Top 5 Stunning Natural Hot Springs in North America

For some, sinking into a warm mineral-rich natural hot spring has all the hallmarks of the perfect relaxing pastime, be it nestled in the snow-covered mountains of the Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies or surrounded by red sandstone cliffs of the Colorado Plateau desert region. If you’re yet to indulge in this bucket-list therapeutic escape where adventure meets with pure relaxation, join us as we reveal the best natural hot springs in North America which will warm your body, mind and soul any time of year.

Take a Deep Dive in the Cave Pools of Ainsworth, British Columbia, Canada

Our first natural hot spring-inspired destination will find you plunging into a thermally heated pool overlooking Kootenay Lake in the historic village of Ainsworth, in British Columbia, Canada. Whether you’re on a solo road trip through the Selkirk Mountains or taking the family away for a truly unique vacation, the views on offer at Ainsworth Hot Springs will simply take your breath away.

Visitors to Ainsworth Hot Springs can opt to investigate the ornate 150-foot horseshoe-shaped cave recharging your batteries as you bathe beneath its cascading waterfalls. Then, after you’ve spent some time floating in and out of the natural caverns, you can go back to the resort’s pristine main pool to enjoy the glorious mountain backdrop as you immerse yourself in the pool’s healing waters.

Journey through the cave-lined thermal pools of Ainsworth Hot Springs, before enjoying a cozy night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn in Nelson, British Columbia.

Switch Off and Relax at Travertine’s Hot Springs, California

If you’re looking for a genuine off-the-grid escape, then look no further than the geothermal wonder that is Travertine Hot Springs, located just outside of Bridgeport, California, with its sweeping views overlooking the Owens Valley desert. Here, the more secluded natural rock pools are hidden from view all along the alpine trails, which also vary in size and temperature to suit your personal preferences.

While almost every natural hot spring rock-bottomed pool is accessible from the main tub itself, all of them benefit from the dramatic setting of the Eastern Sierra peaks in the distance. Incidentally, Travertine’s Hot Springs is also ideal for nature lovers and hikers who prefer to unwind after a day on the trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as the thermal features of the pools make for the perfect post-hike soak.

Seek out Travertine Hot Springs’ geothermal pools set against the desert terrain beneath the Sierra Nevada, and relax each evening with a great night’s sleep at the Best Western Topaz Lake Inn in Gardnerville, Nevada.

Unravel in Ojo Caliente’s Mineral Pools in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Next on our shortlist of the best natural hot springs in North America sees us heading down to New Mexico and the nine unique thermally heated pools of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs just outside Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. First established back in 1868, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs also happens to be one of the country’s oldest health spas and a mecca for modern-day guests seeking mindful relaxation in the thermally heated pools.

Due to the unique geology of the region, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs offers its patrons a range of distinctive benefits with pools enriched with the healing properties of iron, lithia, soda, and arsenic. Believed to be great for improving circulation, arthritis, and joint pain, the natural mineral pools also benefit from the free-flowing, warm desert air, which complements the striking backdrop of the surrounding red rock cliffs.

Visit Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs geothermally heated pools by booking your stay at the Best Western Rivers Edge in Red River, New Mexico.

Get Fully Immersed in the Rejuvenating Springs at Miette’s Rocky Hot Pools, Alberta, Canada

We head back to the Canadian Rockies for our next top thermal hot springs destination and the soothing warm waters of Miette Hot Springs in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, Canada. Not only is Miette Hot Springs blessed with stunning panoramic mountain views in every direction, but the natural hot water is also enriched with minerals and cooled to maintain a temperature of 37°C to 40°C for a guaranteed comfortable soak.

For the keen hikers among you, a very popular pre-submersion endeavor is to trek the terrific Sulphur Skyline trail, a moderately challenging hike that offers optimal lookout points across the valleys below. Then afterward, you can head down for a well-earned dip in Miette Hot Springs’ two main pools or their two invigorating plunge pools to rejuvenate the muscles.

Float around the energizing natural springs while enjoying the views at Miette Hot Springs by reserving your stay at the Best Western Plus Hinton Inn & Suites in Hinton, Alberta.

Experience A Nighttime Soak Under the Starry Night Skies at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Colorado

When it comes to scenic thermal hot spa natural springs, few can compete with the stone rock pools found at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Fed by Hot Springs Creek itself, the variety of pools also differs in temperature to allow visitors the chance to take a soothing restorative plunge and unwind in total comfort.

During the winter months, the snow-covered surroundings and steam coming off of the water add to the ambiance of Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which patrons often indulge in after a snowshoeing tour around the area. Just when you thought relaxing soaks couldn’t get any better, the thermal pool retreat also offers night bathing, so you can opt to immerse yourself beneath a star-filled sky while looking up to the heavens.

Unplug and relax in the lush geothermal pools before getting a superb night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel and Suites in Craig, Colorado.