Zion National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder in southwestern Utah, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With the upcoming opening of the Zion Canyon Hot Springs, visitors will have a new opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the details you need to plan your visit to this exciting new resort.
Location and Accessibility
The Zion Canyon Hot Springs will be located in La Verkin, Utah, just 30 minutes from the entrance to Zion National Park. The resort will be easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for visitors.
Pools and Amenities
The Zion Canyon Hot Springs will feature an impressive array of 53 pools, with 32 being fed by natural springs and another 16 having minerals added to enhance their natural benefits. Visitors will also have access to three cold-dip pools, a hot tub, and a freshwater swimming pool. In addition to the pools, the resort will offer a retail area, an on-site restaurant and bar service, and an adults-only area, encompassing more than half the pools.
Environmental Considerations
While the resort’s water pumping system may raise some environmental concerns, regional water experts have stated that it is likely to be beneficial for the river’s fish, which can currently overheat in areas near the spring. The resort will pump about 2,000 gallons per minute, which will be filtered before it returns to the river.
History
The hot springs in the Zion National Park area have a long and fascinating history. Records date back to the 1800s, when the springs were used by Indigenous Americans and later by Mormon settlers. In the early 1900s, a company attempted to build a hot springs resort, but it operated for only a few years before going private. In the 1950s, the area reopened as the Dixie Hot Springs Resort, and the name was changed to “Pah Tempeh” in the 1980s. However, the resort permanently closed to the public in 2013 for safety concerns.
Cost and Availability
Day passes to the Zion Canyon Hot Springs are expected to be around $65 per day, with discounts available for local residents and children. The resort will be managed by WorldSprings Resorts, which currently runs two hot springs properties in the US. Construction began in March 2024, and the resort is set to open in the fall of 2025.
Additional Hot Springs Near Zion National Park
For those looking to explore more hot springs in the area, there are several options within a reasonable drive from Zion National Park. These include:
| Hot Spring | Distance from Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Mystic Hot Springs | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Red Hill Hot Springs | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Meadow Hot Springs | 2 hours |
| Fifth Water Hot Springs | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Each of these hot springs offers a unique experience and a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the region.
In conclusion, the upcoming Zion Canyon Hot Springs will provide a much-anticipated opportunity for visitors to Zion National Park to relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. With its impressive array of pools, amenities, and easy accessibility, this resort is sure to become a popular destination for state park touring enthusiasts.
References
- Matador Network, “A Long-Closed Hot Spring Resort Is Finally Reopening Near Zion National Park,” March 27, 2024, https://matadornetwork.com/read/zion-hot-springs-resort-2025/
- Off Road Capital Partners, “Zion Hot Springs,” https://offroadcapitalpartners.com/investments/zion-hot-springs/
- Under Canvas, “Top Utah Hot Springs Near Zion National Park | Under Canvas®,” March 15, 2024, https://www.undercanvas.com/top-utah-hot-springs-near-zion-national-park/
- Mystic Hot Springs, “Visiting Mystic Hot Springs in the Winter ; Tips From A Local,” https://www.zionadventurephotog.com/single-post/mystic-hot-springs-a-family-adventure-in-central-utah
- ABC 4 News, “Hot springs resort to open next year near Zion Nat’l Park,” March 25, 2024, https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/hot-springs-resort-with-53-pools-slated-to-open-next-year-near-zion-national-park/.