Crater Hot Spring

Utah County, Utah · Near Saratoga Springs
40.3530°N, 111.8950°W · 4,481 ft
111°F 50°F air · Good soaking weather 4,481 ft Unknown Short Walk SDNR Camping nearby (13.5 mi)

Crater Hot Spring sits on the edge of Saratoga Springs, a little over a mile from town on land the record assigns to the state at Utah Lake. This one is hot, above 110, hot enough that you would want to test it before getting in. Public access is marked unknown. A 1992 sample shows modest mineral content with some iron.

Location

Figure on a walk of a third of a mile or so from an unnamed road. Winters here pile up more than three feet of snow, and the ground is state-held under a designation the record abbreviates as SOTH. Little Mill campground is thirteen or so miles away, the only camping named.

Winter months come first on the record. Because access is unknown, check with the state wildlife or lands office before visiting. The water is hot; ease in and keep children close. Sample from 1992. No fee on record. Saratoga Springs is close enough that supplies are no problem.

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 Crater Hot Spring.

Aerial view of the ground around Crater Hot Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Crater Hot 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.

Setting
Open ground
Flat, open ground all around.
Highest ground nearby
15 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from northwest to southeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Heat Below
120 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 71% 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
27°
Jan
32°
Feb
41°
Mar
50°
Apr
60°
May
73°
Jun
82°
Jul
80°
Aug
70°
Sep
55°
Oct
41°
Nov
29°
Dec
Annual Precip: 15.4 in Annual Snow: 39.1 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 27°F · Water 111°F · +84° contrast
December Air 29°F · Water 111°F · +82° contrast
February Air 32°F · Water 111°F · +79° contrast
January offers 55°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
50°F
Clear SSE 12.4 mph 58% Good soaking weather
Today 84° Low 57° Partly Sunny 14% precip
Spring is +27° warmer
Wednesday 82° Low 59° Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 72% precip
Spring is +29° warmer
Thursday 81° Low 56° Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 36% precip
Spring is +30° warmer
Friday 78° Low 51° Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 11% precip
Spring is +33° warmer
Saturday 78° Low 52° Sunny 4% precip
Spring is +33° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1992-08-17

The water at Crater Hot Spring is neutral (pH 7.0) with 1440 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 7.0 Neutral
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 180 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 49 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 220 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 420 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 320 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 30 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Little Mill 13.5 mi away

Overview Little Mill Campground is located in American Fork Canyon on the banks of American Fork Creek. This popular campground is a great place to escape the hot summer days while hiking or fishing.Recreation American Fork Creek is a favorite among fly-fisherman. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout. The 20-mile paved Alpine Loop Scenic Byway passes the campground, traveling through alpine canyons, mountain meadows, aspen groves and pine forests, providing breathtaking views of the Was...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
111°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 111°F (44°C)
Avg Air Temp 53°F
Above Ambient +58°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Unknown
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.3 mi
Land
Ownership State
Agency SDNR
Designation SOTH
Unit Utah Lake
Manager SDNR
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Crater Hot Spring?
Crater Hot Spring has a water temperature of 111°F (44°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Crater Hot Spring located?
Crater Hot Spring is located in Utah County, Utah at 4,481 feet elevation, near Saratoga Springs. Coordinates: 40.3530°N, 111.8950°W.
How do I get to Crater Hot Spring?
Crater Hot Spring has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Crater Hot Spring free to visit?
Crater Hot Spring has Unknown access. It is managed by SDNR.
Can I camp near Crater Hot Spring?
Yes, Little Mill is located nearby (13.5 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Crater Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.0 (neutral). Total dissolved solids measure 1,440 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Crater Hot Spring?
With care. At 111°F Crater Hot Spring is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS