About

The Indigenous People that lived in this area were nomadic bands from the Ute, Shoshone, or Piute tribes. They would make their camps on the warm ground near the hot springs. They would soak in the springs for warmth and comfort. It is told that the Indigenous People would paint themselves with the red mud to keep them safe. Later, as the settlers arrived, the hot springs became popular as a resting place along the “Old Spanish Trail”.

Homesteaded in 1886 by the Cooper family, Mystic Hot Springs (formerly known as Monroe Hot Springs) has gone through many changes in the past 100 years. During the early part of the century, a collecting pool was made of wood at the bottom of the hill. Soon a dance floor was added and people would come from miles away in their horses and buggies to dance and soak the nights away. Their motto, “The home of mirth and merriment,” still rings true today. When Mike first began running the hot springs, he began to look around the valley  to acquire old Pioneer structures. The first building he purchased was one of the first Pioneer cabins in the valley from 1865. He was amazed that anyone would want to part with such a unique piece of history. He came to realize that a lot of people in the area see them as eyesores, and many cabins have already been destroyed to make room for things such as parking lots. He started acquiring more of them, especially the ones that seemed to not be cared for.

He has been putting together a Pioneer Village, which has fifteen cabins so far. They are all at different stages of restoration. We have a wonderful collection of cabins from the 1800s, and we are restoring them using all recycled materials.

Over time, we have realized that beauty can be found in things that show their age. These old buildings are imperfect and were created by hand using simple tools. The imperfections caused by the saws and the plains add to the charm of these old structures. There is a mix of different styles and eras of buildings on the property. We believe that function is the most important part of the design. The form creates itself.

Out of necessity, we have come to realize the importance of using what we have and reusing what’s available. Desert Patina on a recycled tin roof is very beautiful.

We have had many people help us throughout the years. Some stay for a few days, others have stayed for years. If you are interested in volunteering / work-exchange, or if you have a specific skill you think we would gain from, or you would like to learn a new skill, please contact us.

Water is Life

The water is the beating heart at the center of everything Mystic is. Following its lifeblood pathways throughout the property, the water is abundantly flowing at 200 gallons per minute and a consistent 168 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water not only provides a spectacular soaking experience but is also used for its energy to grow vegetables and heat buildings. Never leaving the property, the water gets fed into tropical fish and duck ponds. Traveling from there, the water goes through our animals’ pens and some vegetable gardens, and eventually soaks into the earth or evaporates. In permaculture, this concept is called “cascading use,” and is one that is incorporated into the design at Mystic Hot Springs.

The main mineral in the water is calcium carbonate, which forms the large travertine mounds that are growing at a phenomenal rate! The calcium also clogs pipes quickly, which makes piping this water a difficult thing to do. The water travels in channels across the property and continually drops minerals that need to be dug out of the channels a couple of times a year. Calcium, along with other trace minerals found in the water, is excellent for skin and bones and soothing sore, achy muscles. Unlike many hot springs, Mystic has no sulfur in the water so there is no pungent smell. No shower is necessary after soaking.

We take pride in keeping our facility clean and safe. We clean the pools twice per week and the bathtubs several times a day.

We want everyone to feel welcome at Mystic. We don’t allow alcohol, nudity, glass containers, dogs, food, amplified music, smoking, or any illegal activities in the hot springs or any public area.

Disclaimer:

Mystic Hot Springs is a one-of-a-kind place. You will not find it anywhere else. Some say it’s like stepping back in time to the 60s or 70s. Things are imperfect. We realize that there’s a lot we could do to improve it. We understand that things are always changing. We have learned to appreciate it for what it is at this moment.

Please respect our quiet hours from 9pm until 9am.

Mystic Hot Springs is not responsible for lost or left belongings.

Spa and Transformation Services:

We are happy to offer spa and transformation services to round out your relaxing trip to Mystic Hot Springs. We have several on-site therapists that offer a variety of treatments designed to restore, soothe, and allow you to feel your very best. Modalities include Therapeutic Massage, Couples Massage, 4 Handed Massage, Hypnotherapy, and Breathwork. Call 435-527-3286 to book your session as space is limited. By appointment only.

Dog Policy:

If you are traveling with a dog, please note that we allow leashed dogs in the campground area only. We only allow dogs in certain overnight units (Ripple Bus and Gypsy Wagon).

Please make sure your unit allows dogs before booking. When staying overnight in our lodging, you will be charged a non-refundable fee, per dog per night, in addition to a refundable deposit.

For those that are coming for soaking only, you will be responsible for keeping your dog safe and comfortable in your vehicle.

Dog owners who fail to be responsible for their dog, or who do not inform the front desk that they are traveling with dogs, will be asked to leave and will forfeit any rights to a refund of any kind. We are sorry; we do not allow cats.