Hey OC Moms have you ever swam in a warm geothermal hot spring under the ground? Neither did I until we went to the Homestead Crater, while we were visiting Park City, Utah. Nestled in Heber Valley lies one of Utah’s best kept secrets.
The crater at the Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah is a geothermal hot spring that was created over 10,000 years as melting snow went deep into the earth and percolated upward from being heated by the earth’s interior. As the warm water rose to the surface, it picked up minerals – eventually creating the beehive-shaped limestone deposit now called The Homestead Crater. With a depth of 65 feet and a 400-foot-wide base, there is a hole at the top of the dome that lets in sunlight and fresh air while the interior stays heated by the mineral water at a constant range of 90 – 96 degrees Fahrenheit. A tunnel was dug in 1996 just above water level so that people could experience this beautiful natural marvel. And beautiful it certainly is!
To visit the pool, you first need to ensure that you have a reservation. So that is the first thing you should do when planning your trip to Utah. Be sure to make the reservations early as visitation times fill up fast, especially during the summer. Lifejackets and snorkels are supplied by Homestead Resort so the whole family can experience the warm mineral water. Their are custom-built decks that go into the water make it easy to sit back and recharge in the magic of the volcanic waters. There is no diving or jumping off decks, so you need to be sure to use the ladders to lower yourself into the warm pool.
It is such an interesting sensation when you get into the crater’s water. It is very warm, not as warm at a hot tub; but certainly a warm bath. We probably stayed in the water for about 20 minutes, when my kids finally said that they were hot and wanted to get out of the water. I could have stayed in longer, but my kiddos were ready to go. When we were in the water, it was just our family and then some scuba divers below us checking out the depths of crater.
Not only is the lake great for swimming, but is actually deep enough to accommodate scuba diving. With a maximum depth of 65 feet, scuba divers can explore the dark recesses of the pool to examine the mineral deposits that are hidden. The Homestead Crater also offers paddle board yoga classes. Dubbed the “oldest yoga studio in the world” The Crater is a yoga experience that is second-to-none and sought out by people from all over the world. Now it is your turn, take the family and see something extradentary this year!
How to Make a Reservation:
Crater only reservations can be made by phone: Please call 435-657-3840 or email [email protected]
What you will need:
Be sure to have your family ready to go in their bathing suits when you check in for your reservations. You will want to bring your own towels with you, to use after you get out of the crater. They have snorkel equipment that you can rent, but we brought our own swim goggles for the kids.
Homestead Crater hours:
- Monday through Thursday 12:00pm to 8:00pm
- Friday & Saturday 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Homestead Crater Cost for a Swim/Soak :
- Monday through Thursday – $15pp
- Friday & Saturday & Sunday – $18pp
- Additional cost for scuba diving and yoga classes
Frequently Askes Questions:
I hope all OC moms have a wonderful time and tag us in your Intsa photos so that we can share them!
