History and Information

History of Crystal Hot Springs

Our past extends far beyond written history. Dr. Steve Simms, Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology at Utah State University, has conducted extensive fieldwork in this area.

He believes that the valley where the springs are located was once home to over 450 generations of Native American families. The North Shoshone-Bannock were the last native people to call the springs home. Each year, their tribe returned to the springs to gather, reconnect, and share stories of their ancestors.

Following Native American traditions, the springs were frequented by Chinese railroad workers, who built cedar tubs to soak and bathe in after long days of labor. Later, settlers established the nearby town of Honeyville, founded by Abraham Hunsaker—a beekeeper and farmer who became the town’s first mayor.

Establishment of Crystal Hot Springs

  • Originally named Madsen Hot Springs, the business was founded in 1901.
  • The first pool was gravity-fed and housed indoors until 1937, when lightning caused a fire that destroyed the building.
  • In the early 1900s, guests did not own bathing suits—admission included suit rental.
  • A new lodge was built in the 1940s after the fire, marking the start of modern development.

Healing Waters for Soldiers

During World War II, President Roosevelt created a program using natural springs for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.

  • For three years, Crystal Hot Springs hosted hundreds of buses carrying recovering servicemen.

The Springs

Hot Spring

  • Temperature: 120–134°F (51–57°C)
  • Mineral Content: Highest recorded in the world at 46,000 mg/L
  • Water Volume:
    • 8,400 gallons surface every 5 minutes
    • 2.4 million gallons per day
  • Mineral Output: 900,000 lbs carried to the surface daily
  • Source Depth & Age: 8,000 feet below the earth, estimated 22,000 years old

Cold Spring

  • Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
  • Flow Rate: 9,200 gallons every 5 minutes
  • Water Volume: 2.6 million gallons per day
  • Located less than 50 feet from the hot spring, making them the second-closest hot and cold spring pair in the world

Together, these springs feed our 3 mineral hot tubs, large soaker pool, cave pool, and Olympic-sized pool.

Water Slides

  • Two 365-foot hydro-tube water slides, operating year-round (see slide hours).
  • Heated naturally: Slide water runs through copper tubing submerged in 135°F spring water.
  • Slides were originally installed at Willard Bay, later acquired by Crystal Hot Springs in the 1980s.
  • In winter, mineral water warms the staircase, ensuring guest comfort.
  • Slides themselves use fresh water (not mineral water) to protect pumps from buildup.

Cleaning & Maintenance

We are committed to providing the cleanest and freshest mineral water experience.

  • All pools feature constant circulation of hot and cold spring water.
  • After use, water flows into a nearby pond, then into the Bear River, tripling its mineral content.
  • Water replacement cycles:
    • Hot tubs: every 30 minutes
    • Cave Pool: every 1 hour
    • Large soaker pool: every 1.5 hours
    • Olympic pool: every 4 hours
  • Nightly cleaning: Hot tubs, the cave pool, and soaker pool are drained, scrubbed, and refilled.
  • Olympic pool cleaning: Twice weekly (Thursday & Sunday nights).