If you’re tired of the same old “relaxation” options — think crowded beaches, overpriced resorts, or uninspiring staycations — that leave you more stressed than refreshed, it’s time to switch things up with hot springs and spas.
With mineral-rich waters to ease your muscles, spa treatments that go way beyond your average massage, and activities like hiking or wildlife spotting nearby, these destinations combine the best of nature and indulgence.
In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best accessible hot springs and spa destinations across the USA that might just become your new happy place.
Why Choose Accessible Hot Springs and Spas?
If you’re looking for an incredible break from the chilly winds and dreary weather, accessible hot springs and spas might be the perfect solution to warm up your soul. Additionally, hot springs offer various therapeutic benefits.
Research shows that mineral-rich hot water soaks cause vasodilation, which widens your blood vessels and improves circulation. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and tissues, alleviating muscle stiffness, speeding up recovery, and increasing flexibility.
Studies also show that hot soaks can help decrease levels of C-reactive protein. This protein is linked to inflammation, which often affects your nervous and musculoskeletal systems. This can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lupus, among others.
Research further explains that hydrotherapy can reduce cortisol levels and boost the production of endorphins, so you’ll feel more relaxed, happier, and less stressed out.
Different hot springs offer a range of spa treatments like mud wraps to draw out impurities and detoxify your skin, deep tissue massage and hot stone therapy to relieve muscle tension, aromatherapy sessions to enhance relaxation, reflexology to improve overall well-being, and salt scrubs to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
Features of Accessible Hot Springs and Spas
While hunting for an accessible hot spring or spa, look for the following features:
- When visiting a hot spring or spa, the last thing anyone wants is to struggle with entrance. Your preferred spot should have ramps leading to pools, lodges, and lounging areas, doorways and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs to glide through effortlessly, and handicapped parking spaces conveniently located near entrances.
- Hot springs and spas should also have adaptive equipment, such as pool lifts or zero-entry slopes, specialized water wheelchairs, and fully equipped changing rooms with grab bars, benches, and roll-in showers.
- Besides ADA-compliant features, the best spas should offer customizable treatments, such as shorter massage sessions or aromatherapy tailored to specific preferences. Spa tables that accommodate seated or wheelchair-assisted therapies are another thoughtful addition.
- If you want to explore beyond the water’s edge, choose one with hiking trails or scenic views. Check if they offer paved pathways to overlooks or gardens, wheelchair-friendly boardwalks for that up-close nature moment, and golf carts or shuttles to help navigate larger properties.
- Even the best facilities fall short without knowledgeable staff. Ideally, the destination should have friendly and trained staff who genuinely understand the needs of guests with disabilities and are happy to offer assistance when requested.
Top Accessible Hot Spring Destinations in the USA
Below are some of the best and most accessible hot spring destinations in the USA:
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Colorado
Nestled at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort features more than seven expansive pools, including the “world’s largest hot springs pool” that has been drawing visitors since 1888.
At the Yampah Mineral Baths, you’ll find five stunning pools with varying temperatures, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, infinity edges, and a natural stone grotto. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, head over to the Sopris Splash Zone. This area features a fast-moving river ride, waterfalls to cool off under, interactive play areas, and a splash and show fountain. There are plenty of shade spots and soft surfaces where you can catch your breath and plan your next splash-tastic move.
When you’re ready to dry off and explore, check out the Hanging Lake Trail that leads to an emerald-green lake surrounded by stunning cliffs and waterfalls for a totally breathtaking view.
Although this area might be challenging for some, the rest of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is wheelchair accessible. There’s a hydraulic lift to help guests with disabilities get in and out of the main pool and a ramp entry for the Therapy Pool to soak up its restorative vibes. If you plan on staying, don’t forget to check out Glenwood Canyon Resort, Courtyard Glenwood Springs, or Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast.
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Olympic Hot Springs, Washington
Located within Olympic National Park, these natural hot springs offer a rustic and secluded experience. Your adventure begins with a short 0.1-mile trail to the picturesque Madison Creek Falls along the old Elwha River Road. The trail features wide and smooth paths, and you’ll pass through lush forests and cross charming streams.
As you venture forward, you’ll travel over a log bridge at Crystal Creek and pass the Boulder Creek campground along the way — a good pit stop with an outhouse for necessary breaks. Once you cross Boulder Creek, you’re almost at the hot springs.
Here, you’ll find several pools with temperatures as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Some pools are right out in the open, while others are tucked away for a more private dip. It is important to note that these pools are not maintained or monitored, so you must enter and soak at your own risk. For something a little easier to navigate, you can also visit Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which features three mineral pools and one freshwater pool for the ultimate wheelchair-accessible soaking experience.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is packed with history, mountain views, forested hikes, and, of course, those dreamy hot springs. Although there’s no shortage of outdoor locations to enjoy a relaxing soak, you should visit Bathhouse Row, which features vintage bathhouses, including Quapaw Bathhouse and Buckstaff Bathhouse, to enjoy therapeutic benefits.
There are different Thermal Spring Fountains scattered throughout the park where you can fill up your water bottles with fresh thermal water and feel the mineral-rich benefits for yourself. Besides that, you’ll find different opportunities to touch this mineral-rich thermal water. For instance, The Display Spring fissures out of a hillside and flows into a shallow pool below. It’s shaded by trees and surrounded by mosses and blue-green algae, making it a great place to listen to the soothing sounds of running water and take some awesome pictures.
You can also head over to Arlington Lawn to see the Hot Water Cascade. Hot water trickles from the hillside, travels under a path, and then tumbles down a steep cliff into two pools below. It’s a sight to behold, and you’ll definitely want to dip your hands in. If you want to feel the warmth on your face, The Fordyce Fountains might be perfect for you.
Desert Hot Springs, California
Desert Hot Springs is home to some of the purest hot and cold mineral springs, thanks to its underground aquifer beneath the city.
At Two Bunch Palms, there are private tubs where you can energize your chakras while surrounded by lush landscapes and calming vibes — absolute perfection! The El Morocco Inn & Spa features lavish guest rooms that will make you feel like royalty while melting away the stresses of your daily life. You’ll get to enjoy different spa treatments, such as deep tissue massage, reflexology, and scrub treatments to cleanse and exfoliate your skin.
If you’re more into a cleanse retreat, check out The Spring Resort & Spa, which is all about restoring your mind and body. They offer yoga, meditation, and other restorative practices to pamper you from head to toe.
Tips for Planning Your Accessible Hot Spring Getaway
When mapping out your hot spring getaway, keep these tips in mind for a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Before booking your trip and making your reservations, check the hot spring’s websites or call ahead to confirm the setup. Ideally, they should have paved paths, ramps, lifts, handrails, or accessible changing rooms.
- When it comes to packing, only bring the essentials such as a mobility aid, medications, a swimsuit, a towel, lightweight robes, water shoes, sunscreen, and maybe a waterproof pouch for your phone.
- Hot springs are more relaxing when you’re not sharing them with 50 other people and their questionable small talk. If possible, go for off-peak times like weekday mornings for ultimate relaxation.
- Some springs don’t offer the most ergonomic setups. If you don’t want to end up with sore back or shoulder knots, consider bringing a waterproof seat or shower chair for a comfortable experience.
- Even if the springs are accessible, don’t assume your hotel will be. Look for ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, wide doorways, and elevators.
- Many hot spring spots offer more than just hot water. Look for scenic trails, quirky small towns, or local eateries nearby. That way, if your soak ends early, the trip isn’t over.
Note: If you’re suffering from any health issues, including hypertension, heart disease, low blood pressure, seizure disorder, or taking any medications, consider consulting your doctor before enjoying a hot soak.
Enjoy an Accessible Vacation with Wheelchair Getaways
If you want to explore some of the best hot springs and spas in the USA, consider renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Wheelchair Getaways. With availability in more than 200 locations nationwide, Wheelchair Getaways offers new and low-mileage vehicles featuring spacious interiors, easy-to-use ramps, comfortable seating, and advanced navigation systems.
Thanks to our flexible renting schedule, you can rent a vehicle for a day tour or a week-long retreat. Don’t forget to check out our current rental deals that could make your trip even more affordable. To book your ride, call us at (866) 224-1750 or fill out this form to get a rental quote.