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Oh my lanta. Baker Hot Springs Utah are hot springs I still dream about. We camped at Baker Hot Springs for a week, and loved nearly every minute of it. There are natural hot springs that are fenced in on private property that look really cool, and then there are three different cement pools for people to soak in.
They’re the perfect temperature always, thanks to a creative regulator for each pool. They’re in the middle of nowhere, and goodness, everything about them is perfect! Read on to understand why I’m giddy just writing about Baker Hot Springs in Utah.
Baker Hot Springs Utah Quick Facts
- Location: near Delta, Utah
- Temperature: piping hot to freezing cold, each pool’s temperature regulated by user
- Access: well maintained dirt road, drive right up to springs
- Texture: cement tubs
- Depth: 3+ feet deep tubs
Our Time at Baker Hot Springs Utah
I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’m literally tearing up as I go through these pictures and write this post. I can’t shake the feeling of Baker Hot Spring being the most perfect place to rest, relax, and regroup. Something I feel myself craving more and more in the recent months being back in Oregon.
We spent an entire week at Baker, sometimes all alone and other times sharing the tubs with a few people. The time there was healing. It was exactly the kind of place we needed. We were able to work (hello, perfect cell service), run for miles on end, and soak in the springs morning, noon, and night. It’s a true dream come true for those living life on the road.
We met a couple that lives nearby and shared tequila with them. Georgie Girl was super comfortable and would go to the hot springs with us. Other van lifers periodically came through, sharing stories of life on the road. And although it was freezing when the wind would blow, the hot springs brought the perfect escape from the cold, leaving us okay with the freezing temperatures at night.
Where Exactly Are Baker Hot Springs in Utah?
Baker Hot Springs is in the middle of nowhere. Legitimately nothing even remotely close by, down a really long dirt road, and so far off any major road, you’ll start wondering if you’re lost before ever arriving.
The natural hot springs produce quite a bit of steam, so as you start getting near, you’ll see them if the lighting is right. However, if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll miss the BLM pull off and pass right on by the hot springs.. ending up even further away from anything!
The closest town is Delta, Utah, and the biggest landmark nearby is definitely the power plant. Though, even that is before the dirt road begins.
What’s the History Behind Baker Hot Springs?
We talked to a number of people while at Baker Hot Springs, and everyone had a different story as to how the cement pools actually got there. It’s actually really insane and interesting how defensive people are when discussing how the hot springs came about.
Some say it was the CCC. Others say the hot spring pools are old graves that weren’t the perfect size so they brought them there. And other’s claim they personally know the people that built the hot spring pools.
Regardless of how the pools came about, they’re freaking epic! There is a portion of the hot springs that are on private land, those are the more natural form of hot springs… think views like at Yellowstone National Park. However, the built up pools are open to the public, and thankfully so.
How to Get the Perfect Temperature at Baker Hot Springs Utah
The water coming from the hot spring source is burning hot, way too hot to get in by itself. However, there is a cold spring nearby too, and that water is piped to each individual hot spring tub. To regulate the water temperature, there are old rags to dam up the hot water or clog the cold water pipe. It’s easy engineering at its finest!
We suggest letting the water get piping hot before getting in. In our minds, this cleans any bacteria that may be in the pools. We even met a couple that comes with buckets and cleans out the hot spring tub they’re using before allowing fresh hot clean water to refill the tub.
Camping at the hot spring? Be sure the water is at a good temperature when you go to bed after everyone else leaves. This way, you don’t wake up to cold tubs in the morning!
What Kind of Services are at Baker Hot Spring Utah?
There are no trash services or toilets here, so pack out what you pack in, and if you have to go the bathroom at the springs, be sure to follow these pooping outdoors rules, or bring along a portable car toilet with you to the hot springs.
If you plan on staying at the BLM land for a while and don’t have an indoor toilet, consider setting up a toilet tent outside your campsite to use the loo in private.
Can I Bring a Large Group to Baker Hot Spring?
Please, don’t bring large groups to these hot springs. Everyone we saw there was in just groups of two. That’s about as many people as can comfortably fit in each of the hot spring tubs, so to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone, keep your group small.
If you do have a bigger family, or want to visit with friends, be mindful of others visiting the hot spring at the same time. Be thoughtful with how many pools your group is taking up. Consider crowding into one pool with your group if need be to allow others to enjoy the hot springs as well.
What do I Need to Bring For Soaking in Baker Hot Springs Utah?
Proper swimsuits are a must when visiting Baker Hot Springs and other hot springs in Utah, if you want to abide by the law. It’s technically illegal to soak in the hot springs nude. However, Baker Hot Springs is Utah’s hot spring that’s known for nude bathers.
You’ll also certainly want to bring a towel. We always travel with a microfiber towel, as they’re small, quick-drying, and are made for being used over and over again without washes in between.
We also recommend bringing a water bottle. At least a liter of it per person. Being in the hot water will dehydrate you. Plus, drinking water is a great way to cool you down on the inside!
Since this hot spring is literally just steps from the road, you really don’t have to wear shoes to get in and out. Crocs make for great shoes for slipping in and out of!
Baker Hot Spring Etiquette
Wear Clothing // Cover up your goodies when others are around! It’s technically illegal to soak in hot springs nude. With that said, Baker Hot Springs Utah is known for its nude bathers. It’s not regulated, so be prepared to see nude soakers.
Limit Soaking Time to 30 Minutes // We don’t mean this if you’re by yourself at the hot spring. If that’s the case, soak all stinking day! If there are people waiting to soak in any of the three tubs, limit your soaking time to 30 minutes to allow others to enjoy the hot spring as well.
Pack Out Trash // If you bring it there, don’t leave it there. There are no garbage cans at Baker Hot Spring so be sure to pack out whatever you pack in. If you can’t bring it back to your car after soaking, don’t bring it with you in the first place!
Don’t Use the Bathroom in the Springs // I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but seriously don’t do it. After hearing people at other hot springs talk about going the bathroom in the hot spring, I feel I have to remind everyone reading our posts to not do that. It’s freaking disgusting.. Nobody wants to soak in your pee! Especially at Baker Hot Springs Utah where the water doesn’t really freely flow through the hot spring tubs.
Leave Your Pets in the Car // Is it just us or does it drive everyone else insane when people let their dogs in hot springs!? And even more so when people allow their dogs to just run freely splashing other soakers, and getting water all over other people’s belongings!? As a pet owner, please keep in mind, not all people are “dog” people and want your dogs all up in their business!
Camping Near Baker Hot Springs Utah
Baker Hot Springs is the perfect place to go camping for a few days. It’s technically on BLM land and there is loads of BLM land surrounding the hot spring, offering plenty of opportunities to wild camp.
If you plan on camping at Baker Hot Springs, be sure to pack in everything that you need. That includes water, a toilet, or these items for properly pooping in the outdoors, and bags to carry your trash home in.
When choosing a spot to camp at the hot spring, do not park right next to someone else. A couple pulled a trailer in and stayed for two nights not even 30 feet away from us and there was NOBODY else near.. don’t be those people. Nobody owns the place and there aren’t designated spots, so you can technically camp wherever, but it’s just rude. Find your own space, making it more enjoyable for you and the others camping nearby!
More Travel Inspiration for Utah and Travel Guides too
Looking for more travel guides on Utah or shoot just travel in general. We’ve got you covered! From life on the road, to turning a minivan into a campervan, living and traveling abroad, and ways to afford travel.. we’ve got you covered. Click on the links below to head straight to the given topic!
12 Hot Springs in Utah with a Map
The Start of Converting a Minivan into a Campervan
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