Zion Canyon Hot Springs – A New Oasis in the Southern Utah Desert (Coming Soon!)
What could be better after a day of exploring Zion National Park than a relaxing soak in luxurious hot springs? While it has been many years since hot springs could be found near Zion, that is changing with the opening of the much-anticipated Zion Canyon Hot Springs later this year....possibly June!
I have such fond memories of the Pah Tempe Hot Springs from when I was growing up. Locals called them the hot pots, and I often joke that the smell of rotten eggs is the smell of my childhood.
It was truly a magical setting, being down in the canyon surrounded by cliffs and sitting in the, well, let’s just say fragrant, warm water....haha! I remember swimming in the big pool, playing in the river below and soaking in the smaller pools. Gahhhhh…I just loved it so much!
The Pah Tempe Hot Springs have been closed for a long time now, but several years ago, for my 40th birthday, I hiked up the river to see them again. (Technically I didn’t break the law because I hiked up the river and didn’t cross any of the “do not trespass” signs.) And the pools still looked the same…still magical.
While I know it won’t be quite the same, I am still very excited for the new Zion Canyon Hot Springs, which are opening in 2025. This resort will be much more commercial than the hot springs of my youth, but if you can’t tell, I just love hot springs, so I am really happy to have some nearby again. I’m thrilled that people will have access to those healing waters once again, and the new resort seems like it will be a beautiful facility.
***Photos from the Washington County Historical Society
The History of Pah Tempe Hot Springs
Looking through old pictures and reading about the history of Pah Tempe Hot Springs while researching this blog post has been absolutely fascinating. In fact, my ancestors go all the way back in the history of the town of Hurricane, and as it turns out, my great great great grandfather, Thomas Judd, was the first to actually own the hot springs. Here’s a little more about the history of Pah Tempe Hot Springs from the Washington County Historical Society.
Also known as La Verkin Sulphur Springs and Dixie Hot Springs, the healing water of Pah Tempe Hot Springs was used for centuries by the Ute people. Early Mormon settlers in the area also found and used the hot springs, and it was still freely available for anyone to use under the ownership of Thomas Judd in the late 1800s.
La Verkin Sanitorium and Resort Company bought and began developing the hot springs as a resort around 1915. Ownership of the resort changed hands many times over the years until Ken Anderson took over in 1985.
He worked to improve the hot springs property, but ultimately lost it to bankruptcy in 2012. In 2013, the Washington County Water Conservancy District took over, and Pah Tempe Hot Springs has mostly been closed ever since.
The Future of Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Now, the healing water from Pah Tempe Hot Springs will be used again as it will be pumped into the new Zion Canyon Hot Springs when it opens later this year. The $60 million dollar resort will look quite different, with a lot more amenities in a different location across the canyon and sitting high above, but hopefully soaking in the hot springs will be as magical as I remember. (Though it should be less smelly, since a system will be installed to mitigate the scent of sulfur.)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT ZION CANYON HOT SPRINGS
Zion Canyon Hot Springs is designed to be a luxurious oasis in the desert for families and adults alike. The resort will be divided into an all-ages section and an adults-only section so visitors can enjoy the perfect atmosphere for them.
The all-ages section features 14 mineral pools of varying temperatures, as well as a big freshwater pool, a whirlpool, a cold plunge pool, and a barrel sauna. In the adults-only section, you can enjoy 18 mineral pools of different temperatures, plus 16 WorldSprings pools which are designed after hot springs destinations around the world like the iconic Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
You’ll also find two cold plunge pools and two barrel saunas here.
Food and beverages will be offered in both sections, with beer available in the all-ages area and a bar with a full liquor license for cocktails, wine, and beer in the adults-only section. The main building where you check in will have a retail store and locker rooms on the lover level.
The groundbreaking for Zion Canyon Hot Springs took place in early 2024, and construction appears to be moving very fast. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the hot springs open earlier than the original estimated opening date of fall 2025 (I have heard rumors of June). And I hope they do open early, because I am so excited to check out this brand new hot springs resort so close to Zion!
If you can’t wait for Zion Canyon Hot Springs to open, check out my guide to Mystic Hot Springs in central Utah! It’s a 2-hour drive from Zion, but it’s totally worth it, especially if you’re looking for a more rustic vibe.
Zion Canyon Hot Springs Details
Here’s a quick rundown of all the important info about Zion Canyon Hot Springs:
Estimated opening mid-late 2025
Located 30 minutes from Zion National Park in La Verkin, UT
53 bodies of water including:
32 natural hot springs pools of varying temperature from 90° to 104°F
16 WorldSprings pools inspired by hot springs around the world
Large freshwater pool
A whirlpool
3 cold plunge pools
Three barrel saunas
Features a family section as well as a separate adults-only section with a full bar
Main building for check-in with locker rooms on the lower level
Hope this guide has you as excited as I am for the new Zion Canyon Hot Springs!
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
