Mystic Hot Springs, a Unique Destination in the Utah Desert

Living on the East Coast, I often lament the lack of hot springs. So every chance I get to travel out West, I try to stop at one. Our last trip took us to Mystic Hot Springs in the town of Monroe, Utah. I came across the beautiful pictures on Instagram one day and decided to put it on my bucket list.

Mystic Hot Springs is a very unique, fun and relaxing place. Radiating hippies vibes reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, it is a true oasis in the middle of the desert. Read on to learn more about Mystic Hot Springs and plan a visit.

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. You can find the full policy here.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

History of Mystic Hot Springs

For some reason, I didn’t do my usual diligent research before our visit and didn’t really know what to expect. All I remember reading was that it was eclectic with a hippies vibe, whatever that means. So when I pulled up to the property to a giant sign that said “Closed”, I got a little apprehensive. I was reminded of a ghost town with all the old dilapidated cabins and junk buses strewn around the property. It also didn’t help that the we didn’t see a single soul. Because of Covid-19, I knew check-in was contactless and when I called to let them now we arrived, I was relieved to hear we were at the right place. I got instructions on where to park, where the bathroom was and how to get to the springs.

It wasn’t until later that I learned about the fascinating history of Mystic Hot Springs. From what I gathered, Native Americans from the Ute, Shoshone and Piute tribes used to make camp near the warm water. Later the settlers arrived and the hot springs become a popular resting place. The property was eventually homesteaded in 1886 when Mormons settled there and named it Monroe Hot Springs. Since then, the property changed hands a few times before the current owner “Magic Mike” bought it in the mid-90s. Seeing the potential of the place to welcome more guests but on a limited budget, he started acquiring old pioneer cabins and renovated them into guest rooms. There are now 15 cabins at different stages of restoration as well as several converted buses, some available to rent.

I wish we had more time to explore the place. Sadly we arrived late for our reserved soak time and then had to rush out to get to Bryce Canyon National Park before nightfall.

Description

The natural mineral water flows out the ground at 200 gallons per minute and at a consistent 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The main mineral found in the water is calcium carbonate which forms the travertine mounds that are growing all around the property. Traces of magnesium and iron are also present, all of which are excellent for the skin and bones. There is no sulfur (yay! no rotten eggs smell!) and therefore no need to rinse off afterwards. The water is very soothing and you will feel your whole body relax. Indeed, coming from our 3 day hiking trip at Zion National Park, we felt totally re-energized after our soak. Honestly, it was like a full-body massage.

The water cools down to 100-111 degrees as it travels down the pipes into 8 vintage cast iron bathtubs and 2 concrete pools. Located atop a hill, the tubs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. They also are a great vantage point for watching sunsets and stargazing at night. The tubs are emptied and washed several times a day. Furthermore the water consistently flows in and out, keeping everything clean and hygienic. Don’t be alarmed by the cloudy appearance, it is due to the presence of minerals in the water.

At the base of the hill, the pools may not have the same scenic views but are still quite beneficial. The first pool is 2 feet deep and features a waterfall created by the minerals spilling into the side of the pool. This pool is kept at a slightly cooler temperature. The second pool is smaller in size but deeper at 4 feet. Its hot temperature makes it the perfect place for stretching your muscles. The pools are drained and cleaned twice a week.

How To Get to Mystic Hot Springs

Mystic Hot Springs is easily accessible off highway I-70, in the small town of Monroe in Central Utah. The exact address is 475 E. 100 N., Monroe, UT. Cell service can be a bit sketchy on the way there, so have a map handy or download Google Maps for offline viewing.

Driving directions are as follow:

• 2 hours 40 mins south of Salt Lake City
• 4 hours northeast of Las Vegas
• 2 hours 30 mins from Zion National Park
• 1 hour 40 mins north of Bryce Canyon National Park

How Much Does It Cost

Note : there are several changes due to Covid-19. All visitors must now reserve timed-tickets online. Walk-ins are no longer accepted. Check-in is contactless. I will continue to update this section as the property changes its policies.

A 2-hour soaking pass costs $25 per adult and $12.50 per child 12 and under.

Things to Know About Mystic Hot Springs

This place is family-friendly. Alcohol, smoking, and any illegal activities are prohibited. Furthermore no nudity allowed so you won’t have to deal with unexpected surprises.

Make sure to keep hydrated especially during the hot summer months when temperatures near 100F degrees. Bring water bottles enough for everyone in your group.

Bring your own towels. I love these Turkish towels from Amazon. They are very lightweight and highly absorbent. We usually pack light when we travel, and I appreciate not having to lug heavy terry towels in our luggage anymore. Bonus: they won’t take up a lot of space in your bag/luggage either.

If you go in the evening, make sure to bring a flashlight with you. The property is pitch dark after sunset for a better stargazing experience.

There is a communal bathroom and shower near the parking area, all kept clean. It is a few minutes walk from the springs so plan accordingly.

In addition to the cabins and buses mentioned earlier, there are other accommodations to choose from if you decide to stay on site. You can find RV sites (full hookups only from April to October) and beautiful tree-shaded campgrounds on grassy lawns.

Music is a big part of Mystic Hot Springs. Bands often serenade visitors while they are soaking. Mystic Hot Springs Music Festival in July brings together music, art, and sustainability. Reserve your tickets and accommodations early if you plan to attend.

If you find yourself in the area, make sure to stop by this mystical place. It is definitely quirky and rustic but still relaxing. You will feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the psychedelic age and the Western-pioneer era. Mystic Hot Springs should definitely figure on your Utah travel list!

Thanks for reading xx

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY UTAH TRAVEL IDEAS:

• Zion: ultimate guide to hiking the Narrows with kids
• Bryce Canyon: the best hike at Bryce Canyon National Park
• Homestead Crater: experience Homestead Crater, the only geothermal springs in the continental US