The Crater at Homestead
4.4(2.3K)google
3.5(208)yelp
Hot SpringSwimmingDivingGeologyQuirkyOutdoor
Overview
Hidden perfectly inside a massive, fifty-foot historic limestone geothermal rock dome, this unique natural spring crater pool allows year-round swimming. Divers love to scuba dive or scuba snorkel inside the mineral-rich, beautifully lit turquoise waters.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sat–Sun9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThe absolute freezing winter months from October to April capture the most magical contrast inside this 55-foot mineral limestone geothermal hot spring dome (Note: Open-water swimming or diving slots must be strictly pre-booked online weeks in advance via their trust portal due to strict hourly safety capacities). Opt for an early afternoon session between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Getting ThereNestled directly inside the historic Homestead Resort estate in Midway at 700 Homestead Drive. Driving a personal vehicle is required: from Park City, follow US-189 S south, turn onto UT-113 N into Midway, and follow the luxury property billboards. The resort complex features its own attached, complimentary paved surface asphalt parking loops steps from the dome wooden tunnels.
Travel Tips
- Strict Advance Reservations Required: This geothermal hot spring sits inside a restricted limestone dome cavity with hourly bather caps. Prepaid online scheduling is 100% mandatory; walk-ins will be turned away at the resort gate.
- 40-Minute Time Limit & Mandatory Life Jackets: Every soaking session is strictly capped at 40 minutes. Because the pool is 65 feet deep with zero shallow standing ledges, all guests must wear a facility-provided life vest regardless of swimming ability.
- Intense Dome Humidity & Health Warnings: The enclosed cavity remains at 95°F with near-maximum humidity. Pregnant women or individuals with high blood pressure are prone to sudden dizziness; exit onto the wooden staging dock if breathing feels heavy.
Reviews
Positive
- Hidden inside a 55-foot natural limestone geothermal dome with natural light piercing through the top, the visual effect is stunningly unique.
- The water stays in the mid-90s Fahrenheit year-round, serving as a premier destination for warm mineral-spring scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboard yoga.
- To ensure safety, it enforces strict timed-entry limits, equipped with clean accessible changing rooms, standard life jackets, and clear safety signs.
- Soaking inside a 10,000-year-old natural living volcanic-like rock structure offers a marvelous experience that independent travelers find worth every cent.
Heads up
- As a closed natural cave environment, the interior air is thick with strong sulfur odors and high humidity, making sensitive visitors feel stifled.
- Each soak is strictly capped at around 40 minutes, and staff blow whistles to clear the water when time is up, making the experience feel rushed.
- Because cave space is highly limited, even a non-soaking sightseeing ticket to view from the boardwalk costs extra money for a brief 5-minute look.
- The main parking lot is a sloped distance from the crater entry; winter paths get icy and slippery, but lack sufficient non-slip lighting and handrails.