Homestead Crater
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Homestead Crater

4.4
·2k reviews·Midway, United States

Swim in a 10,000-year-old geothermal hot spring hidden inside a 55-foot limestone dome. A unique Utah gem!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.

CrowdLow
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Homestead Crater

Homestead Crater

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Swim in a 10,000-year-old geothermal hot spring hidden inside a 55-foot limestone dome. A unique Utah gem!

4.4
(2k reviews)

"It was a one of a kind experience and I’m so glad we came!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead: Essential!

Reservations are mandatory and sessions fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! 🎟️

🩱 Arrive Swim-Ready

Changing rooms are small. Wear your swimsuit underneath to maximize your time in the water. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 2,060 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soak in the Geothermal Waters

Soak in the Geothermal Waters

Inside the Limestone Dome

Experience a unique soak in naturally heated, mineral-rich waters within a 55-foot limestone dome. Perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

TikTokInstagram
Unique Underwater Exploration

Unique Underwater Exploration

The Crater

Dive or snorkel in the only warm-water scuba destination in the continental US, with depths up to 65 feet.

TikTok+1
Paddleboard Yoga

Paddleboard Yoga

The Crater

Enjoy a serene yoga session on a paddleboard atop the warm, tranquil waters of the crater.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Slot in Advance

Reservations are mandatory for the Homestead Crater, with limited spots per session to avoid overcrowding. Book online well in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, to secure your preferred time slot. TikTokReddit

Arrive Prepared to Change

Changing rooms are available but small, and time spent in them counts towards your allotted session. Consider wearing your swimsuit underneath your clothes to maximize your time in the warm waters. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busier.
Crowd
Medium
When
Year-round
Why
Consistently warm waters.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for a unique way to unwind after work? 🌋✨ The Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah, is a hidden gem just 30 minutes from Park City. This natural geothermal spring, tucked inside a volcanic dome, offers warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for a post-work soak. It's the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a busy day of remote work! #utah #utahcheck #utahliving #midway #saltlakecity #saltlake...
@herjoliejourney
59.5K likes • 502K views

🎯 Book Ahead: Essential!

Reservations are mandatory and sessions fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! TikTokReddit 🎟️

🩱 Arrive Swim-Ready

Changing rooms are small. Wear your swimsuit underneath to maximize your time in the water. TikTokReddit :athletic_shoe:

Unique Utah hot spring right outside of Salt Lake City 10/10 #saltlakecityutah #homesteadcrater #midwayutah #parkcityutah #thingstodoinutah #thingstodoinsaltlakecity #thingstodoinparkcityutah #roadtrip #bucketlist #travelbucketlist #hotspring #utahhotspring #fyp #saltlakecityactivities #familyfriendly #clearwater
@katiemarie0317
53.5K likes • 640.5K views
We explored a best-kept-secret in Midway, Utah. A 10,000 year old hot spring called Homestead Crater. It is 65 feet deep and a cozy 92°. The mineral content makes it like a giant epsom salt bath! The kids had a blast 🤿 @homesteadcrater_midwayut @midwaycity
theaarondiers
0 likes • 3.9K views

🦺 Life Jackets Provided

Mandatory for all swimmers, ensuring safety in the 65-foot deep crater. TikTokReddit :life_jacket:

🧽 No Showers Available

Be prepared to rinse off at home; there are no shower facilities after your swim. Reddit 🚿

Crater than your average Hot Spring Made in collab with @aniram4294 #midwayutah #homesteadcrater #saltlakecity #visitutah Things to do in Utah | Day trip from Salt Lake City | Unique Hotspring in Midway Utah | Things to do in Salt Lake City
pang_bang
67.9K likes • 2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead: Essential!

Reservations are mandatory and sessions fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! TikTokReddit 🎟️

🩱 Arrive Swim-Ready

Changing rooms are small. Wear your swimsuit underneath to maximize your time in the water. TikTokReddit :athletic_shoe:

🦺 Life Jackets Provided

Mandatory for all swimmers, ensuring safety in the 65-foot deep crater. TikTokReddit :life_jacket:

🧽 No Showers Available

Be prepared to rinse off at home; there are no shower facilities after your swim. Reddit 🚿

📸 Capture the Moment

The unique setting offers fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your waterproof phone case! TikTokInstagram :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique and relaxing experience of swimming in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Homestead Crater. The consistent temperature and natural setting are highlights, though some note the limited space for swimming and the lack of showers. Booking in advance is crucial for this popular, one-of-a-kind attraction. Reddit+2

"We were here during the summer and it was the perfect activity and turned out to be such a fun experience for our family! The crater itself was easy to find and it was an all around easy going experience. The water was warm (95 degrees), we got an hour of swim time and got lots of fun pictures. I’d highly recommend visiting the Homestead Crater if you are near Midway! I also saw that you can do paddle board yoga here which would be a fun experience."

alyssa s.

"We loved our experience, it’s nice that they only let 20 people there at a time so it doesn’t get to crowded and it’s like that the whole hour you’re in there, granted it’s a crator so it not really a swimming place. It’s very nice to float and relax, very easy to fall asleep. There are some changing rooms, they are not the biggest because one of the walls is the rock. There are 4 of them so either come in your swimming suits or get there 15-20 mins early so you can get a changing room."

Mason Tate

"Amazing experience to swim in a crater in the middle of a town. Book your slots early!
The water is warm like a jacuzzi. There are 4 small changing rooms but this would count as part of your swimming time, so better arrive prepared. Do not arrive early, because you won’t be able to access the crater until your reserved timeslot. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for everyone. We took the snorkeling option but there is honestly not much to see, so would not necessarily recommend.
There is no shower at all so be aware that you cannot rince yourself after the swim, and you may smell a bit like algae and sulphur."

Carine Lallemand Dawson

What People Like

Unique crater experience
Warm, relaxing water
Family-friendly activity

What People Dislike

Limited swimming space
No shower facilities
Small changing rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Homestead Crater is located in Midway, Utah, about a 40-minute to 1-hour drive east of Salt Lake City. You can drive yourself, and there is free parking available. TikTokInstagram+1

While the crater itself is a natural formation, the resort offers access points. It's best to contact the resort directly to discuss specific accessibility needs. TikTok

The most convenient way to reach Midway is by car, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding areas. Public transportation options are limited. TikTok

Yes, Midway is near Park City and Heber City, offering additional activities like skiing, hiking, and dining. TikTok+1

Winter driving in Utah can be challenging due to snow. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions and check road reports before you travel. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Swimming prices typically range from $15 to $25 per person, varying by day and activity. Weekday prices are generally lower than weekend prices. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, reservations are mandatory for all activities at Homestead Crater. Sessions are limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended. TikTokReddit+1

A swimming ticket typically includes access to the crater for a set duration (around 40-60 minutes) and a mandatory life jacket. Snorkel gear can often be rented separately. TikTokReddit+1

Walk-ins are generally not accepted, and it's strongly advised to book your tickets online in advance as sessions sell out quickly. Reddit

The crater is typically open for swimming from around 8:30 AM to 10 PM, with diving hours often ending earlier. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours. TikTok

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and even participate in paddleboard yoga within the crater's warm waters. TikTok+3

The crater has a depth of approximately 65 feet, with a shallower area suitable for beginners or those who prefer not to swim in deeper water. TikTokInstagram+1

The geothermal waters maintain a consistent temperature of 90-96°F (32-36°C) year-round, making it comfortable for swimming in any season. TikTokInstagram+5

Yes, life jackets are mandatory for all visitors swimming or snorkeling in the crater for safety reasons. TikTokReddit

No, jumping or diving into the crater is prohibited for safety reasons. Visitors are expected to enter and exit the water calmly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Homestead Resort, where the crater is located, features restaurants. However, specific dining options within the crater area itself are limited. TikTok

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the crater area. It's best to consume them before or after your visit. Reddit

Midway and nearby Heber City offer various restaurants, from casual cafes to more upscale dining experiences. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is allowed, and the unique setting provides excellent opportunities for memorable shots. Consider a waterproof case for your phone. TikTokInstagram

The interior of the limestone dome offers dramatic lighting and unique perspectives. Photos from the top rim looking down are also popular. TikTokInstagram

Regulations regarding professional equipment and drones may vary. It's advisable to check with the Homestead Resort directly before your visit. TikTok

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