Desert Soaks and Zen Vibes: Why Zion Canyon Hot Springs is Utah’s Newest Family Wellness Escape
Robe on and officially in full relaxation mode at Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
As a northern Utah resident, southern Utah is a frequent and convenient getaway for my family when we are seeking warmer temperatures and red rock scenery.
We have explored nearly every corner of the region, but on a recent trip to La Verkin — located about 20 minutes outside Zion National Park — we visited Zion Canyon Hot Springs Resort.
Discover WorldSprings: A Collection of Mineral Hot Springs Destinations
The 15-acre wellness resort officially debuted in July 2025, bringing more than 50 geothermal and mineral-rich pools, cold plunges, saunas, and outdoor relaxation spaces to southern Utah.
Want a peek behind the scenes? I sat down with Maggie Cope, Vice President of Marketing at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, to dive into the resort's creation — check out the full Q&A piece here.
Zion Canyon Hot Springs offers a wide variety of pools with different benefits.
Having previously visited Iron Mountain Hot Springs (a WorldSprings property) in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, we knew to expect quality. But stepping onto the grounds at Zion Canyon Hot Springs was an entirely different experience.
Spread across expansive desert acreage with sweeping red rock views, it blends the therapeutic depth of global geothermal soaking with a tranquil, modern spa aesthetic.
Standard 3-hour off-peak admission starts at $25 for children/youth and $46 for adults, with additional costs for holiday and peak season times, all-day passes, or premier 21+ access upgrades. From toddlers to grandparents, here’s why this hot spring is our new favorite Southern Utah escape.
Soaking in the scenery (and the magnesium) at Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
The Thermal Sanctuary Experience
What immediately sets Zion Canyon Hot Springs apart from standard water parks or pool resorts is the atmosphere. Instead of high-energy, blasting pop music, gentle ambient soundscapes and soft spa sounds drift through the air, establishing a relaxed zen tone the moment you step onto the deck.
The property features dozens of mineral pools thoughtfully designed to mimic the exact chemical compositions of world-famous geothermal waters.
Whether you want to float effortlessly in waters formulated like the Dead Sea or soak in mineral profiles inspired by the hot springs of Iceland, Japan, or Europe, each pool offers a unique health benefit.
From the Blue Lagoon to Australia’s Yarrangobilly — mapping out world-inspired mineral waters at Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
Beside each pool, you’ll find QR codes that guests can scan on their phones. These codes reveal the mineral breakdown of that specific pool — detailing levels of magnesium, potassium, silica, and bicarbonate — along with the story of the iconic global spring that inspired it.
The physical benefits are immediate: magnesium promotes muscle recovery and tension release, while silica works wonders for skin hydration and smoothness.
The ultimate pool-day pairing: a frozen piña colada and stunning red rock views.
After spending hours floating between thermal pools, cold plunges, and saunas, every single member of our family slept deeply and peacefully — a phenomenon we've lovingly dubbed "the mineral melt."
The 21+ premier access offers jaw-dropping red rock views from every angle.
Fun for the Whole Family (and Grandparents, Too!)
Finding a wellness destination that seamlessly appeals to kids, parents, and grandparents can be a challenge, but Zion Canyon Hot Springs nails the multi-generational dynamic.
The resort features a massive, family-friendly pool area with plenty of space for kids to swim and splash while parents relax on loungers nearby. On our second visit, we brought the kids' grandparents along for the day.
One of the highlights was when our kids playfully convinced their grandparents that the 55°F cold plunge pool was actually "one of the warmest hot springs on the deck" — a classic prank that provided plenty of laughs and is definitely worth keeping in your back pocket for your own visit!
As daylight fades, the resort undergoes a magical transformation. Subtle, glowing illumination in shades of violet, emerald, and sapphire lights up the pools from beneath, turning an evening soak into a mesmerizing, star-lit experience under the desert sky.
The adult-exclusive area features elevated quiet pools, private cabana rentals, and more.
What You’ll Love About Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Effortless Amenities: The locker rooms are impeccably clean and remarkably spacious, fully equipped with private showers, toiletries, and high-speed swimsuit dryers so you don't have to haul wet gear back to your hotel. Plush towels are provided on-site, saving valuable tote space.
Thoughtful Safety: Courteous lifeguard patrols keep a watchful eye over the family pool areas, giving parents complete peace of mind while relaxing.
On-Site Dining & Drinks: You don't need to leave the property when hunger hits. The snack bar offers a great selection of fresh bites, refreshing beverages, and local favorite custom "dirty sodas" to sip poolside.
The Boutique Retail Shop: Don't skip the retail store on your way out. It’s stocked with custom plush robes, branded Bogg Bags, mineral bath soaks to recreate the experience at home, stickers, and curated wellness products.
Sauna thermal reset. Next stop: the cold plunge!
Insider Tips for Your Visit
Invest in All-Day Access: While 3-hour timed entry passes are available, opt for all-day resort access. It allows you to come and go, soak during the warmth of the afternoon, take a dinner break, and return for the evening ambient lighting.
Explore the 21+ Premium Area: If you're traveling sans kids or taking turns with partner watch-duty, the adult-exclusive area features elevated quiet pools, private cabana rentals, dedicated hot springs, and a tranquil bar service area.
Rent a Plush Robe: You can rent an ultra-soft, branded resort robe for just $10 for the day—perfect for staying cozy as you move between thermal pools and cold plunges during cooler desert months.
Master Your Contrast Therapy Routine: Combine a 10-to-15-minute soak in a thermal pool with a 1-to-3-minute dip in the 55°F cold plunge, followed by time in the dry sauna. This contrast cycle boosts circulation, flushes toxins, and leaves you deeply refreshed.
The Ultimate Post-Hike Recovery: If you're planning a trip to hike Angels Landing or the Narrows in Zion National Park, schedule your hot springs visit for late afternoon or evening. There is no better cure for sore trail legs than an extended mineral soak.
Cozying up by the fire pit under the stars adds even more evening fun.
Plan Your Visit
Location: La Verkin, Utah (approx. 20 minutes from the main entrance of Zion National Park)
Visit Zion Canyon Hot Springs’ website to book 3-hour or All-Day passes (offered in standard Family Access and 21+ Premium Access).
Nighttime thermal soaking hits different when the lights come on.
For more information about Zion Canyon Hot Springs, visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @zioncanyonhotsprings
[Photos by Alisha Racker]
Some of the links on our site may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.
Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro, and freelance writer.
She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and children. Follow her on Instagram: @slcbeautybabe.