet deep, and the dome is 55 feet tall, with a base nearly 400 feet wide. The crater bottom holds a thick silt layer, 8 to 14 feet deep, full of mineral sediment and even old coins.

Kick it up, and visibility drops quickly and dramatically. For that reason, divers stay at depths of 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: Geothermal limestone dome
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