Insider guide to the most beautiful natural hot springs in Texas
If you are planning your trip to Texas this post will guide you through the most interesting hot springs that you can find in the lone star state. Read on to read more and find them on the map!
Texas has a reputation for roping and riding. It is a southern state with southern charm and a lot of special natural places just waiting for you to explore! It is more than just cowboys and boots scooting.
It is a place to come and relax and to find yourself in nature and one of the best ways to do this is by indulging in the lone star state’s best natural hot springs.
Texas hot springs have been offering healing waters for thousands of years. The fresh mineral water is a soothing agent to your body, mind, and spirit.
While the Texas heat can hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these hot wells produce a similar heat ranging from 98-113 Fahrenheit, perfect for those cooler months.
I have made a list of some of the most beautiful Texas’ best natural springs that are perfect for both winter and summer as well to help you plan your trip.
Whether you are headed to the desert or the capital city, this guide to the best natural hot springs in Texas is the perfect place to start!
The benefits of hot springs
But, first, let’s talk about the benefits of Natural Hot Springs.
The water found in natural springs is combined with heaps of different minerals. Some include calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and magnesium. This combination of minerals helps to get your blood circulating and to reduce pain in your joints and muscles.
You will also find it heals epidermis irritation and rejuvenates your skin to that youthful glow we all long for.
Hot springs are great for our physical and mental health. They are such a soothing place that will help you sleep more peacefully and loosen up any tension you may be carrying.
Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the warm healing water of the best hot springs in Texas.
The 7 best natural hot springs in Texas
Chinati Hot Springs – Marfa, TX
Out in the Chihuahua Desert, you will find the Chinati Hot Springs. Also referred to as Ruidosa hot springs.
A remote destination to refresh and recharge, these hot springs have been providing natural healing waters for thousands of years to Native Americans in West Texas.
Chinati Hot Springs became a popular destination for travelers seeking natural remedies and began operating in the early 1900s when they opened to the public.
The Chinati Hot Springs boasts outdoor geothermal pools with a source of 113 degrees. The property is now a privately owned hot springs resort and requires a reservation to access.
They have many different cabins and camping areas. I recommend booking a cabin with a private hot spring for maximum relaxation and minimal clothing.
You will have access to plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and exploring the desert. In the heat of the day jump in one of the cool pools for a refreshing swim. The freshwater is perfect to drink and cool you off.
Make sure to head to your cabin for what I believe is one of the best sunsets in Texas. Enjoy a cold glass of champagne while relaxing in your private hot spring as you watch the day come to a close.
Turn this relaxing weekend into a full-on adventure by stopping in the high desert town of Marfa, Texas. It is about an hour and a half drive from the springs.
Stay in a TeePee at El Cosmico and grab a bite to eat at Marfa burrito. You will see some of the brightest stars in Texas, and maybe even the Marfa Lights, a paranormal phenomenon.
And make sure you stop by one of the most interesting Texas landmarks, Marfa Prada shop right in the middle of the desert.
Langford Hot Springs
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park has a lot to boast about, from its deep canyons to its tallest peaks with spectacular views.
The natural landscape will take your breath away, and the best way to relax from hiking and exploring is to spend some time in the Langford Hot Springs.
You will find this natural hot spring where Tornillo Creek enters the Rio Grande, about four miles upriver from Boquillas Canyon and the Mexican village of Boquillas.
This hot spring goes by many names depending on who you ask. Langford, Rio Grande Village, or Boquillas hot spring. Boquillas means “little mouths” in Spanish, which refers to the many streams that flow into the Rio Grande.
The hot spring is not accessible by car. The quickest way to reach the Langford Hot Springs is driving two miles on hot springs road to the trailhead. From there you will hike half a mile and the pools will be on the north bank of the Rio Grande.
These hot springs are derived from mineral salts and fossil water that have brought healing powers to the water.
The geothermal process heats the water to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and has become a therapeutic experience for the mind, body, and soul of visitors for thousands of years.
The Landford Hot Springs is open to the public for free during the day, it is prohibited to be there after dark. No soaps or oils are allowed in the pool, and please pick up any trash you may have or see. We need to do our part to preserve the hot springs for the years to come.
Capote Springs
West Presidio County, Texas
Capote Springs is another west Texas gem. A group of springs located in West Presidio County, just a little over an hour’s drive from Marfa. You will find peace, serenity, and seclusion here.
The warm mineral water stays at 99°F all year round. Making this the perfect place to come soak in the cooler months.
You won’t find many people here as the location is remote and is not widely known to non-locals. I recommend asking for specific directions once you enter the town of Candelaria.
This natural spring also feeds into one of Texas’ most famous landmarks, the tallest and largest waterfall in the state. Capote Falls, a 175 ft tall waterfall. The rushing water can be heard from a mile away and brings a healing sound as you relax in the hot spring.
If you love to adventure off the beaten path, then Capote Springs is right up your alley. Stay at Thorngully Ranch for a couple of days for a quiet getaway.
Barton Springs Pool
Austin, Texas
Barton Springs, a fan favorite in downtown Austin. I have fond memories of this site as I have spent the majority of my summers in Zilker Park home to the famous Barton Spring Pool.
This outdoor natural swimming pool is made up entirely of underground springs and remains at 70°F year-round, making this the perfect spot to be in the warm weather months.
Surrounded by grassy areas and picnic tables this stunning oasis has everything you need for a day in the sun. Barton Springs Pool is a very popular tourist destination for its deep soothing waters and inviting atmosphere.
You will find people here from sunrise to sunset. Make sure to get here early as it gets very crowded in the summer months.
In the past, these springs were used for spiritual rituals among the Native Americans. As the city became more established, the Texas leaders wanted to create a place for Austin residents to cool off from the Texas heat.
This crystal clear water of Texas is free for Austin residents but out of towners will have to pay a small fee depending on the day and the time of year.
While in Austin, make sure to check out the amazing lavender and sunflower fields in the nearby areas, but make sure first if it’s the right season. (read the above-linked articles to learn more)
More about Texas
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31 Famous Texas Landmarks that you want to visit in 2022
30 Best Things To Do In Corpus Christi, Texas
The 7 best beach towns in Texas to visit in 2021
15 Magical Sunflower fields in Texas (and farms!) to visit in 2021
The Best 11 Lavender Fields in Texas
Krause Springs
Spicewood, Texas
Another hot spot in Central Texas is Krause Springs. These cooler springs are located in Spicewood, Texas about 30 minutes from Austin, and welcome visitors 10 months a year.
Krause Springs is made up of 32 natural springs that feed into man-made pools and a few waterfalls that pour into Lake Travis.
The pools are located on 115 acres of private property.
Luckily for us, the owners allow visitors to visit for the day or stay and camp on a first come first serve basis. The spring-fed waters are at a constant 70 degrees year-round making this every Texan’s dream in the summer!
You will find these waters to be healing and refreshing, the perfect escape from the busyness of the city. Find an amazing spot to set up your tent, explore the spring-fed pools, maybe even swing off of a rope!
Before leaving Spicewood, make sure to check out Spicewood Vineyards to taste some Texas wine!
San Solomon Springs
Toyahvale, Texas
San Solomon Springs is a series of artesian and gravity springs formed by subsurface geologic faults in West Texas.
Located at the foot of the Davis Mountains, this spring-fed pool will give you a spectacular view of the Pecos Plains and the volcanic mountain.
Sourced from the Salt Basin in the northwest, this water has been used for healing before the 1900s and opened up to recreational use in the 1930s.
The water flows at a rate of 1 million gallons per hour. Now, that is a lot of water! This amount of water has created the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, covering an area of 1.75 acres.
Jacobs Well
Dripping Springs, Texas
One of Texas’ most prominent natural wonders, Jacobs well is the 2nd largest fully submerged cave in Texas and is an artesian spring that pumps out thousands of gallons of water a day.
The natural area is a little over 80 acres and houses deep waters. The deepest part of the cavern system is 140ft deep.
During the summer people from all over will make the drive to Wimberly, Texas to go swimming in this crazy well. It is a beautiful crystal clear blue and continues to draw people in year after year.
The water stays at a constant 68°F and is not open for swimming in the winter.
The park requires a reservation and closes at 6 pm.
While many visitors just come to take the plunge off the 15ft high cliff, this used to be a place where divers would go to explore the inner workings of the cave.
However, many have lost their lives in Jacob’s well and is now known as one of the most dangerous diving spots in the world.
Before heading to Jacob’s well, make sure to bring water, good shoes for hiking, and some snacks.
Hancock Springs
Lampasas, Texas
The oldest spring-fed pool in Texas and the last on our list!
In the 1870s these mineral waters were discovered in Lampasas, Texas. After realizing the health benefits of these waters, a bathhouse was built for the local community.
This structure was standing for 30 years and even now you can still see the remains. Once the bathhouse closed the city constructed Hancock Pool and opened it to the public in 1911.
It is still today one of the most popular places to be in the summer, even after 100 years of operating.
Today, Hancock Springs has been named one of the top 10 tourist destinations when looking to escape the summer heat. The pool remains at a constant 69 degrees all year.