close up or the steaming mudpots at lassen volcanic national park in california

7 Geothermal Wonders in the USA (Beyond Yellowstone!)

Love it? Share it!

Imagine your kids’ eyes widening with wonder as they watch a geyser shoot water 100 feet into the air, or their gasps of amazement as they feel the warmth of the Earth seeping through their shoes.

These aren’t scenes from a sci-fi movie—they’re real-life adventures waiting for your family in America’s geothermal wonderlands. Forget the typical road trip pit stops; we’re talking about turning your family vacation into a journey through time, where the Earth’s fiery heart still beats beneath your feet.

From bubbling mud pots that look like a giant’s witch’s brew to hot springs that have soothed travelers for centuries, these geothermal destinations offer more than stunning views. They’re living laboratories where your budding scientists can witness geology in action, where history buffs can touch waters used by ancient civilizations, and where the whole family can marvel at our planet’s raw power and delicate balance.

And the best part? You don’t have to trek to Yellowstone to experience this subterranean magic. There are geothermal gems tucked away in states across the country, many of them just a family road trip away.

So, pack up the car, charge up those tablets (for the long drives, of course!), and get ready to explore 8 of America’s most accessible and awe-inspiring geothermal destinations. Your family’s next great adventure is about to get steamy!

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

This park offers a unique glimpse into a volcanic landscape with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and soothing hot springs. The most accessible geothermal area is Sulphur Works, right off the main park highway.

geothermal activity in lassen volcanic antional park bumpass

You can safely view boiling mud pots and steam vents from a paved walkway here. For a more immersive experience, hike the 3-mile round trip to Bumpass Hell, the park’s largest hydrothermal area, with a boardwalk that takes you past roaring fumaroles and turquoise pools.

  • Entry Cost: $30 per vehicle, valid 7 days
  • Best Time to Visit: late June to October. The high elevation of this national park makes the through road inaccessible in winter.

2. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

This unique urban park centers around 47 hot springs that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. The historic Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center offers exhibits on the springs’ geology and history.

steam coming from a hot spring in hot springs national park arkanasas

You can’t bathe in the springs directly within the park, but several bathhouses on Bathhouse Row offer traditional spa services using the thermal water. The area is extremely accessible, right in the heart of Hot Springs town.

  • Entry Cost: this is a fee-free National Park. However, you’ll pay to use the Bathouses in town, Buckstaff and Quapaw.
  • Best Time To Visit: open throughout the year

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

This park on Hawaii’s Big Island is a geothermal wonderland with two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Witness the creation of new land as molten lava flows into the ocean, and see steam vents (puu) along the Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.

volcanic acitivyt at volcanoes national park in hawaii

The park’s infrastructure makes much of this activity easily accessible by car or short walks. However, access can change rapidly due to volcanic activity, so always check the park’s website for current conditions.

  • Entry Cost: $30 per private vehicle
  • Best Time To Visit: Time your visit for early morning or late evening while its dark for the best visual effects; the best months with fewer crowds are December to April and August to September.

4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

About 60 miles from Fairbanks, this resort offers a unique geothermal experience. The centerpiece is the large, accessible outdoor rock lake, naturally heated to around 106°F. The resort also features an indoor pool and an ice museum powered by geothermal energy.

chena hot springs steaming water in alasaka

While not in a state or national park, its accessibility and combination of geothermal features with aurora viewing make it a noteworthy inclusion if you’re planning an Alsaka National Parks trip. They run a shuttle service from Fairbanks if you are not staying at the resort.

  • Entry Cost: Check current fees with Chena Hot Springs – about $20 per adult for a day pass
  • Best Time To Visit: You can visit year-round, but if you’d like to combine a visit with viewing the Northern Lights, aim for November to April.

5. Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado

This historic resort is easily accessible in the town of Glenwood Springs and is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. The main pool, fed by the Yampah Spring, covers over two acres and maintains a temperature between 90-93°F. There’s also a hotter therapy pool and the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves to experience.

glenwood hot springs, the town on glenwood springs in the colorado mountains

While it’s a commercial resort rather than a park, its size and the purity of its mineral water make it a notable geothermal attraction in the USA not to miss.

  • Entry Cost: See latest pricing here – you’re looking at $45+ per person
  • Best Time To Visit: Open year-round, the best time to visit is during the late summer and fall when there are fewer crowds and the incredible colours of the Colorado mountains to experience.

6. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

While primarily known for its majestic glaciated peak, Mount Rainier also harbors a small area of geothermal activity. The most accessible area is Ohanapecosh Hot Springs, located in the southeast part of the park. Although the historic hot springs resort is no longer operational, you can still see steam vents and feel the warmth of the springs along a short, accessible trail.

bridge over the ohanapecosch bridge in mount rainier national park

The area is easily reached by car using the day parking area at the Ohanapecosh Campground and offers a serene forest setting. Follow the same trail as Silver Falls Loop; you’ll find it just 0.3 miles along. It is outside of the main Paradise Road through the park, so there is no need to worry about summer timed entry permits.

  • Entry Cost: none
  • Best Time To Visit: Late spring and early fall outside of the peak summer crowds.

7. Hot Creek Geological Site, Mono County, California

Natural rock baths dotted around the base of Mammoth Lakes are undoubtedly one of California’s most unique places to visit. Whilst swimming is not allowed in the Hot Creek Geological Site, it’s still a fascinating phenomenon to witness at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where visitors can marvel at the springs, geysers, and fumaroles (gas vents), part of the Long Valley Caldera.

hot creek geological site in california

If you want to dip in, head to nearby Benton Hot Springs. This small, historic resort in Mono County offers a more intimate geothermal experience. The main attraction is a series of private hot tubs filled with natural spring water, ranging from 100-110°F.

Those with a more adventurous spirit can explore the area further for more rustic spots between Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes, which require dirt roads and hikes to access. You’ll have fewer crowds to contend with, but you’ll be limited to no facilities, which isn’t always ideal with kids.

  • This makes a great stop combined with a California road trip through the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the 395 from Yosemite to Death Valley
  • Entry Cost: See pricing for Benton Hot Springs tub campsites; other areas around the Inyo National Forest Geothermal Area are free to explore
  • Best Time To Visit: Open throughout the year, but the best time of year is late spring to early fall for best accessibility

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana

Of course, the undisputed geothermal hotspot of the United States is the mighty Yellowstone National Park. It might take a longer cross-country road trip to get there, and there will be crowds to contend with, but exploring this 2.2 million-acre park really is the experience of a lifetime for families.

The park’s most famous attractions are the gurgling mudpots and erupting geysers like Old Faithful. Prepare to be awestruck watching thousands of gallons of steaming water shoot up to 180 feet in the air at extremely predictable intervals.

Yellostone national park geothermal pools

Nearby geyser basins like Lower Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin showcase even more geothermal drama, with vibrant colored hot springs, belching mudpots, and other hydrothermal features.

While the hydrothermal features above ground are captivating, Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders extend into Yellowstone Lake itself. Here, underwater geysers and hot springs vent into the vast lake, creating an eerie sight of shimmering heat distortions on the water’s surface in some areas.

  • Entry Cost: $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 days
  • Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, but best avoid the middle of summer crowds

Final Tips for Visiting Geothermal Sites in the USA

It should go without saying (but apparently, it still needs to be said!);

  • Stick to the paths! Exploring geothermal areas involves contending with scolding hot water and often unpredictable surfaces, so never veer off signed pathways and watch for any Ranger warnings.
  • Likewise, don’t attempt to drink the water. Not only is it unhygienic, but fresh, warm water can also contain microscopic particles that can lead to fatal infections.
  • If you are traveling with kids and seeking out hot spring stops outside of resorts and commercial ‘hot spring’ settings, you may find nude bathers; plan accordingly!

We hope this has given you some inspiration to hit the road with your family this year and seek out some of the more unique geographic features of our marvellous and diverse country.

download your free road trip checklist click here button

© Family Road Trip 2025

Similar Posts