My Favorite Hot Spring is a Clawfoot Tub

I have been to a lot of hot springs—I’m something of a connoisseur. I love hot springs because they provide a respite in a beautiful landscape. The combination of the heat, the minerals, and even the nudity leaves me feeling relaxed and refreshed.

There is something magical about hot springs. These natural pools, heated by magma or the earth’s crust, have surfaced themselves to provide a respite for those seeking one.

They are often in beautiful locations, surrounded by nature, and can be difficult to find. You hear about springs through word of mouth so you’re not always sure what you’re going to get when you arrive. There are a few things I’m looking for in a good spring. I want to find a spot that is unique, relatively clean, surrounded by beauty, and has water that is piping hot. In my opinion, nothing is worse than a lukewarm spring. 

Mystic Hot Springs

Mystic Hot Springs is a perfect combination. Mystic is located in the town of Monroe, 93 miles north of Bryce. The owner, an artist, bought the property in 1995 when he was driving through from Denver to Las Vegas. Since then he has been restoring pioneer cabins, renovating school buses, and hosting festivals at Mystic.

The most unique thing about this spring are the 1920’s clawfoot tubs. Water is syphoned straight from the source into these long tubs. The tubs have been sitting there for so long that the calcium has started to build up around them. They kinda look like they’re a part of the rock, and the bright orange calcium buildup is striking. The water is piping hot and, my favorite part, the tubs are open 24 hours a day. You can spend your evening soaking in a tub while keeping an eye out for shooting stars.

If you love it so much you want to stay, they have renovated school buses and cabins, or you can grab a camping spot for $15 a person. If you stay the night, you get a free soaking pass, too.