Meadow Hot Spring in Utah is one of the most unique hot springs we’ve ever been to, and by far one of the best hot springs in Utah. From the distance it may not look like much, surrounded by a whole lot of nothingness, but below the surface is a turquoise dreamscape.
Since it’s so easy to get to, it’s become quite a popular roadside attraction for families, teenagers and daytrippers. If you want to know how to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit to Meadow Hot Springs Utah, keep reading our guide!
HOW TO GET TO MEADOW HOT SPRING
Meadow Hot Spring is around 2.5-3 hours from Salt Lake City, in the town of Meadow (go figure), just south of Fillmore. It’s one of the most popular hot springs in Utah, so it’s not hard to find it on Google Maps. Located just off the I-15, it’s a short detour from the freeway.
The road leading to Meadow Hot Spring turns to dirt for the last half-mile or so, but in dry conditions, our VW Golf made it to the parking area without much trouble. If it’s been raining the road may turn to mud and you might have to park a little way up the road and hike to the springs, but it’s not that far.
WHAT TO BRING TO MEADOW HOT SPRINGS UTAH
Prepare for your trip to Meadow Hot Spring Utah with our must-have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick-dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
Snorkel, mask & fins: Cressi Adjustable Mask, Fin & Snorkel Set with Carry Bag (click for price)
If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:
Professional camera: Sony a7iii (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
To see our complete camera gear read this post here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MEADOW UTAH HOT SPRINGS
Naturally, hot springs are a lot more enjoyable in the colder weather, and since Utah can get blazing hot you’ll want to avoid visiting Meadow Hot Spring Utah in the thick of summer. When it comes to the time of day, it can get seriously busy with daytrippers and hot spring enthusiasts visiting from all over the state, so we recommend getting there as early as possible. Not only will it be quiet, but you’ll also get beautiful golden lighting and dreamy reflections, weather permitting.
For something a little different, nighttime is also beautiful but beware of college kids from Provo visiting on weekend nights and treating it like a hot tub party. They also have a habit of bringing glow sticks, which may look cool, but are not so cool when left at the bottom of a 27ft hole. Clean up after yourselves so others don’t have to do it for you.
MORE UTAH TRAVEL GUIDES
Pink Lake Utah
Potash Ponds in Moab
Antelope Island State Park
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Spiral Jetty at the Pink Salt Lake
WHAT TO EXPECT AT MEADOW HOT SPRING UTAH
If it weren’t for Meadow Hot Spring Utah, most people wouldn’t think to drive this far out into the middle of nowhere. Since it was such a long drive from Salt Lake City, we decided to leave the night before and camp in the meadow so that we could be there for sunrise.
Meadow Hot Springs sits on private property, but the owner welcomes visitors and campers, as long as they clean up and leave no trace. He provides trash cans and a tip jar which he uses to maintain the property for the benefit of visitors. Sounds like a good guy if you ask us, so the least you can do is take your trash with you.
There are three pools of varying temperatures spread out around the property, but the closest pool is the warmest and deepest at around 102°F/38°C and 27ft/8m deep. The other two pools were lukewarm and barely warm at all, but the deep one was perfect.
FREEDIVING IN MEADOW HOT SPRINGS
Unlike most hot springs we’ve been to which are typically just shallow holes in the ground, the deepest pool at Meadow Hot Springs is actually an epic freediving spot. At 27ft deep with crystal clear water clarity, you definitely don’t want to forget your mask here. The locals have even tied a rope from top to bottom to help divers navigate the hole. It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway, be careful and know your limits.
MORE HOT SPRINGS IN UTAH
Meadow Hot Springs isn’t the only hot spring in Utah! A much larger spring, but one that requires a bit of a hike, is Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork. It has the most incredible blue water we’ve ever seen and is definitely worth the effort to get to. Read our guide to Fifth Water Hot Springs here.
Read our other Utah travel guides for more epic things to do:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Pink Lake Railway
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Potash Ponds in Moab
- Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork)
- Bryce Canyon Hike (Navajo Loop Trail)
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WHERE TO STAY IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
There’s no shortage of accommodation in Salt Lake City, but having all those options can be a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing the best place to stay. We’ve chosen our top picks for budget, midscale and luxury hotels in Salt Lake City to make things easier for you.
BUDGET: SLC HOSTEL
SLC Hostel is located in the heart of downtown SLC and our top pick for budget stays. With deluxe bathrooms in common areas, radiant heated floors and modern technology, it’s the best option for budget backpackers and digital nomads not looking to break the bank.
MIDSCALE: LITTLE AMERICA HOTEL
Little in name but not in stature, Little America Hotel is the largest hotel in Salt Lake City with 850 rooms and a history dating back 60 years. It’s a little up there on the midscale ranking but still offers affordable prices with very well maintained facilities.
LUXURY: GRAND AMERICA HOTEL
If you fancy the finer things in life and don’t mind splashing some cash, Grand America Hotel is the pinnacle of five star accommodation in Salt Lake City. Everything here is, well… grand. The pool, gardens, restaurants and rooms all live up to their name.
