Johnson Warm Spring
Johnson Warm Spring flows at 77°F from 5,900 feet elevation in Sevier County near Monroe, accessible via a 781-meter walk from the nearest road. Recent USGS data shows 25°C with pH 7.4 and moderate total dissolved solids of 436 mg/L. The spring runs 26 degrees above the 51°F ambient temperature in terrain receiving 14 inches of rain and 55 inches of snow annually.
The spring emerges on the western slope of the Sevier Plateau where mountain terrain transitions to valley agriculture. At this elevation, the landscape combines sagebrush openings with aspen groves and scattered conifers. The Sevier River valley spreads west from the spring, supporting irrigated hay and alfalfa fields around Monroe. Geologically, the area sits on the boundary between the Basin and Range and Colorado Plateau provinces, with numerous thermal features indicating active groundwater circulation through fractured volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Seasonal snowmelt from higher elevations recharges aquifers that feed both cold and warm springs.
Visit May through October when access roads are clear and ground conditions permit the 780-meter approach. Spring runoff peaks in May, making terrain muddy. Winter snow accumulation exceeds four feet, making winter access difficult without skis or snowshoes. The 77-degree water is comfortable for wading but lukewarm for extended soaking. Bring layers—elevation produces cool mornings and evenings even in summer. Adelaide Campground 28 km south offers developed camping and access to the Paiute ATV trail system.
The spring bears the surname of an early homesteader or rancher in Sevier County, though specific records are scarce. Mormon pioneers settled Monroe in 1863, naming it for President James Monroe. The Sevier Valley saw intensive agricultural development in the late 19th century with irrigation systems tapping both surface water and springs. Ute people historically utilized the valley for hunting and plant gathering before reservation consolidation in the 1860s. The spring's thermal characteristics suggest circulation to moderate depths through the plateau's volcanic layers.
The water at Johnson Warm Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.4) with 436 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview Adelaide Campground is located in Corn Creek Canyon on the south end of the Pahvant Mountain Range near Kanosh, Utah.Recreation Corn Creek offers brown and rainbow trout fishing. Hiking and biking trails begin nearby, and the Paiute ATV trail can be easily accessed from the site.Facilities The campground offers 1 group site which can accommodate 48 guests and up to 15 vehicles. 9 individual sites are also available. These sites can accommodate 6 to 8 guests and 2 vehicles. All of th...
Johnson Warm Spring sits at 5,900 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 24% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Johnson Warm Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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