Fault Zone Spring

Utah County, Utah · Near Saratoga Springs
40.3320°N, 111.8910°W · 4,500 ft
90°F 50°F air · Good soaking weather 4,500 ft Unknown Short Walk SDNR Camping nearby (14.1 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Fault Zone Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Fault Zone 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.

Fault Zone Spring is a thermal point the USGS logged near Saratoga Springs, on state land at Utah Lake, with water that reads right at the line between warm and soakable. The record marks public access unknown. The chemistry on file is from 1940, and that is old.

Location

The nearest road is South Centennial Boulevard, about four tenths of a mile away on foot. The spring sits near lake level in a part of Utah County with snowy winters, over three feet on average. Little Mill campground, around fourteen miles off, is the closest camping named. Land designation on record is SOTH, state-held.

Winter months lead the record. With access unknown, put a call in to the state before you walk out. The temperature is a survey number from decades back and may have shifted. No fee on file. Saratoga Springs is under two miles away, so this is an easy one to check on from town.

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 Fault Zone Spring.

Setting
Open ground
Flat, open ground all around.
Highest ground nearby
Level with the spring
Within a quarter mile

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

Heat Below
124 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 74% 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
49°
Apr
60°
May
74°
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 90°F · +63° contrast
December Air 29°F · Water 90°F · +62° contrast
February Air 32°F · Water 90°F · +59° contrast
January offers 55°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
50°F
Clear SSE 12.4 mph 58% Good soaking weather
Today 83° Low 58° Partly Sunny 14% precip
Spring is +7° warmer
Wednesday 81° Low 60° Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 73% precip
Spring is +9° warmer
Thursday 81° Low 56° Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 36% precip
Spring is +9° warmer
Friday 77° Low 52° Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 11% precip
Spring is +13° warmer
Saturday 77° Low 52° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +13° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1940-05-04

The water at Fault Zone Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 1670 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 7.8 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 124 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 61 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 202 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 509 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 440 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Little Mill 14.1 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
90°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 90°F (32°C)
Avg Air Temp 53°F
Above Ambient +37°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Unknown
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road South Centennial Boulevard
Distance to Road 0.4 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 Fault Zone Spring?
Fault Zone Spring has a water temperature of 90°F (32°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Fault Zone Spring located?
Fault Zone Spring is located in Utah County, Utah at 4,500 feet elevation, near Saratoga Springs. Coordinates: 40.3320°N, 111.8910°W.
How do I get to Fault Zone Spring?
Fault Zone Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being South Centennial Boulevard (0.4 mi from the road).
Is Fault Zone Spring free to visit?
Fault Zone Spring has Unknown access. It is managed by SDNR.
Can I camp near Fault Zone Spring?
Yes, Little Mill is located nearby (14.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Fault Zone Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.8 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 1,670 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS