Homestead Crater

Admission: $15 - $19 for swimming/soaking; additional fees for snorkeling and scuba gear rental
Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Reservations required)
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Parking: Free parking available in the main Homestead Resort parking lot
Access: Ground-level tunnel access is wheelchair accessible, but entering the water requires navigating steps

Tucked inside a 55-foot-tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock, this geothermal hot spring maintains a therapeutic 90 to 96 degrees year-round. It is the only warm-water scuba diving destination in the continental United States. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or take a therapeutic soak in its mineral-rich waters.

Tucked away in Utah's Heber Valley, the Homestead Crater is a natural geological wonder formed over 10,000 years. This 55-foot-tall, beehive-shaped limestone dome was slowly deposited by mineral-rich, warm water rising from deep within the earth.

Inside the hollow dome lies a 65-foot-deep geothermal pool kept at a constant, therapeutic temperature of 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors access the pool through a ground-level tunnel custom-drilled into the rock, allowing easy entry to the water without having to rappel down from the top.

It holds the unique distinction of being the only warm-water scuba diving destination in the continental United States. Whether you are seeking a relaxing mineral soak or looking to get certified in scuba diving, the crystal-clear waters offer an unparalleled subterranean experience.

Ratings

attraction

Historical Significance

3.8/5

Cultural Relevance

4/5

Fun Factor

4.7/5

Accessibility

3.9/5

Photo Worthiness

4.8/5

Interactivity

4.6/5

Kid Friendliness

4/5

Popularity

4.5/5

Nearby Food Options ✓Reservations Required ✓

Visitor Tips

◆ Reservations are strictly required for all activities, including soaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as space inside the crater is limited.
◆ Bring your own swimsuit and towel, though rental gear for snorkeling and scuba diving is available on-site.
◆ Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled timeslot to check in and complete the necessary safety waivers.
◆ Even if you do not want to swim, you can take a self-guided walking tour to the top of the dome to peer down through the natural opening.

Heads Up

◆ The high mineral content and warm temperature can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water before and after your visit.
◆ Life jackets are mandatory for all swimmers and snorkelers inside the crater, regardless of swimming ability.
◆ The humidity inside the dome is exceptionally high, which can make walking surfaces slippery and cause camera lenses to fog up.

Common questions

Do you need a reservation to swim in the Homestead Crater?

Yes, reservations are required in advance for all activities, including soaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, due to strict hourly capacity limits.

What is the water temperature inside the Homestead Crater?

The mineral-rich water remains at a constant temperature between 90 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Are life jackets mandatory at the Homestead Crater?

Yes, life jackets or flotation belts are required for all swimmers and snorkelers, and they are provided on-site at no extra cost.