Do you ever find yourself bitter that you missed out on the whole Woodstock experience, or that you weren't conceived in the back of a Volkswagen van? Is your soul tormented by desires to run away from it all in a restored school bus, but your brain is all like "we gotta work and make those dolla, dolla bills, yo." Well take a chill pill and namaste, because I'm about to tell you how you can have it all.
If you are looking for a 5 star resort, move along. You won't find that here. But if the type of escape you are looking for is one where your inner hippie can go running down the street screaming peace, love, and happiness without judgment, then you have come to the right place, my friend.
I'm not gonna to lie to you, this resort has seen better days. She a bit tore up from the floor up, if you know what I'm sayin'. But in all honestly, perfection is found in these imperfections. The best way I can think to describe this place...and I mean this in the most sincere and flattering way possible...would be trashy hippie. I know, I know, trashy is a word typically associated with negative connotations, but hear me out on this: old is embraced here, dilapidated a badge of honor. Things are falling apart; there is a sketchy pool that probably hasn't had water in it since the 90s, a car junk yard, threadbare cabins full of duck droppings, but somehow...in some mystical, magical way, this all just adds to its appeal. The clutter, the junk, it makes this place unique, gives it a soul, a personality. Mystic Hot Springs is selling trashy hippie, and I'm buying it hook, line, and sinker.
What is This Groovy Place?
The resort of Mystic Hot Springs is nestled up against a hillside in the small southern Utah town of Monroe. Thanks to the natural spring, this site has been home to various forms of resorts since the 1800s; though its history runs even deeper than that. Legend states that this spring was popular with native tribes who lived in the area, and was a stop on the Old Spanish Trail. Today it is home to of course the hot spring, but also a campground, restored buses, restored cabins, and all sorts of other fun things.
The Hot Springs
The spring starts high on the hillside and trickles down into several different pools. The first two pools you'll come across are made out of concrete; there is a smaller, deeper one and a large, shallow one. If you and your posse came to party, then these would be the pools for you. They each are large enough to fit several people, so there will be no need to split up, and there is a large cubby shelf with plenty of space for storing your towels and bags.
There are 5 vintage cast iron bathtubs available for your soaking pleasure. The first three you will come across are all in a row and ideal for larger groups who want to stay together but also want a little privacy from the communal pools. A close by picnic table offers an ideal space to ditch your towel while you soak.
A short ways down the path you will find the remaining two tubs; they are located on either side of a large mineral mound and each offers peace and privacy. These are the tubs that are ideal for you luvas, or for you loners who didn't come to make friends {you'll still make friends, everyone is very friendly}.
The hot springs are open year-round, 24-7. Want to go at 3 am? Dooo it. Given Monroe's remote location, I can only imagine how magical it would be to sit in a tub and star gaze the night away. {heart eyes for dayzzz}
Passes are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children and are good for 6 hours after you check in at the office. While my friend Ali and I drove up, we questioned why on earth you would need them for that long. I don't particularly like baths, and I have a short attention span when it comes to hot tubs. I was excited to be going, but I did wonder how long I'd be able to stick it out. Well, it turns out you could spend eternity in those tubs and be perfectly happy. The water is a perfect temperature- very warm but not hot. I never felt like I needed to get out and cool off like in a hot tub. The only reason we left is 1) we didn't want to be tub hogs {even though we totally were}, and 2) we got hungry.
The Buses
Sleep like a Dead Head on Shakedown Street in one of the many converted buses on site. Named after Grateful Dead songs, these buses may look like they could fall apart with the slightest touch on the outside, but appearances are deceiving.
The insides have been lovingly restored and many boast wood floors and intricate woodwork. Soaking passes are included in the price of these bad boys, and you will have unlimited access to the springs for the duration of your stay. I've not yet had the pleasure of spending the night in one of these beauts, but it is on my to-do list for my next visit!
The Cabins
If sleeping in a bus is a bit too groovy for you, spend the night in one of the restored cabins. Rescued from certain destruction, these cabins are originals built by pioneers in the 1800s and have been kept as authentic as possible, albeit with a few modern conveniences. And don't worry, these aren't the cabins with duck droppings I was talking about earlier! These cabins are kept in clean and in pristine condition. Soaking prices are included in the price for the cabins as well, so why wouldn't you stay here for the night?
Camping & RVs
If sleeping under the stars or touring the country in your camper is your thing, don't worry, Mystic Hot Springs has got you. They have a nice campground area that is complete with picnic tables, fire pits, and a large bathroom. Given that none of the buses or cabins have their own bathrooms, these service all guests and have been built with that in mind.
There are 32 sites with full hook ups for RVs available in the campground area as well. Again, your soaking passes are included in the price, and the the springs are just a short walk away!
All Sorts of Other Fun Things
One word for you: Llamas. Who doesn't love llamas?! Even when they spit at you {bet you can't guess which one did it. that side-eye, man}, llamas are a good time, and they share a pasture with an adorable goat and emu. Just overlook the car junk yard that is right next to them. It's part of the ambiance, remember?
There are few duck ponds, with ducks and geese waddling around all over the place, and even peacocks! Peacocks! I was really hoping I could get the male to fluff up his tale, but alas, he was not interested.
Mystic Hot Springs hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. Check out their calendar for when the next one will take place.
In the office you will find all sorts of books and trinkets to buy. The friendly staff is happy to help you with any questions you may have, and while I don't know the condition of the bathrooms in the campground, the restrooms in the office are spotless and make a great place to change into your swimsuit.
A trip to Mystic Hot Springs is one you won't soon forget. If you are feeling like you are in a rut, like you need to recharge and get back to nature, I can't recommend you visit here enough. These waters truly are mystic, you will leave changed for the better, I promise. Peace out.
