Compton Spring

Weber County, Utah · Near Hooper
41.2390°N, 112.4130°W · 4,405 ft
72°F 54°F air · Good soaking weather 4,405 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (15.3 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Compton Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Compton Spring
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Compton Spring is a warm seep in Weber County, roughly eight miles from Hooper, with a 1970 sample showing lightly mineralized water. The temperature is warm, below what most people would soak in. Who owns it is not on file, and an access status is missing too. It is a short walk from South East Promontory Road.

Location

Count on roughly a fifth of a mile between South East Promontory Road, the nearest road, and the spring. Mid elevation, with about two feet of winter snow and moderate precipitation. Simpson Springs Campground, fifteen miles distant, is the nearest one named, and that is a long way to go for a tepid spring.

The winter months are the listed best. It is a short walk in, no fee noted, and no owner named, so find out whose land before you cross it. The water is only warm. The chemistry is from 1970 and has not been resampled on the record since. Hooper is the closest town if you need to ask around.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Compton Spring.

Setting
Gentle slope
The ground tilts gently up to the west.
Highest ground nearby
208 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the west
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
114 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 65% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
26°
Jan
30°
Feb
39°
Mar
50°
Apr
60°
May
72°
Jun
80°
Jul
79°
Aug
68°
Sep
54°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
Annual Precip: 14.2 in Annual Snow: 24.3 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 26°F · Water 72°F · +46° contrast
February Air 30°F · Water 72°F · +42° contrast
December Air 30°F · Water 72°F · +42° contrast
January offers 54°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
54°F
Clear 32% Good soaking weather
Today 72° Low 59° Mostly Cloudy
Wednesday 77° Low 61° Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny 14% precip
Thursday 75° Low 58° Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 47% precip
Friday 71° Low 56° Sunny 6% precip
Spring is +1° warmer
Saturday 72° Low 56° Sunny
Water Chemistry Sampled 1970-11-27

The water at Compton Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.5) with 1520 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).

pH 7.5 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 72 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 38 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 420 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 78 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 680 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Simpson Springs Campground 15.3 mi away

Overview The campground is situated on the eastern edge of Utah's West Desert near the historic Simpson Springs station on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Simpson Springs was the site of a significant Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the late 1930s and early 1940s, just prior to the establishment of the US Army Dugway Proving Grounds during World War II. Recreation Hiking, picnicking, OHV riding, mountian biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, scenic backcountry byway,...

Fee Year round $15.00 per site
Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
72°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 72°F (22°C)
Avg Air Temp 53°F
Above Ambient +20°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road South East Promontory Road
Distance to Road 0.2 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Compton Spring?
Compton Spring has a water temperature of 72°F (22°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Compton Spring located?
Compton Spring is located in Weber County, Utah at 4,405 feet elevation, near Hooper. Coordinates: 41.2390°N, 112.4130°W.
How do I get to Compton Spring?
Compton Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being South East Promontory Road (0.2 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Compton Spring?
Yes, Simpson Springs Campground is located nearby (15.3 miles away). Year round $15.00 per site.
What minerals are in the water at Compton Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.5 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 1,520 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS