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- Leave No Trace. Anytime you’re outdoors, whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced adventurer, it’s essential that you practice Leave No Trace (LNT).
- Nudity at Hot Springs? Depending on where you go, many hot springs are clothing optional. But, some aren’t, so always check the rules (some Utah hot springs forbid nudity, for example) before you decide to rock your birthday suit.
- Share the Hot Springs. Enjoying hot springs that are on public land means sharing them with other people. Be friendly and respectful, and remember that you don’t own the place.
- It’s Not a Bathtub! One really common misconception that a lot of people have (I used to think this too!) is that it’s okay to use biodegradable soap in natural rivers and pools.
- Don’T Be A Gatekeeper
- Leave It Better Than You Found It
- Plan For The Weather
- Keep The Noise Down
- Skip The Soap and Shampoo
- Do Not Pee in The Pools!
- Safety Always Comes First in Hot Springs Etiquette
- Bringing Drinks? Ditch The Glass
- Be Considerate of Others
- Be Friendly and Courteous
We understand that sharing locations and geotagging can be a murky subject, with all sides bringing valid and concerning pointsto the table. We don’t believe in keeping locations a ‘secret’ because public lands are just that: PUBLIC. People in the United States who want to enjoy the outdoors have the right to their public lands, because we are all ...
Rule #1 of hot springs etiquette – leave it better than you found it! One way we like to do this is by carrying a trash bag with us on our hot springs visits. Pack out any trash on your way out, even if it’s not yours. Cleaning up will set a higher standard for the next visitors.People are less likely to dump trash if it’s a clean space!
Looking for a backcountry soak on your next road trip? Check the weather and road conditionsbefore venturing out, especially in the winter season. Some roads are not maintained in the winter, making some hot springs 3-season pools (unless you have a snowmobile!) Others have sketchy trails down to the site, so make sure to pack micro spikes and prop...
Soaking is generally a relaxing and peaceful activity for many – that can be quickly ruined with someone blasting music on portable speakers. Nobody likes a rowdy group, so be aware of the people around you. Read the room to determine the energy level in the space – is it quiet and calm? Chatty and friendly? Consider the vibe, and either match that...
It’s not your bathtub!The spring water can be a delicate combination of minerals that can be easily disrupted by introducing other chemicals. Hot springs often don’t have a way to drain or filter out water, so whatever you put in it stays for a loooong time. Leave shampoo and soapfor your shower at home, and don’t add anything to the water that you...
Similar to the soap and shampoo rule, no one likes sitting in someone else’s bodily fluids. We’ve actually visited pools with floating poop in the water, and it ruined our entire experience. Don’t be a jerk, and please use the bathroom before visiting, or travel at least 200 feet from the nearest water source to do your business. It’s essential hot...
Some hot springs can be located in sketchy spots, like Pine Flats Hot Springs, located on a cliffside. Others can be at dangerously hot water sources, like Worswick Hot Springs or Bonneville Hot Springs. Consider packing water shoes for extra stability on slippery rocks. Stash your gear in a dry bag, bring a hat for extra warmth, and pack plenty of...
The drink choices are up to you, but make sure it’s in a can or reusable cup! Glass bottles can easily break, and the pieces are difficult to clean up and can be a hazard for others. Avoid glass bottles, and instead bring cans and other alternatives to enjoy around the pool. We’ve got our eye on this portable wine bagfor backpacking!
Soaking in hot springs can be a fun way to gather with friends, but don’t think that it’s a perfect space to get wasted or high. Being a nuisance to others is incredibly disrespectful, and can put everyone in an uncomfortable situation. Cracking a beer or smoking is totally fine, but know your limits! (Also, definitely check your state’s individual...
Gathering with friends, escaping daily life, or taking photos…all are valid reasons to enjoy hot springs! In a shared and public hot springs, you have a right to be thereas much as anyone else does. Don’t be entitled. Be friendly and welcoming if someone joins your pool – you don’t own the place. We’ve actually met some really awesome people by soa...
- Keep the Noise Down. Many people visit hot springs as a way to reduce stress and relax. Be respectful of this by keeping the noise down, don’t blast music on your phone or portable speakers, and be aware of the people around you.
- Be Welcoming. Maybe you’re the first one there, but that doesn’t mean you own the hot springs. Everyone has a right to be there – locals and vacationers alike.
- How to Handle Nudity at Hot Springs. At some hot springs, especially ones located in the backcountry, clothing is optional. Before you go, check out the policy on nudity at hot springs.
- Leave No Trace at the Hot Springs. Make sure you brush up on and practice the ethics of Leave No Trace. That means leaving the hot springs better than you found them and packing out everything you pack in, including all of your trash, food, drinks, and belongings.
Feb 24, 2023 · Hot springs provide awesome experiences of relaxation and rejuvenation, but there is a little etiquette involved. As long as you show respect and courtesy and treat the hot springs as they are intended, you’ll always be welcome.
- Vanessa Locampo
- Kristin Park
- Clean up after yourself. This is pretty straightforward. Don’t leave trash behind, even if it’s biodegradable. If everyone who visited a spring dropped their banana peels near the water, it would be a mess.
- Don’t use springs as a shower. First–and the most obvious–no one wants to get in your dirty bathwater. Without natural drains, it could be a while before your dirty water is filtered out.
- Know the fees. Some rustic springs have cash boxes and a posted fee that is expected to be paid in good faith by bathers. Have some cash on hand, or look up the protocol before you go, so you don’t end up disappointed, or worse, sneaking in without paying.
- Be respectful. This is pretty straightforward but can be applied in many different ways. If there’s a group of people, don’t blast your music. Some of those people may be using this as a chance to relax away from the city and see some wildlife.
Mar 7, 2023 · Hot springs can exist at a massive range of temperatures, from mildly warm to boiling. Moreover, it can often be difficult to distinguish these two extreme temperatures by mere observation, with even the hottest of thermal pools appearing similar to the average cold mineral spring.
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Feb 17, 2023 · How to spot an onsen. Onsen can be easily identified once you know what to look for. They typically have drapes (noren) at the entrance and are often marked with a symbol that resembles a steam rising from a hot spring (♨) or the character 湯/ゆ.