to a natural hot spring in the western part of the United States. There are a variety of diverse natural hot spring offerings in Colorado and Montana, from secluded backcountry hot springs to developed resorts offering full-service spas with various pools and amenities.

Colorado: A Refined Approach to Geothermal Wellness
Colorado’s full-service Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs offers hot therapy pools with 32 in all, cafés, and a 21+ area where guests can enjoy a variety of soaking options with pool temperatures ranging from 98–108℉. Iron Mountain is now celebrating its 10th anniversary and over the years has learned how to cater to its guests with a variety of options.

The Select Access section includes 16 natural geothermal pools, a mineral family pool, an inspired pool, and a Zion Canyon Hot Springs–inspired jetted spa.

In the Premier Access (21+) section, guests experience 10 pebble-bottomed inspired pools with mineral formulas that bring hot springs from around the world to Colorado—from cold plunge pools to a large Dead Sea pool with a waterfall feature to a replica of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon pool.

The recent big news for Iron Mountain is its almost complete expansion called The Summit.
The Summit will add both hot and cold therapy options with a contrast therapy section featuring five new thermal experiences and three plunge pools of varying temperatures. It is in this section of Iron Mountain Hot Springs where guests can explore global bathing traditions, with a mix of saunas, steam rooms, a salt therapy room, and plunge pools set to cold, hot, and neutral temperatures. Iron Mountain Hot Springs General Manager Aaron McCallister said of the new option, “It’s time for guests to get out their passports again to visit The Summit. We are excited to bring even more global wellness, social, and longevity benefits to our guests.”

The Summit will open in 2026. Once open, it is set to not only be a healthy destination, but expert staff members will also be on hand to guide guests through recommended wellness circuits, utilizing the various hot and cold therapeutic options to assure optimal health benefits.

Different circuit routines can promote muscle recovery, cardiovascular health, or nervous system regulation. The heat therapy circuit is inspired by the Turkish Hammam, Finnish Barrel, Korean Hanjeungmak, Russian Banya, and Polish Salt Room. Each room is designed using visual and experiential elements that honor the original cultural tradition, including architectural styles, building materials, temperature, humidity, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy.

Slope and Soak: Pairing Skiing With Soaking
For hot spring enthusiasts who also love the slopes, the 2026 Iron Mountain Hot Springs Slope and Soak package with Sunlight Mountain will offer a lift ticket at Sunlight and a three-hour soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs from January 5 through March 6, Monday through Friday.

Montana: Primitive Soaking in Wild Settings
If you are looking for a more primitive hot springs experience, head north to Montana. This state is home to typically undeveloped soaking spots found in natural settings, often with limited or no amenities.

Renova Hot Springs: Free and Untamed
Renova Hot Springs is free and located on BLM lands, with the primitive Point of Rocks campsite nearby. The springs feature natural rock-bottomed pools that can be slippery, so water shoes are recommended. Located on a side channel of the Jefferson River, the springs are just a 30-minute drive from Whitehall, MT. Clothing is optional, and temperatures typically range from 110–122°F at the source, depending on river flow.

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: Forest Serenity
Another primitive, clothing-optional experience is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, a free and rustic soaking area in the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forest near the Idaho/Montana border.
Accessible near Lolo Pass on US Highway 12 via the Warm Springs Pack Bridge, the hot springs feature multiple pools in lush surroundings and are open year-round from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., near the Johnson Bar Campground.

Upper Potosi Hot Spring: Mountain Views and Stargazing
Upper Potosi Hot Spring is an undeveloped, free public spring in the Tobacco Root Mountains near Pony. Located near the Potosi Campground, the single pool is accessible by a short hike. With gravel and rock walls, deep soaking water averaging 104–110°F, and surrounding mountain views, it’s ideal for stargazing at night and scenic soaking by day.

Nature’s Remedy for Body and Mind
Whether you are looking for pain relief, stress reduction, improved circulation, or enhanced skin health, a trip to a natural hot spring in the Western United States delivers natural beauty, relaxation, and a sense of increased longevity—all through Mother Nature’s remedy.