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Just an hour or so outside Salt Lake City lies a hidden gem that's oh-so worthy of the most discerning travelers' attention. This breathtaking part of the Heber Valley is home to one of Utah’s most unique natural attractions - one that's as fun to explore and let loose in as it is breathtaking to marvel at.

An iconic Utah blessing of nature, the Homestead Crater is one of the United States' best geothermal hot springs and is tucked inside a 55-foot naturally formed dome made of limestone - wherein this majestic basin, adventure awaits.

At 65 feet deep and 400 feet wide at the base, this watery pocket of warmth has more than enough room for everyone who craves a visit - and there are many people with it on their bucket list; it's easy to see why once those toes are dipped into its divine bowl of brilliant blue, warming H2O.

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What Is The Homestead Crater In Midway?

Located on the grounds of the lovely Homestead Resort, experts believe that the Homestead Crater first began forming around 10,000 years ago. Its waters from the Wasatch Range are heated deep within the earth's subterranean interior, and over many thousands of years, the heated mineral water traveled back up to the surface, forming the enormous 55-foot dome in the shape of a beehive that proud Utah locals have come to cherish as one of their state's most incredible natural formations. Within the hollow dome, a 65-feet-deep natural pool fills from the thermal springs bubbling beneath it, crafting a sublime soaking and swimming experience for anyone lucky enough to enjoy a dip.

With such beauty and sumptuousness comes human attention; the enticing caldera invites visitors into its crystalline waters, where activities abound in the form of those both relaxing and thrilling. Thanks to warm year-round temperatures resting at a balmy 90 to 96 degrees, these hot springs are prime for chillaxing, soaking, swimming, exploring, and an array of other satisfying pastimes - no matter the season. But it's not just lavishly laying back in thermal spring waters and basking in the heat of the moment that are on offer at the Homestead Crater; despite being a glorious hot spring crafted by Mother Nature for mere humans to relax in, swim, and enjoy wholesomely, it's also a place of fun.

Related: Guide To The Best Hot Springs (& Hot Spring Resorts) In Idaho

What Can You Do At The Homestead Crater?

From swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving, standup paddle-boarding, and yoga, these underground cavernous waters deliver the full adventure package to explorers set on the most memorable, special experiences in the natural world.

Swimming

Most other hot springs around the world are small; they're often only just spacious enough for a few people to sit in and enjoy a delightful soak. However, Utah's Homestead Crater is comparatively large and is sizable enough for a number of people to move around in and swim.

As such, one of the most popular and serene ways to explore the Homestead Crater is by swimming. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, its blue waters are welcoming and warm, making any time the perfect time for a swim in what could easily be described as the most enchanting bathtub on the planet. What's more, the pool even boasts a “floating hot tub” made especially for swimmers who want to enjoy sitting on a bench submerged in the water and have a rest from swimming and playing around.

Related: Check These 10 Must-Visit, Hot Springs, In Colorado

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Utah isn't likely to be a phrase that comes to adventurers' minds. The nearest ocean to the landlocked state is over 700 miles away, so it's bizarre to imagine that visitors from all corners of the planet descend to Utah for diving. Not only that, but divers come to Utah for this strange fact: it's the only warm scuba diving destination in the entire continental United States - a title made possible all thanks to the one and only Homestead Crater.

Although Utah isn't exactly a tropical diver's paradise that rivals the world's best scuba diving hotspots, it's certainly worthy of underwater enthusiasts' attention. There aren't particularly any aquatic animals to spot in the crater's geothermal spring waters, but there are still bounties to explore and observe. Mounted lights have been placed in the basin at around 20 feet depths, as it's covered by a dome, which limits incoming natural light. Thus, the walls formed by mineral deposits are lightened and brightened for divers, who can spectate the rocky pool's natural formations and shapes - as well as take plenty of awesome pictures, of course.

Certified divers are welcomed to dive the Homestead Craver, but those who are yet to obtain their open water license can do so with a dive instructor at the site's dive shop. There, scuba gear is also available to rent, as are guided underwater tours of the naturally formed geothermal pool - simply check out the Homestead Crater Activity Center for more information on diving here.

Related: Want to Learn to Scuba Dive? Here Are The Best Places For Beginners To Take The Plunge

Snorkeling

Although there isn't much to observe under the water's surface nor really any creatures, snorkeling at the Homestead Crater is still an otherworldly experience, and snorkel-and-mask donned swimmers can soak up beautiful views of the dome's walls from beneath the surface. There are also scuba divers to watch and wave at from above in the darker depths of the basin, too, which can be entertaining as well as make for a fun photo opportunity.

Furthermore, snorkeling is a better option for families with children since there are age limits for scuba, allowing little ones the chance to enjoy some underwater exploration despite their pint-sized age. Because the waters are so warm, visitors don't need to bring a wetsuit if they don't want one - all they need is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and they'll be more than comfortable. Should anyone not have their own gear, they need not worry; snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are available for rent inside the crater.

Related: Utah: A Guide To Its Most Popular National Parks

Mineral Soaks

The transparent, glass-like water in the Homestead Crater is chock full of natural minerals - and they are known to have therapeutic properties that are wonderful for the body when people soak in them. Plus, the minerals are an added bonus and second to the unwinding warm water, which relaxes stressed out, tensed up muscles and boosts feelings of well-being - a collective that is said to reduce stress, and tension, and grant better sleep.

SUP Yoga

Most people have tried yoga, and most people have probably tried stand-up paddling (SUP). However, what most people have likely not tried is SUP yoga - and in the Homestead Crater at that. It doesn't matter if folks have never seen a standup paddleboard before or they're seasoned pros, this experience exploring the thermal springs of the Homestead Crater is a must.

For a surreal experience, visitors can enjoy a SUP yoga class floating in the crystal-clear, temperate waters while 360 degrees of ancient stone surround their entirety. Should a participant happen to fall off their board during the yoga class, it's no biggie; it's warm and inviting, so there'll be no nasty shocks to the system to ruin the state of serenity and zen afforded by this relaxing activity.

Luckily, SUP yoga classes run all-year-round multiple times per week - and Park City Yoga Adventures adds to this by offering sunrise or sunset hiking or snowshoeing, which is followed by stand-up paddleboard yoga.

Related: Destination Utah: What To Expect When Visiting The Largest Salt Lake In The Western Hemisphere

Homestead Crater Tours

Utah's beauteous basin of bubbling geothermal waters is not the sole item on the menu; self-guided crater tours are an amazing addition for visitors who want to explore the place without necessarily getting wet. On the whole, this intriguing tour outlines the Homestead Crater's archaeology, geology, and history, encompassing thousands upon thousands of years of nature's work in action that formed this sumptuous feature of natural awe.

At around an hour long, the tour sends visitors right to the top of the crater to peek through the limestone rocky dome opening, after which they head into the crater through a tunnel where they get the unique opportunity to get up and close to the underground rock walls and mineral-rich thermal waters.

Related: Top 8 Parks To Add To Your Utah Bucket List Right Now

How Much Does It Cost To Swim At The Homestead Crater?

The price is fairly reasonable to say it's one of Utah's most beloved favorites; depending on the time slot and season, the cost appears to range between $13 and $20 per person, with extra fees for any scuba diving, or yoga classes, and gear rental. However, personal flotation devices are included in the soak and float fee and are usually required to be worn when taking a dip in the water.

Homestead Crater Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am to 8:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

In any case, it's advisable to check with the Homestead Resort beforehand regarding availability and ask what the current entry and activities prices are. Plus, a reservation is generally required beforehand, so don't expect to show up and be able to go for a swim if it's peak season - this magnificent pool is one of Utah's most iconic attractions, and it can get pretty busy in the high tourism months!