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Ultimate Guide to Red Hill Hot Springs: Best-Kept Secret in Monroe Utah

Are you looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in Utah? Do you want to soak in mineral-rich water surrounded by scenic red rock and stunning views of the Sevier Valley? If so, you might want to visit Red Hill Hot Springs, one of Utah’s best-kept secrets.

Red Hill Hot Springs is a free and natural hot spring located near the town of Monroe, about 25 miles south of Richfield. It has four pools of varying temperatures and sizes, that are open to the public year-round. Unlike some other hot springs in Utah, Red Hill Hot Springs is not commercialized or crowded. It is a primitive hot spring, meaning that it has no facilities or amenities, except for a pit toilet near the parking lot. It is also located on private land, so visitors are asked to be respectful and kind to the landowner and other users.

In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about Red Hill Hot Springs, including:

• How to get there and what to expect
• The history and geology of the hot spring
• The benefits and risks of soaking in the hot spring
• The best time and tips to visit the hot spring
• The nearby attractions and activities

By the end of this post, you will have all the information you need to plan your trip to Red Hill Hot Springs and enjoy its natural beauty and healing properties.

How to Get To Red Hill Hot Springs and What to Expect

Red Hill Hot Springs is located on 300 North, about 0.4 miles east of Monroe. You can use Google Maps to get directions to the hot spring from your current location or any other place. Here is the Google Maps location link for your convenience.

The road to the hot spring is a graded dirt road that is accessible by any vehicle. However, you should drive slowly and carefully, as the road may be muddy or slippery depending on the weather. You will see a sign on the right that says “Red Hill Hot Springs – Monroe”. Turn right and park in the dirt lot next to the fence. The hot spring pools are located behind the fence, about 100 feet from the parking lot.

The hot spring is named after the red hill that rises behind it, which is also the source of the hot water. The hot water flows down the hill and forms four pools at the bottom. The pools are fenced off from the road and have a sign that says “Red Hill Hot Springs – Monroe”. The pools are not maintained or cleaned by anyone, so they may have algae, dirt, or debris in them. The water quality and temperature may also vary depending on the season and weather.

The pools have different temperatures and sizes, ranging from super hot to lukewarm. The pool closest to the source is by far the warmest, at a high temperature that is difficult to submerge in. It is also the deepest, with around 3 feet of water. The other three pools have somewhere between 1 and 2 feet of water, depending on when you visit. They get progressively cooler as they get further away from the source. You can choose whichever pool suits your preference and comfort level.

The pools are small and can only fit a few people at a time. You may have to share them with other visitors, especially on weekends or holidays. The pools are not wheelchair-friendly or suitable for people with mobility issues. They are also not fenced or guarded, so children and pets should be supervised at all times.

The History and Geology of the Red Hill Hot Springs

Red Hill Hot Springs has a long and rich history that dates back to thousands of years ago. The hot spring was used by the native Ute and Paiute tribes for its healing and spiritual properties. They believed that the hot water was a gift from Mother Earth and that it had sacred powers.

The hot spring was also used by early settlers and pioneers who came to Monroe in the late 1800s. They built cabins and bathhouses near the hot spring and used it for bathing, laundry, cooking, and heating. They also used it for medicinal purposes, such as treating rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases, and wounds.

The hot spring is a result of geothermal activity that occurs deep underground. The water originates from rain and snow that seep into the ground and reach a layer of hot rocks. The rocks heat up the water to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) and cause it to rise back to the surface through cracks and fissures. The water carries dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, sulfur, silica, and bicarbonate along its way.

The water emerges from the ground at the top of the red hill behind the pools. The red color of the hill is due to iron oxide that oxidizes when exposed to air. The hill also has colorful thermophiles, which are microorganisms that thrive in hot environments. The water flows down the hill and deposits some of the minerals along the way, forming travertine terraces and pools. The water loses some of its heat as it travels down the hill, creating different temperatures in the pools.

The Benefits and Risks of Soaking in the Red Hill Hot Springs

Soaking in Red Hill Hot Springs can have many benefits for your health and well-being. Some of the benefits are:

• Relaxing your muscles and joints
• Improving your blood circulation and metabolism
• Reducing your stress and anxiety
• Boosting your immune system and fighting infections
• Detoxifying your body and skin
• Balancing your pH levels and electrolytes
• Enhancing your mood and energy

However, soaking in Red Hill Hot Springs can also have some risks and side effects. Some of the risks are:

• Dehydrating your body and causing headaches, dizziness, or fainting
• Raising your blood pressure and heart rate
• Aggravating your existing medical conditions or allergies
• Exposing you to bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may cause infections or diseases
• Burning your skin or causing rashes, blisters, or irritation
• Staining your clothes or jewelry with the red mud or minerals

To avoid or minimize these risks, you should follow these safety tips:

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after soaking to stay hydrated
• Limit your soaking time to 15 minutes at a time and take breaks in between
• Avoid soaking if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, pregnancy, or any other medical condition that may be affected by hot water
• Consult your doctor before soaking if you are taking any medication or have any allergies
• Do not soak if you have any open wounds, cuts, sores, or infections
• Do not soak if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not soak if you have any symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, sore throat, or diarrhea
• Do not drink or eat anything from the hot spring water or pools
• Do not touch or disturb the source of the hot spring or the hillside
• Do not leave any trash or belongings behind
• Do not use any soap, shampoo, lotion, or sunscreen in the pools

The Best Time and Tips to Visit the Red Hill Hot Springs

The best time to visit Red Hill Hot Springs is in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You may also enjoy the sunrise or sunset views from the pools. The hot spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but you should avoid visiting at night when it is dark and unsafe.

Some tips to make your visit more enjoyable are:

• Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes
• Wear old or dark-colored clothes that you don’t mind getting stained by the red mud or minerals
• Bring a flashlight if you plan to visit after dark
• Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and memories
• Be respectful and friendly to other visitors and locals
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, coyotes, or deer

The Nearby Attractions and Activities of Red Hill Hot Springs

If you want to explore more of Monroe and its surroundings, there are many attractions and activities that you can enjoy. Some of them are:

• Visiting Mystic Hot Springs, a commercial hot spring resort that offers soaking tubs, cabins, camping sites, music concerts, and a hippie vibe. It is located about 4 miles west of Red Hill Hot Springs on Main Street.
• Hiking Loafer Mountain Trailhead, a moderate trail that leads to a scenic overlook of Monroe and the Sevier Valley. It is located about 3 miles south of Red Hill Hot Springs on UT-118.
• Fishing Tibble Fork Reservoir Trailhead, a popular spot for trout fishing and boating. It is located about 12 miles north of Red Hill Hot Springs on UT-118.
• Camping at one of the many BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sites near Red Hill Hot Springs. You can find free dispersed camping spots along the dirt road that leads to the hot spring or along UT-118.
• Exploring Richfield, the largest city in Sevier County that offers shopping, dining, entertainment, museums, parks, and historical sites. It is located about 25 miles north of Red Hill Hot Springs on I-70.

Summary | Red Hill Hot Springs

Red Hill Hot Springs is a free and natural hot spring in Utah that offers four pools of varying temperatures and sizes. It is located near Monroe on private land that is open to the public. It has a long history and geology that make it unique and interesting. It has many benefits and risks for soaking in its mineral water.

It is best visited in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You can also enjoy the sunrise or sunset views from the pools. There are many attractions and activities nearby that you can explore, such as Mystic Hot Springs, Loafer Mountain Trailhead, Tibble Fork Reservoir Trailhead, and Richfield.

If you want to visit Red Hill Hot Springs, you should follow the directions and tips that are provided in this article. You should also be respectful and kind to the landowner and other users. Red Hill Hot Springs is a great place to relax and rejuvenate in Utah.