Monroe (Cooper) Hot Springs
Monroe Hot Springs, operating as Mystic Hot Springs, emerges at 169°F—one of Utah's hottest thermal features—in the town of Monroe at 5,450 feet elevation. The spring runs an extraordinary 118.3°F above ambient temperatures, located just 8.7 meters from the nearest road. Water chemistry shows 2,760 mg/L total dissolved solids with sulfate at 932 mg/L and chloride at 625 mg/L, requiring cooling before bathing use.
The spring emerges at the base of the Sevier Plateau where it descends into the Sevier Valley near Monroe in Sevier County. Red and white mineral deposits from the thermal discharge create distinctive terraces visible across the landscape. The plateau rises to over 11,000 feet to the east, while the valley floor extends westward with the Sevier River draining north. Annual precipitation of 15.4 inches and snowfall of 59.8 inches support juniper-pinyon woodlands on surrounding slopes, transitioning to agricultural lands on the valley floor.
Visit year-round, though the 169°F source requires cooling in pools before entry. Spring and fall offer moderate air temperatures for the soaking pools, which range from 92-102°F. The facility operates as a commercial site with fees and camping available. Monroe's location on US-89 provides straightforward access. Winter brings snow that emphasizes the steam from thermal discharge. Combine with Fishlake National Forest access, 15 miles east, for high-elevation hiking and fishing.
Historical accounts reference the spring under multiple names: Monroe Hot Springs after the town founded in 1864, and Cooper Hot Springs after a family associated with early development. The town took its name from James Monroe, fifth U.S. president. Settlers recognized the spring's exceptional temperature, using it for heating and bathing after cooling. Commercial development occurred by the early twentieth century. Current operators renamed it Mystic Hot Springs, developing pools and vintage bathtub installations on the mineral terraces. The spring continues as a private resort operation.
The water at Monroe (Cooper) Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 2760 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
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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...
Monroe (Cooper) Hot Springs sits at 5,450 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 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Monroe (Cooper) Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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