There’s No Place Like Home(stead Crater) – Swim in this One of a Kind Utah Hot Spring!

Deep Blue Secret

About 30 minutes south of Park City, Utah, lies the quiet town of Midway. With a mix of farms, trendy new homes, and a handful of stops for food, Midway is a fairly typical American city backed up against the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. But it holds a secret. One that begins 2 miles below the surface of the earth. One that is rich azure and 95° Fahrenheit year round. And best yet, one in which you can swim, snorkel and even scuba dive.

Just north of town, the Homestead Resort is home to a 55-foot tall limestone cone rising from between the hotel and the golf shop. Enter the tunnel at the base of this volcano-looking rock formation, and step along a small path that emerges at a 65-foot deep natural pool basking under the impressive cone.

According to the description on the Homestead Crater website, this natural wonder has taken thousands of years to form, as snow melt slowly trickled deep into the hot earth. Over time, the heated water bubbled back up to the surface, gradually building the cone as it continued to overflow and deposit minerals. Today, the water level is below the top of the cone, which has a large opening for sunlight, rain and snow to fall through.

Beyond the soothing temperature, the water is crystal-clear, making it popular for both snorkeling and diving (fun fact: Homestead Crater is the only warm-source scuba destination in the continental US). Most guests tend to stick with bobbing around the surface, and a handful of reservable spaces are available every hour. All ages are welcome, and with the provisions of life jackets for all guests, the water depth is much less of a concern. Still, for those not crazy about free-floating above 10+ fathoms of blue expanse, there are two in-water decks complete with a rail and benches, providing a perfect spot to sit back and relax, or to hang out with a little swimmer, as I did for much of our visit. After your swim, be sure to take the stairs up the southern flank of the cone to check out the view from the top…both to the surrounding hills and down into the crater itself!

Enjoying the shallow deck with our little water lover

Whether you crave natural water experiences, desire something out of the ordinary, seek out social media bucket list items, or just like to swim, Homestead Crater is the place to be.

Logistics

Swim sessions last 40 minutes, during which you will soak up both plenty of minerals and plenty of memories. During the week, this experience will only set you back $15 ($12 for children, free under 2). Life jackets are included, but be sure to bring your own towel. Snorkeling gear tacks on another $8. Diving costs start at $25 for a 1-hour session (plus $30 if you need equipment) for fully certified divers.

Check the reservations site for availability and to get updated pricing and hours, along with directions and answers to other FAQs.

Pro Tip

After your soak, be sure to stop by Heber Valley Artisan Cheese for fresh treats including award-winning aged cheeses, 11 varieties of cheese curds (try the Onion & Chive and the Cajun), sandwiches and fresh churned ice cream. They also host cheese tastings, classes and creamery tours.