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12 Hidden Natural Springs That Are Worth The Hike And Then Some
Craving a getaway from the relentless buzz of city life, where honking horns and glaring screens feel like a distant dream? Yeah, us too. Maybe it’s time to enter the world of natural springs, where there’s something undeniably magical about stumbling upon them deep within the great outdoors.
Some bubble with geothermal heat, perfect for soaking away the aches of that uphill climb, while others offer crisp, cool relief that screams, “jump in, if you dare.” And the best part? Each one feels like your own private oasis, a secret worth keeping (or sharing, depending on how generous you’re feeling).
Keep reading to discover some incredible springs that’ll make your next adventure unforgettable.
Blanchard Springs, Arkansas
This spot in Ozark National Forest is pure wizardry, where emerald waters burst out of a cave like something straight out of Tolkien’s playbook. And Blanchard Springs isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also part of a network of caves carved over eons by water working harder than your average weekend warrior.
The surrounding forest drips with vibrant greenery, offering an intoxicating mix of earthy scents and a soundtrack of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Want a taste of adventure? Take the walking paths to soak in the serene views, or explore the nearby caverns to feel like a bona fide explorer.
If you can, plan your visit during fall, when the kaleidoscope of foliage turns the landscape into nature’s flamboyant art gallery.
Big Spring, Missouri
Big Spring doesn’t dabble in subtlety; it’s one of the largest springs on the planet, after all. Churning out over 280 million gallons of impossibly turquoise water daily, this geological powerhouse feeds the Current River and wears its rugged surroundings like a crown.
Encased by jagged bluffs and caves whispering history, Big Spring serves up grandeur with a side of peace and quiet. And the spring’s vibrant hues contrast sharply with the dense green forest, making it a feast for the eyes and a haven for every shutter-happy visitor. But really, nothing beats the symphony of gurgling water and rustling trees as you breathe in the crisp air.
Plus, the water’s so pure, it could probably give most brands of bottled water a run for their money.
Geary State Fishing Lake Spring, Kansas
Kansas brings more than just golden prairies to the table, as proven by this hidden spot near Junction City. At Geary State Fishing Lake Spring, a secluded waterfall tumbles gracefully into a pool so serene, you might question your location entirely.
No tourist traps here, just a picture-worthy scene straight out of a Zen daydream. The sound of cascading water mingles with the gentle rustle of leaves from the surrounding thickets, creating a calming escape from your inbox notifications.
Once a local favorite kept under wraps, this spring-fed beauty is fast becoming a go-to getaway for explorers wanting something unspoiled. And trust me, that’s rare these days. Visit after a good rain to witness the falls in their full, roaring glory.
Radium Hot Springs, Colorado
Colorado’s Radium Hot Springs combines adventure and serenity like a mismatched couple that just works. Situated above the Colorado River, the springs are accessed via a hike that feels part scavenger hunt, part leg-day workout.
Once there, you’ll be greeted by a warm, mineral-rich basin cozied up against dramatic canyon walls. Historically, the area was a favorite pit stop for 19th-century settlers, yet it still feels unspoiled by modern meddling.
Honestly, soaking here while rafters paddle past below leaves you feeling smugly superior, yet oddly connected. The crisp air is tinged with the earthy scent of riverbanks, and the sound of rushing water makes it hard to believe your therapy session is free (as long as you can find it).
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah
Out in Utah’s rugged backcountry awaits a scene so surreal it practically demands a standing ovation. The Fifth Water Hot Springs are known for their milky blue thermal pools bubbling among red rock formations, creating a sensory overload of hot and cool colors.
Thanks to geothermal activity, these steaming cascades offer not just warmth but also a faint whiff of sulphur (because even paradise has its quirks).
A 2.5-mile hike through winding trails and sparse trees leads you here, where the contrasting tones of canyon walls and lush natural pools deliver a visual masterclass in dramatic landscapes. Bring your best “tolerant to mild stink” attitude and prepare to soak away your stress while marveling at your surroundings.
Three Sisters Springs, Florida
Florida’s Three Sisters Springs is like stepping into a glass of Fiji water. It’s so crystal-clear you can count the rocks on the bottom. This haven, tucked inside Kings Bay, is equally famous for its pristine waters and as a winter hangout for manatees who couldn’t care less about your touristy gawking.
These gentle giants peacefully float through turquoise waters surrounded by arching trees and whispering breezes, turning the whole scene into a fairy-tale retreat. Thankfully, the area’s strict protection status keeps it as untouched as possible, meaning fewer tourist antics and more awe-inspiring moments.
Snorkeling through these springs will make you feel as if you’ve been teleported into an underwater museum curated by nature itself. Good luck trying to top this experience, but hey, we won’t judge you for at least trying.
Krause Springs, Texas
Forget the dusty cowboy clichés and swap them for a lush paradise that feels like a secret tucked deep in Texas Hill Country. Krause Springs is a multi-generational family-run retreat boasting terraced pools, trickling waterfalls, and cypress trees so tall they seem to brush the clouds.
This place has been wowing visitors since 1955, though in a way, it feels timeless. Take a dip in the spring-fed pools (the water’s naturally crisp and delightfully refreshing), or wander the manicured gardens that look like they’ve been designed to make the word “idyllic” jealous.
The cascading waterfall whispers its secrets to the moss-covered rocks below, and you’ll probably start believing this is where relaxation goes to vacation.
Gold Strike Hot Springs, Nevada
Tucked away in a rugged slot canyon near the Colorado River, the steamy Gold Strike Hot Springs demands some commitment to get there. You’ll need to conquer a 6-mile scramble, complete with ropes and boulders, to reach it. But, oh, the reward.
These natural hot springs are nestled in the stark desert terrain, creating a striking juxtaposition of fiery orange sandstone against soothing, warm waters. And the air here hangs heavy with the earthy scent of minerals, while the sound of trickling pours and distant echoes of the canyon create an almost eerie tranquility.
It’s like you’ve stumbled onto another planet where relaxation rules. Unfortunately, it just requires a little sweat equity to earn your entry ticket.
Fossil Creek Springs, Arizona
If the desert had a hidden treasure chest, Fossil Creek Springs would be its prized gem. Picture turquoise waters flowing like liquid glass over rugged travertine ledges, with willow trees casting dappled shade and the soft roar of cascading water filling the air.
Located in central Arizona, this paradise is a striking anomaly in the arid surroundings. And here’s a curveball: the water’s unique composition gives it that blindingly vivid color (thank the high calcium carbonate levels).
The springs are a refuge for wildlife, too, making it a paradise not just for humans seeking respite but for critters who call this lush oasis home.
San Antonio Hot Springs, New Mexico
Perched high on a forested hillside in the rustic wilderness of the Jemez Mountains, San Antonio Hot Springs is the escape you most definitely needed. The pools cascade downward, each providing a slightly different temperature for your soaking pleasure (offering what feels like a custom-tailored spa designed by the wilderness itself).
The views are worth the trek alone, with green tree-filled mountains fading into the horizon and a sky that seems to stretch forever. It’s silent up here save for the bubbling springs and rustling pines, making it feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a New Mexico postcard.
You’ll feel your worries evaporate as the mineral-rich water soothes your muscles, making you almost forget the semi-rugged hike it took to earn this little slice of tranquility.
Travertine Hot Springs, California
Located in the Eastern Sierra, Travertine Hot Springs is where geology and relaxation collide. And with rust-colored mineral formations that look like Earth’s candy wrappers strewn around bubbling pools of warm water, what’s not to love?
These natural springs sit conveniently close to Bridgeport, but their steamy charm feels a world away from asphalt and chain coffee shops. Historically, the local Paiute people were known to frequent these springs, long before road-trippers with kale chips discovered their therapeutic allure.
The view of the Sierra Nevada mountains adds a touch of drama to your soak, rivaling even the fanciest infinity pools.
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs is Alaska’s answer to hot tubbing during an arctic escapade. Located 60 miles from Fairbanks, these springs are a steamy oasis surrounded by snow-draped boreal forests. First discovered in 1905, they’ve long been favored for their healing properties. But modern science would call it more “a break from emails.”
The real show-stealer here is above your head. On clear winter nights, the northern lights pirouette across the sky, turning your soak into an accidental light show. And the mineral-rich water envelopes you in a cocoon of warmth that feels like a version of a bear hug (hopefully not a real one, it is Alaska after all).
Breathe in the crisp, slightly metallic air, and ponder what the pioneers who found this place would think about your modern-day luxury.
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