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Visit a hot springs resort and soak your cold bones
By Lin Sorenson
If you want to feel like you've been to an expensive spa without spending
a lot of money, consider taking a short trip to one of these areas for
a soak in the hot springs.
Some of the springs are near interesting areas to explore, should you feel the need to earn your therapeutic soak by physically exerting yourself - in case you're the kind of person who feels guilty indulging in luxuries you haven't earned.
 Lava
Hot Springs
Located in southeast Idaho, near Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs is a popular destination for Utahns. Mineral water bubbles out of natural underground springs and into gravel-bottom pools.
Over 3 million gallons a day run through the springs and into the Portneuf River, which means the water is always changing and clean. The spring's temperatures range from approximately 102 to 112 degrees.
The springs are open year-round. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. April 1 to Sept. 30, and 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Oct. 1 to March 31, (Fridays and Saturdays to 11:00 p.m.). The cost is $4 to $4.50, de-pending on your age. Kids under 3 are free.
Call (208) 776-5221 or (800) 423-8597. Visit the web site at www.lavahotsprings.com.
 Mystic
Hot Springs
This mystical place was previously known as Monroe Hot Springs. Not far from Richfield, Utah, Monroe has long been known for the travertine mounds that form the soothing pools. The water is an incredible 168 degrees when it reaches the surface, and flows at 200 gallons per minute from the Monroe mound, and 100 from the Red Hill mound. The mounds have been growing for millions of years, as minerals from the cooling water are deposited.
The scenery is great, with views of the Sevier Valley to calm your thoughts while you soak. Since it's winter, you might not be in the mood to camp, but they do have RV hookups, and there are pioneer cabins available as well. And since it's just 150 miles from Salt Lake City, it won't take a long time to get there.
It's also worth the trip to see the tropical fish, which thrive in six ponds warmed to 75 degrees by the spring water.
The springs are always open, 24 hours a day, year-round. It costs $5
to soak, and group rates are available. For information, call (435) 527-3286.
They also have a fun and interesting web site. www.mystichotsprings.com.
Crystal Hot Springs
Just 10 miles north of Brigham City, this winter oasis offers three hot tubs, a soaker pool, and an Olympic-size pool, all filled with spring water. The water comes from two sources - a hot spring and a cold spring come together within 50 feet of each other. The temperature of each pool is regulated by adjusting the amount of hot and cold water that flows into it.
Winter hours are noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The lap pool and water slide are open only on weekends in the winter. Prices vary, depending on your age and the pools you want to use.
For information, call (801) 279-8104 or visit them online at www.crystalhotsprings.net.
Pah Tempe Mineral Hot Springs
(Editor's note: This resort was temporarily closed last time we checked
because of water supply problems. It's a wonderful place when operating,
but call before you go.)
The Virgin River Canyon would be spectacular even without the beautiful
spring-fed pools, so you can't really go wrong here. The proximity of
interesting places to explore (Cedar Breaks, Zion National Park and Snow
Canyon, to name a few) only adds to the attraction of leaving winter behind
and heading for Utah's Dixie.
Mineral water flows into four pools of varying depths and temperatures (up to 106 degrees) before cascading into the Virgin River at a rate of 12,000 gallon per minute. No wonder early tribes who lived in the area called it Pah Tempe - it means "healing waters."
The springs are located just off Hwy 9, east of Hurricane. It's about 20 miles west of Zion National Park and 18 miles east of St. George. Lodging varies from campsites (with or without hookups) to a bed and breakfast. There is also a Retreat Center you can reserve for groups. The center has sleeping quarters for up to 10 people.
The springs are open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 2 - 12. Group rates and special discounts are available.
For more information, phone them at (888) 726-8367 or (435) 635-2879,
or see www.infowest.com/pahtempe.
Ahhhh... Attitude adjustment.
So try adjusting your outlook on life while soaking in a hot mineral bath in the outdoors. It's a better way to get through the rest of the winter than lying in front of the TV wrapped in a ratty fleece blanket and watching reruns.
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