One of the wildest looking hot-springs on earth!
Prior to moving to Utah, I had always seen images of this hot spring in a cave and always wanted to visit. On literally my first full day as a Utah resident, I was able to check this off of the bucket list.
This hot spring is not terribly far from Salt Lake or Park City, so getting to it is relatively easy. What isn't so easy however is the reservation system. Best I could tell, visitors can visit in roughly 40-minute blocks of time. It seemed that roughly 25 people could access the crater interior at a time.
The reservations, especially weekends often book up weeks in advance. Despite it being the 21st century, reservations are made via email, so you're at the mercy of the email response time.
Having booked our time slot nearly a month in advance, we were able to visit on a Friday afternoon. You first check-in at a building off to the side of the crater where you pay the $16 entrance fee and an additional $5 per snorkel set.
Prior to entering the crater at our designated time, I walked around the side and found a larger staircase to the top. After huffing and puffing to the top, there were beautiful views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. There was also a stone bench and a small bridge that crossed over the top of the crater. Unfortunately, you really could not see down into the crater due to heavy wire grids that were placed over the top (for obvious reasons).
After a bit more time enjoying the surrounding area, it was our time to enter the interior of the crater. We entered through a small swinging door and were immediately yelled at by a grumpy old man inside.
After a few minutes of his pissing and moaning, we were able to grab a life jacket, the snorkel gear, and enter the pool.
The pool itself had two sections to the side of the boardwalk where you could basically sit on a bench inside the 95 degree water. The more adventurous check out the open space and can swim around for their 40 minute time slot.
The water felt incredible and I enjoyed floating on my back and looking up at the top of the crater. The snorkeling meanwhile, was not worth it. You can't really see much underwater and grumpy old man wouldn't even allow me to submerge with the snorkel (despite having a life jacket on).
The water felt great and the setting was incredible, but the fun was somewhat lessened by the grumpy old man who seemed to complain about everything. I understand that there are rules, but my gosh, at least get someone pleasant working inside the dome.
Know Before You Go
You must have reservations to visit the inside and there is a fee to go swimming.
It is recommended to arrive with your swimsuit on. There are lockers inside, but it's extremely tight in there.
Lifejackets must be worn. No jumping in.
Probably wise to bring a towel.
Parking was plentiful, so no concerns there.
Resources
Video
Location
Found in the town of Midway, it's roughly 30 minutes from Park City and roughly 50 minutes from Salt Lake. Best access from Route 189.
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