03 March 25
Being from the East Coast, I had no experience with hot springs until my early 20s. When I was stationed in South Dakota, a couple of friends decided we should take a trip to the perfectly named town of Hot Springs and take a soak. I was beyond excited to try something new that I had thought you could only do at a fancy spa. The place we went to was akin to a free public swimming pool. It was a large concrete pool, with water up to the thighs, fed by natural hot spring water, with a natural bottom of rocks and algae floating around. It was fantastic!
Since then, I’ve been to a few more hot springs. Mostly obscure ones in the middle of nowhere and some requiring a hike to get there. Despite this, having a hot spring pool to yourself is very hit or miss, but most people you run into are friendly, doing their own thing, or interesting individuals.
Soaking in a hot spring is something I believe everyone should try at least once!
Hot Spring History
Hot springs have an ancient and important place in human history. In Japan, hot springs were used for their medicinal properties, spiritual rituals, and relaxation for at least two thousand years. In ancient Rome and Greece, public baths fed by hot springs were used for hygiene and social matters, such as politics and gossip. These were essential gathering places for discussing important matters that would affect societies. During the Renaissance era in Europe, the medicinal and therapeutic beliefs surrounding hot springs really took off. Towns popped up around the springs, and people traveled far and wide, hoping to relieve their ailments through a soak in the springs.
In North America, Native Americans also used hot springs for healing properties. Archeological evidence suggests they lived among the Yellowstone hot springs for at least 11,000 years. In addition, Native Americans used the springs for cooking, bathing, and even in funeral ceremonies. The Native Americans considered hot springs to be spiritual places and some were even designated as “neutral zones” for warring tribes.
As expansionists moved west, Native Americans were unjustly pushed out of these areas. Mining and spa resorts took hold of some of the hot spring locations. A hot spring bathing craze grew, and bottles of the mineral water were even sold elsewhere, being touted as healing for all sorts of ailments. The hype around hot springs died down a little in the 1960s, and resorts, even whole towns, surrounding hot spring locations shut down. Warm Springs, Nevada is one such example. Today, numerous national parks protect hot springs, guiding tourists who want to see them. Other hot springs remain private and require a fee to use. But there are free public hot springs with some amenities. There are also more secretive ones in desolate spots hidden without as much as a sign.
What Are Hot Springs?
The water in a geothermal system mostly seeps through the ground in ways that include rain, snowmelt, or rivers. The sites where this water enters the ground can be very far away from the “exit” site. Some of the groundwater travels through fractures in the underground rock, ending up deep in the Earth. Temperatures increase as the water travels closer to the Earth’s core and reaches, or almost reaches, magma. Pressure or density built up from the reaction to the heat causes the water to expand and rise upwards to the surface. Sometimes this occurs as an explosion, as with geysers, and sometimes as slower-flowing springs, AKA hot springs. (Spring is used to define the occurrence of water rising from underground and exiting at the surface).
Benefits of Hot Springs
- Minerals like silica in hot springs can detox and soften skin. Sulfur minerals have been shown to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne; a therapy known as balneotherapy.
- Bathing in hot water has benefits such as allowing for sound sleep before bed and lowering stress levels.
- Soaking in hot springs can cause increased heart rate and cardiac output for both healthy individuals and those with hypertension. These changes are associated with decreased blood pressure, which allows for better circulation and healthier organs.
- Lastly, based on some of my experiences, hot springs can bring social connection or some time to yourself, and often with a beautiful, natural view. These qualities hold specific benefits as well.
Safety Tips for Hot Springs
Tread carefully
Bacteria and minerals can often form crusts around hot springs that may look like solid land but are actually fragile. Muddy spots can also be deceiving as far as temperature and stability. Follow paths and tread carefully. There could be a whole network of underground thermal systems unobservable to the naked eye. In places like national parks, workers monitor hot springs and map out their activity. That’s why it’s important to follow their guidance. See below for proof to be cautious:
Microorganisms
Don’t let this totally freak you out, but a brain-eating amoeba named, Naegleria fowleri, can be found in hot springs (and other bodies of fresh water). Infections are suuuper rare though! There are only 10 deaths a year in the United States from this infection, compared to thousands of drownings. Plus, the parasite can only enter and cause damage through the nose. So, even if you accidentally swallow the water, you would be okay (but try not to drink the water either, of course). Some tips to avoid run-ins with this amoeba include avoiding freshwater activities when temperatures are very high and water levels are very low. Hold your nose shut when you jump or dive in. Avoid stirring up sediment at the bottom of lakes where the amoeba is more likely to live.
I recommend you avoid dunking your head underwater in hot springs in general to avoid any microorganisms thriving in the warm waters.
More Than Just Hot Springs
Hot springs are just one of many thermal water features that exist. There are also:
Geysers: When large amounts of groundwater fill underground cavities and are heated by nearby magma, steam forms and creates immense pressure. That steam will rise to the surface quickly, pushing out the water above it and creating an explosive spout.
Fumaroles: The release of fumaroles is primarily made up of steam and gas that burst from vents or cracks in the ground. The steam and gases are the “fume” part of the term “fumarole”. It’s like geysers but with more volcanic gases and steam and less water. These usually occur with “dying volcanoes”.
Mudpots: When limited amounts of geothermal water contain bacteria and acid, surrounding rock is dissolved forming hot bubbling mud and clay.
Hot springs have had a long and culturally significant role in human history, and we still recognize their benefits and allure today. Entering a natural hot tub heated by waters from deep in the Earth is pretty neat when you think about it. Just make sure to tread carefully for your own safety and the protection of these very unique places.
Bring a towel, don’t use glass in the area, and keep these spots clear of trash so they remain open for use! Thanks!
Happy soaking!
What hot spring do you recommend people check out?