Visiting Mystic Hot Springs: Utah’s Most Unique Roadside Stop

Mystic Hot Springs, the hippie desert getaway you didn’t know you needed.

Only a short 2-hour drive from Provo, Utah, Mystic Hot Springs is the epitome of rustic relaxation. The springs themselves have been there for hundreds of years, gushing out warm mineral water onto the orange desert rocks.

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that cabins and a dancing hall were built. And it wasn’t until 1995 that an artist and music promoter turned this desert oasis into a boutique hotel.

Getting There:

The property is located about 30 minutes off the 15 freeway. It’s situated on the back side of the quaint country town of Monroe. Initially, I was a little concerned, for safety reasons, when making the drive. Especially so far into what is seemingly the middle of nowhere, however, the city of Monroe exceeded my expectations. There were many families out walking about, kids riding bikes, and a small main street with a few restaurants and cafes. Much more developed than I was expecting.

If you are just visiting the Hot Springs, you simply park in front of the Info Building, call in your reservation, and then walk up the hill past the rusty gate and up to the springs.

If you are staying, after you call to check in, you can move your car next to whatever bus/cabin/campground you reserved.

Amenities and Accommodations:

We booked a stay in the New Moon bus. This was the most unique looking on the interior in my opinion. Every bus is completely different and completely custom.

The buses have some electricity but no air conditioning; however, they have fans, and it can get very cold at night. They also have heaters and bed warmers for those colder times.

Everything was very clean and definitely exceeded my expectations. They provided towels as well.

Bathrooms are communal but separated by Men’s and Women’s with showers.

Additionally, they have a small “kitchen” with a microwave, hot water, a coffee pot, drinking water, and a dishwashing station.

Each bus has a fire pit and a picnic table, so if you want to cook your own food over the fire, you can.

Book your stay here

Soaking in the Hot Springs:

If you are planning on visiting the hot springs, you need to purchase an additional soaking pass, which is about $25 a person. You don’t need to book a stay to soak.

Purchase here

There are lots of different temperatures of hot springs, from around 90 degrees to up to almost 200 degrees. Make sure to bring your own water since there is none provided at the springs. At the top of the hill, you can see where to water is gushing out of the ground and then flowing down into the iconic tubs and orange rock pools.

I would recommend booking a sunset time slot during the summer to avoid the heat of the day. Even at the earliest time slot of 9am, the sun was still very strong.