Hot Spring Etiquette Guide: Know Before You Go

Hot Spring Etiquette Guide

1. Leave No Trace

The most important rule of thumb is to Leave No Trace. This means leaving the hot spring environment exactly as you found it or even better than you found it. Everything you bring to the hot spring must come out with you, and that includes all trash, bottles, and clothing. Ideally, you go to the bathroom before you get to the hot spring. Definitely don’t pee in the pools (or poop, but I hope that goes without saying)!

Another important thing to consider is to not go off trail. If you are hiking to an isolated hot spring, stay on the dirt path and do not walk on any unknown landscape. This could damage the area, which could result in a shutdown. The leave-no-trace rule is so important as it keeps these natural hot springs well-kept and protected.

2. Share the Space

Chances are you will not be the only person in the hot spring. If you are, then consider yourself lucky and enjoy your soak! Normally though, you will need to share the space.

Even if the hot spring is crowded, try to find a space a few feet from someone else. I recommend avoiding getting in the spring and sitting too close to another group. Most people like a little space while they are soaking. 

If the hot spring is packed, you may want to wait until someone leaves. If there is one spot left, just ask the people near there if it's okay if you squeeze in there. Most of the time, people are friendly, and it shouldn't be an issue. It is a nicer approach than cramming your way in there rudely without saying anything.

3. Be Welcoming and Friendly

If you're first to a hot spring and you see someone else coming to the hot spring, try your best to be welcoming. Just remember that people joining the hot springs are usually there for the same reasons you are. And just because you may have gotten to the hot spring first doesn't mean you own it—typically, these hot spring pools are on public lands, so everyone has the right to enjoy them! You may even make some new friends. 

4. Try to Be Quiet

Hot springs are normally nestled in the heart of nature, and you can expect to hear birds chirping,  the sound of water, and maybe a light breeze. What you don’t want to hear is somebody's top 40 playlist blasting a few feet away from you. That's why keeping the noise down is so important when following hot spring etiquette. 

If you are with a large group of people or even with a friend, try to talk lower than normal. While it is completely fine to have conversations, try not to yell over to someone or chat loudly. A lot of visitors come to hot springs to escape the chaotic world for a little while. 

5. Don't Be Rowdy

While this may seem like common sense, try your best not to be too rowdy. This includes splashing around, partying hard, or diving into a hot spring. It is not a good idea to cannonball or jump in, either. 

In addition to that, some of these pools are HOT! So I recommend easing into the water. If people are having a peaceful soak, try and keep your kids away from splashing them and making the surrounding area drenched and slick for other guests. Take your time, walk in, and spend some time unwinding instead!

6. Rinse Before You Soak

Did you know the lotions on your skin can damage the water in the hot spring? Whether we like it or not, our body and face products are filled with chemicals, and even if they are natural, they aren't always good for geothermal water. If you can shower or rinse off before making your way to the springs, that's ideal.

This also includes any face makeup, oils, leave-in hair treatments, or sunscreen. If you do have hairspray or leave-in conditioner in your hair, just do not go under the water.

Also, don't use shampoo or conditioner in the hot springs. This isn't the place to take a bath!

7. Check For Permits

You may think that isolated hot springs that are accessed by hikes are free, and while this can be true, you may need a permit for public or private lands. This is required for some hot springs so the US Forest Service can provide upkeep to the trails and area.

Try checking All Trails or doing a bit of online research before heading to your hot springs. If there is a permit, you will normally be able to find them in a small box next to the map in the parking area. Small envelopes would be provided for you to put cash in and then drop in the box. A lot of the permits are on the honor system.

8. Watch Out for Hot Spring Nudity

Hot spring nudity is actually much more common than you might think. Before you adventure to a hot spring, check out the policy on nudity if you're worried about it. Typically for remote hot springs, there are no rules stating you cannot bathe in a hot spring nude. However, there are some springs where it's restricted, so it's a good idea to check beforehand.

If nudity makes you uncomfortable, the best way to avoid an awkward situation is not to look and simply avert your eyes. You also may want to avoid pools in more remote locations where nudity could be more prevalent. 

If you are wanting to get nude, check your audience beforehand. Are there tons of kids around? Is the pool packed with people? Is there just one other person you don't know? Make sure you assess what's going on before dropping your drawers.  

9. Picture Etiquette

I get it—you want that bucket list photograph of you in a steamy remote hot spring. Luckily it should be tangible for you to get it, as long as you are not rude to the people around you. If someone is relaxing and in their own world, asking them to move for your photograph could ruin their time.

Try to find an area of the hot spring that isn’t disrupting the other guests, or wait for the other soakers to leave before doing your photo shoot. Bringing a small tripod is another good way not to disturb anyone, but whipping out your drone or doing a full-blown photo shoot while others are relaxing can be rude. While most people don’t mind taking a picture for you, some may not want to be bothered. 

10. No Glass

Whether you plan on drinking a cold brew coffee or an alcoholic beverage, leave the glass at home. Since hot springs are normally on rocky ground, an accidental drop could ruin the whole pool. If any glass gets in the pool, it could result in the injury of another guest or indefinite closure. Natural hot springs are hard to clean since they are usually not maintained by anyone in the area.

The most acceptable thing you can do is avoid the situation by using an insulated mug or glass like these. That way if you accidentally drop it near the water, you don’t have to be concerned about creating a hazardous situation.

11. Wear Shoes

This is more for your safety, but wearing water shoes can save the day when visiting a hot spring. The rocks around the spring can become very wet from people getting in and out. Even on a winter day, the rocks can be slippery with ice.

While you may wear hiking boots to the hot spring, you can easily switch to water shoes when you get there. That way, you will have a good grip on the wet rocks. The last thing you want is a pool of visitors carrying you out to your car because of a bad slip. In the winter I'll typically wear my snow boots, and in the summer I'll wear my tevas!

12. Pack A Towel

Always pack a towel when visiting a hot spring. I love bringing a large micro fiber towel like this because they pack small if I'm hiking a long way into a hot spring. They also are quick dry in case you're going on a hot spring hop! Use your towel and dry yourself off before making your way out of the hot spring to ensure you don't drip onto rocks to make them slippery for others. 

13. Be Aware of Capacity

So you show up to the hot spring, and it is packed solid. While you may be antsy to squeeze your way into a small area, you probably shouldn't. If there is a capacity sign, make sure to follow it. In addition to making your neighbor uncomfortable, you could also damage the area. 

Overcapacity at hot pools can result in the water overflowing. Which could cause less water in the hot spring. Just remember the capacity rules are there for a reason. If the pool is over capacity, just wait it out. Chances are people will come and go throughout the hour.

14. Stay Hydrated

The last thing you want is to pass out in a hot spring, which is why it is very important to stay hydrated during your trip. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after. Whether you can feel it or not, your body will be sweating from the hot water. 

Even though hot springs are amazing for your body due to their healing waters, they also dehydrate you. Especially if you are in one for a long amount of time. Leave a non-glass bottle of water next to you at all times like this one, and take sips of it even if you feel you are not thirsty.

15. Don’t Camp Next to Hot Springs

If you plan to camp near a hot spring, be mindful of the distance you are to the actual hot spring. The rule of thumb is to be at least 500 ft away from the hot springs as they can have a negative impact and can disturb the ecosystem of the area. Be sure you can even camp near one if you are planning to do that. Also, remember that if you are camping near a hot spring to be mindful of the soakers and the peace they might have come to the hot spring to find.

16. Be Safe

Some hot springs can be located in remote locations so you may want to let people know where you're going before you head there! Also, hot springs typically have a source, and you want to make sure you aren't burning yourself (some people have died doing this) by going into the hot spring source. Be mindful of where the hot spring is, maybe dip your toe in to see if you can handle it before putting your entire body in. I recommend water shoes for this exact reason. Many hot springs can be colder on the top and then burn at the bottom. 

17. Watch the Weather

Weather can be a huge factor in whether or not you have a nice soak or not! This is especially something to look out for in winter and spring. In winter, there can be ice and snow on trails where the springs are hard to get to, and in the spring, you can deal with high river flows where the hot springs can be completely washed out. Be sure to be mindful of this before embarking on something backcountry, and dress appropriately!

Do you have any other hot springs etiquette tips? If so, please add them in the comments! I love keeping our public lands pristine, and it’s important that we leave our hot springs how we found them so we can all enjoy them for years to come!