Travel

The Hot List

Hot Springs: A User’s Guide

It’s January. You’re cold. So there’s only one place to go: the nearest lava-heated pond, possibly with a few close like-minded companions. So, ladies and gentlemen, five of the hottest hot springs in the country.

THE APRES-SKI

Conundrum Hot Springs in Aspen, CO

Consider this the wilderness equivalent of an après-ski hot tub: a set of jacuzzi-sized cauldrons carved into a ravine just 18 miles outside Aspen. The ideal accessory: as much champagne as you can carry.
Peak temperature: 102 degrees
Clothing: Optional

THE PRIVATE PARTY

Travertine in Bridgeport, CA

If you’re willing to do a bit of driving, here’s the upside: a spring all to yourself with a fantastic view of the mountains. The five stacked pools here will help you find the perfect temperature: the higher you go, the hotter it gets.
Peak temperature: 105 degrees
Clothing: Discouraged

THE MUD

Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, CO

This ranch sets you up with a cabin and a high-mineral (read: muddy) spring in sight of Colorado’s only geyser. Sprinting through said geyser to rinse off the mud: frowned upon, but we won’t tell if you won’t.
Peak temperature: 106 degrees
Clothing: Strongly suggested

THE PACIFIC

Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA

Sometimes, the view makes the tub. In this case, it’s a 180-degree view of the Pacific, seen from near the Pacific Coast Highway. There’s also a maze of indoor tubs—in the unlikely event you head inside.
Peak temperature: 119 degrees
Clothing: Common but not required

THE NORTH

Tolovana Hot Springs in Fairbanks, AK

It’s an immutable law of physics: the colder the air, the hotter the water should be. Which is why some of the pools here go to near-scalding temperatures—the better for warming up after any attempted polar plunges.
Peak temperature: 145 degrees
Clothing: In your best interest