Hot Springs 101 (with photos)

Human beings have been soaking in hot springs long before history began to be recorded. Archaeological evidence shows people have been using mineral water to treat disease for over 5000 years. From the ancient Greek and Romans to traditional Japanese rituals, from Middle Eastern ceremonies to fashionable European bath houses. The attraction to thermal waters is one of the truly universal human behaviors.

In the Americas, it was the native Americans who deemed hot springs a sacred place for healing. Despite the exploitation of these sacred places during the colonization of the US, evidence of native hot spring use remains today. There are more than 17,000 hot springs in the US alone and the majority are found in the West. Approximately 115 have been developed into resorts or spas.

Geology: Thermal Systems

Heat exists below the crust of the earth because there are decaying natural elements in the core. Hot springs form where that heat has the opportunity to escape to the surface through cracks in the earth’s plates. However, there are many hot springs that exist for unexplainable reasons.

Water inevitably fills every crack in the earth’s surface. When that water comes in close proximity to a source of intense heat, the water warms and rises (convection). Eventually it cools down slightly along the way to the surface. This results in the temperature range we discover from pool to pool when going for a soak in thermal waters. Always locate the source of the heat and test the water before getting in to avoid serious burns!

Microbes: Living Pools

Hot springs are teeming with life. Scientists have discovered unique microorganisms living specifically in hot springs in the western United States. These microbes thrive in the thermal water despite lack of sunlight and/or oxygen. The existence of these organisms contradicts the general requirements for life on Earth. If an organism can survive without being dependent on water, sunlight, oxygen and organic carbon simultaneously, the possibility of life on other planets increases exponentially.
Basically, microorganisms found in hot springs are one of the most significant scientific phenomenons on our planet.

Important information: Do not submerge your entire head underwater in a hot spring. In worst case scenarios people have died in California from contracting rare microbes through their mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) directly from hot spring water. This topic has been debated but its not worth the risk. Also, hot springs can be very grimy places filled with skin cells, sweat, urine and everything else you can imagine that is unsanitary so just don't put your face in it. Parents watch your children! Don't let them put their heads underwater or disrupt the environment.

The mud in hot springs is very rich in minerals and it is a tradition to exfoliate your skin when soaking in a hot spring. It makes your skin so soft!

Etiquette: PRACTICE COMMON SENSE

Surprisingly enough using common sense is not so common. People come to hot springs in search of peace and healing so always keep that in mind. Understanding etiquette cannot be reiterated enough.
Many people do not share information about hot springs because ignorant people will go to these sacred places and disrespect them. People come to hot springs to party and they leave behind trash, physically destroy the pools and pollute the water. They are ruining places that have been used for thousands of years simply because they can’t respect the environment.

Please do not be one of those people. I will certainly receive ridicule from others in the outdoor community for writing this blog. I am writing it anyway because the experiences I've had with hot springs are the most incredible moments of my life. I never felt so connected with the natural world until I soaked in a hot spring alone in the wilderness. In my opinion, these thermal areas are the most beautiful and enjoyable places in the world and every human being deserves to experience it for themselves.

Disclaimer: Do not be surprised to find a variety of naked people when visiting the pools, the concept of soaking in hot springs is rooted in nature. Some people enjoy these places in their most natural state. Remember this when you're bringing young children.
I will not be giving away all the secrets. I cannot tell you how many hours of research, driving with the wrong GPS coordinates, and being completely lost lead me to finding these places. A huge part of what makes hot springs so amazing is that you have to put in genuine effort to find them (in most cases). You earn the right to soak your bones. Here's a few names of my favorite hot springs and thermal areas to point you in the right direction:

Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest "City of Baths", Hungary

"The Hot Springs", Uganda

The Springs Resort, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Big Bend Hot Spring, California

Every hot spring in Iceland is the coolest place ever (see Icelandic Roadtrip blog for details)

Feather River, California

Last but not least my favorite area to go hot spring hopping is in Mammoth Lakes, CA!

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT!