Who says luxury is just for the indoors? Travelers are seeking out cold plunges, steam rooms, saltwater flotation experiences, and other water-based treatments en masse, and luxury spas around the world are prioritizing them on their lists of offerings. But hikers can treat themselves to that kind of TLC, too, even deep in the backcountry. Want to end each day on the trail in 2025 with happy muscles and a happier mind? Add backpacking trails to hot springs onto your travel bucket list.

Hot springs form when subsurface magma heats up pools of groundwater, which leads to water temperatures warmer than the surrounding environment. These geothermal pools attract all kinds of people, from hikers to nudists to spiritual-wellness aficionados. Many of the most popular hot springs in the country are less than a mile from a trailhead; this low barrier to entry means you’re likely going to commingle with lots of other bathers. These springs, albeit still popular, offer a bit more solitude that some of the biggest names. Experience geothermal pools as they’re meant to be on these six backpacking trails to hot springs.

Jordan Hot Springs, New Mexico

This hike in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument has it all: views of the historic cliffs and spires, Gila River crossings, and as the cherry on top, a sweet smelling hot spring right along the trail. The Jordan Hot Springs don’t have salt and sulfur, so they lack that classic “warm fart” smell that lots of hot springs come with. These 94-degree Fahrenheit pools are still high in minerals, which people as far back as the Native Mogollon people have used for therapy. There are primitive campsites near Jordan Hot Springs, so you can both start and end your day with a nice soak.

According to the national monument, spring break is a very popular time to visit this hot spring. If you’re looking for solitude, visit another time of year or seek out alternatives, such as Melanie Hot Spring.

Olympic Hot Springs, Washington

Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado

Hike past Conundrum Creek, meadows of wildflowers, and forests of aspen trees on this high-altitude backpacking trip. There are bridges across a couple creek crossings, but not all, so be prepared to get your feet (or entire legs, depending on snow runoff) wet on the trail. Being at the springs, which at 11,200 feet are among the highest in North America, is well worth the hike. If you’re lucky, while soaking in the springs, you can see wildlife in the distance, such deer, bears, or even moose. That being said, keep all your smellables locked away in a bear canister and bring bear spray. Tip: The trailhead parking lot fits only about 25 cars, so in the summer, arrive early to beat any crowds.

Permits are required for overnight stays. Plan your visit for the warmer months, July through September. The rest of the year, snow is likely to cover the trail and campsites nearby, which makes navigation difficult.

Sykes Hot Springs, California

Take the Pine Ridge Trail all the way to 100-degree Fahrenheit pools on this overnight trip in Big Sur State Park. If you set up camp at Sykes Camp about 9 miles in, there’s only a short side trip to the hot springs at the end of the day. This section can be tricky to navigate, so leave some time in your day to find them. Tip: If you stay parallel to the river, you’ll arrive at the hot springs in no time. You know you’re getting close when you can smell the sulfur. You can identify where the geothermal spots are on the this trail because people arranged rocks around those hotspots.

The Ventana Wilderness Alliance (VWA) regulates this area. In order to keep the trail and hot springs open to the public, you need to pay a small parking fee of $10 per calendar day if you’re parking at Big Sur Station. For more information, check out the VWA’s website.

Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho

Looking for a long hike that promises relaxation? This almost 100-mile trail in the heart of the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness is a geothermal paradise. Follow miles and miles of canyon views to several springs either right along the Middle Fork Salmon River or a short side-jaunt away. You could relax your muscles in the hot springs almost every day on trail if you wanted to. There’s even a warm waterfall at Sunflower Hot Springs that acts as a steamy shower. In the summer, you might share these hot springs with some river rafters, so it’s best to time your hike around early fall. (Also, watch out for ticks and horse flies along the trail.)

Want a guide to some of the hot springs along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Read writer John Harlin’s classic review of them on his tour of the trail, where these pools quickly became a memorable part of his hike.