The #1 Guide to Mystic Hot Springs Utah

I had seen pictures of these quirky bathtub hot springs called Mystic Hot Springs all over Pinterest and Instagram for awhile. They looked so unique and when I found out they were in Utah- I knew I had to go! I recently went on a friends trip road trip to Southern Utah which is one of my favorite places. We had such a great time.

When we headed back to the Salt Lake Valley, we decided to take the scenic route (Highway 89 from Zion NP) instead of the main freeway. It took a bit longer to get home, but I’m so glad we went this way. It was so picturesque and we even tried this amazing pizza place in Panguitch called C Stop Pizza. I kid you not, they had the best garlic knots I’ve ever had. The restaurant was also really cool because they had little cards that were conversation starters so you would have something to talk about instead of being on your phone the whole time!

Any way, we decided to make a pit stop in Monroe, Utah to finally check out Mystic Hot Springs! (They are a bit out of the way, but pretty close to where we were so we had to at least give it a try this one time.) These would be a good place to stop if you were headed to Capitol Reef National Park. They are about a 2 hour drive South of the Salt Lake Valley. Just make sure to get online and reserve a time-slot before you get there!

First Impressions

To be honest, our first impression was definitely not the best. When we pulled up to Mystic Hot Springs, my husband said it looked like something out of a horror film. It’s true, that it’s a bit beat up and the bottom area where the Office is, looked semi-sketchy. Right outside the office was this huge empty swimming pool and just random junk all over the place. BUT once we made it inside there was a very friendly lady that helped us and answered all our questions!

Also, because these hot springs are maintained, unlike some other ones in Utah- it costs money to get in. It’s $25 per person which is kind of pricey, but all and all- in the end, I think it was worth it. (This money also helps to ensure that the bath tubs are cleaned every day).

Staying Overnight & More Info

If you want to stay at Mystic Hot springs overnight, you totally can. You can actually stay the night in a campervan or an old school bus which looked pretty cool! You will have to buy a soaking pass for the Mystic Hot springs separately. Also, on certain nights of the week, they have concerts. They were actually having a concert the night that we were there, but we didn’t have time to stick around and watch.

When entering the office, you have to take off your shoes and when you go through the entrance, it feels like you are entering a whole new world from the 60s or 70s. There are definite eclectic hippie vibes in there! There were a few dogs walking around when we came in, but no worries, because they were all friendly. Also, make sure to bring your own water bottle because it’s really important to stay hydrated at the hot springs!

There are currently 6 filled bathtubs. 3 of them are right next to each other and look pretty cute. I never had a chance to take any pictures of these ones because they were occupied the whole time we were there. There is also a huge hot spring pool down below that you can hang out in if all of the bath tubs are full.

The bathtubs are actually quite big and can fit about 3 people (they are deeper than they look). Again, I’m sorry I don’t have more pictures of the property, but there were quite a few people there when I was so I didn’t want to make any one uncomfortable! The Mystic hot springs are about 98 to 110 degrees F. The tub I was in was definitely on the hotter side!

History

I also found out some cool history about the Mystic hot springs when we were there. Apparently, they date back 100 years. The Mormon Pioneers actually came across them when they were settling in Salt Lake. They found the hot springs surrounded by mineral deposits and built the first pool there (the main bottom one.)

Then over a century later, a musician driving home from Las Vegas, came across the hot springs and was immediately drawn in by them. He was happy to discover that he could buy the property. At the time, there was only one log cabin. He wanted more people to be able to stay overnight, so over the years, he has collected pioneer log cabins and vintage buses to add to the property.

Best Places to Photograph in Mystic Hot Springs Utah

The entire property is a photographer’s dream. Obviously, the most sought after spots are the bath tubs with the mineral deposits behind them. There are only two of these so they are a little bit harder to get. However, people come and go often, so even if they are taken when you first arrive, don’t lose hope!

The 3 bathtubs next to each other would make for a really fun group photo. And even the pool down below has a really cool mineral deposit structure behind it so you are bound to get cool photos there too.

I have even seen some cool photos people have take down by the old buses. You really can’t go wrong here! I think the biggest thing is to just have fun with it and put your own unique spin on this place. I had seen so many photos taken here before, I really wanted mine to be unique to me.

Also, because of the time of day I was there, the light kept changing. Instead of being frustrated, my husband and I had fun with it and just tried to be creative and play with the shadows.

Hours, Admission & Do you need an Appointment?

The Mystic hot springs are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.! I bet this place would be so fun late at night and perfect for star gazing since it’s in the middle of nowhere! The admission is $25 per adult in person and $12.50 per kid. There is now a 2 hour time limit and you will need to pick a time in advance!

Is it quiet there or are there lots of tourists?

I think these hot springs are very popular now. I mean, all of the tubs were full when we got there and a few people were in the main pool below, but it didn’t feel overcrowded or crazy touristy by any means. It was actually quite peaceful there! Now they have the 2 hour time slots so hopefully it doesn’t get overly busy!

Do you have to rent a tub or is it first come first serve?

The tubs are first come, first serve. I went around 7 PM on a Sunday and someone was just leaving out of the tub I got in. So sometimes your timing is just lucky. Most people don’t come until later at night when the temperature cools down outside.

Are Mystic Hot Springs Natural? Is the water clean?

Yes they are! The vintage cast iron bathtubs were put in below the springs so that the water would flow naturally into them. The bathtubs are actually drained and cleaned multiple times a day and the pools are drained and cleaned multiple times a week. With the consistent flow, the water stays clean and hygienic. The water’s dark or cloudy appearance is due to the minerals in the water. The hot springs are actually very soothing!

Are they easy to find?

Although Mystic hot springs are in the middle of nowhere in Monroe, Utah, they are pretty easy to find. As long as you have a GPS and type in Mystic Hot Springs Utah you should find them really easily. The hot springs are about two hours south of Salt Lake City and two and a half hours north of Zion National Park.

All and all, it was totally worth the drive and I had such a great time! I had a blast taking photos and then relaxing in the amazing waters after and the area was actually really peaceful! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me!