Inlet Park Hot Springs sits inside Inlet Park on the northwest shore of Utah Lake in Saratoga Springs, Utah, about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. Also known locally as Saratoga Hot Springs, the site is free to visit, with water reaching roughly 109°F at the source across three connected pools.

A short, paved 0.7-mile round-trip trail leads from the parking lot to the springs. Travelers planning a wider soaking trip can browse more destinations on the CATRAVELTIMES home page before mapping out this natural mineral pool visit.

What is Inlet Park Hot Springs? Quick Details

Inlet Park Hot Springs, also called Saratoga Hot Springs by local residents, has drawn soakers to the shore of Utah Lake for generations, long before the suburbs of Saratoga Springs grew up around it. The site sits inside Inlet Park at 1307 N Commerce Drive, Saratoga Springs, UT 84045, and charges no entry fee.

Water temperature at the source runs close to 109°F, though the three connected pools cool the farther they sit from the main inflow. Online reviewers give the springs a 3.9 out of 5 rating, and weekday mornings offer the quietest soak. The next section covers directions.

Inlet Park Hot Springs: Directions & Map

From Salt Lake City, take I-15 S to Exit 282, then follow UT-85/W 2100 N into Utah County before turning onto Saratoga Rd toward Saratoga Springs.

Inlet Park sits on the south side of the road near GPS coordinates 40.35311, -111.89972. Park in the second lot near the restrooms, then walk south on the paved trail for about a quarter mile. The turn-off is easy to miss after dark, so watch for the park sign. Photos come next.

Inlet Park Hot Springs Photos – Scenic Views

Photographers can capture steam off the main pool at sunrise, mirrored views of the Wasatch Mountains across Utah Lake, and close-up shots of mineral-stained rocks near the back pool. Late afternoon light and winter mornings produce the most striking images.

Inlet Park Hot Springs A Natural Escape to Calm

Inlet Park Hot Springs Let nature heal you

Inlet Park Hot Springs Relaxation Carved by Nature

The next section covers everything visitors typically want to know before their first soak.

Everything You Need to Know About Inlet Park Hot Springs

Anyone comparing this spot to other natural pools on the Hot springs destinations will notice it shares the same free, low-key character common to undeveloped mineral springs.

Is Inlet Park Hot Spring Free to Visit?

Inlet Park Hot Spring charges no entry fee. The City of Saratoga Springs manages the pools as a free public amenity, with no ticket purchase, reservation, or day pass required. Visitors only park at Inlet Park and follow the marked trail toward Utah Lake to reach the water.

What Are the Hours at Inlet Park Hot Spring?

Inlet Park Hot Spring is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The gate closes sharply at 10 PM every night of the year, so plan a soak that wraps up before then, especially during longer summer evenings when it’s tempting to linger.

Is Camping Allowed at Inlet Park Hot Spring?

Camping is not allowed at Inlet Park Hot Springs. The site operates as day-use only, and overnight stays, tents, or vehicle camping are not permitted in the parking lot or along the trail. Visitors planning multi-day trips should book a hotel in nearby Lehi or Provo instead.

How Long Is the Hike to Inlet Park Hot Spring?

The walk from the parking lot to Inlet Park Hot Spring covers about a quarter mile each way on a paved trail, a 0.7-mile round trip. The path is flat and easy, similar in spirit to the access trail at Deep Creek Hot Springs, though this route is far shorter.

Is Inlet Park Hot Springs Family-Friendly?

Inlet Park Hot Spring works well for families, though the muddy, uneven pool bottoms call for close supervision of young children. Swimsuits are required for everyone, alcohol is banned on-site, and the paved approach trail is stroller-friendly right up to the final unpaved stretch near the pools.

What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Inlet Park Hot Springs?

Water at Inlet Park Hot Springs holds steady near 109°F at the source, though the back pool runs cooler where it meets Utah Lake. Conditions stay soakable year-round, but each season offers a different experience, from crowded summer evenings to quiet, steam-filled mornings in winter.

Inlet Park Hot Springs — Seasonal Pool Temperatures

Seasonal Guide

Inlet Park Hot Springs — Pool Temperatures by Season

Utah Lake, Saratoga Springs, Utah

Summer

100–105°F

After 6 PM

Long daylight hours for evening soaks.

Winter

108–109°F

Early morning

Quiet crowds, steam over cold air.

Spring

105–108°F

Mid-morning

Mild weather, fewer bugs than summer.

Fall

106–109°F

Late afternoon

Cooler air, comfortable soaking temps.

Weekday visits in any season tend to be far quieter than weekend afternoons.

Things to Do at Inlet Park Hot Springs

Most visitors spend an hour or two soaking at Inlet Park Hot Springs, then explore nearby trails, lake views, and casual restaurants in Saratoga Springs and neighboring Lehi before heading back toward Salt Lake City.

Soak in the Main Pool

The main pool at Inlet Park Hot Springs, rated 3.9 on Google Maps, sits closest to the water source and runs the hottest of the three pools. Entry is free, and it’s the best spot for a full, warm soak.

Walk the Utah Lake Shore Trail

The Utah Lake Shore Trail begins right at Inlet Park and holds a 4.5 rating on Google Maps. It’s free to walk and offers flat, easy views of the lake and mountains beyond the hot springs.

Watch Birds Along Utah Lake

Bird watching along the Utah Lake shoreline near the park costs nothing and draws a steady mix of herons, ducks, and gulls. Early morning, right after sunrise, tends to bring the most bird activity to the water’s edge.

Stop at The Blue Jay Cafe

The Blue Jay Cafe, rated 4.4 on Google Maps, serves coffee and light breakfast fare a short drive from Inlet Park. Prices stay in the 5–12 range, making it an easy stop before or after a soak.

Relax at Saratoga Springs City Park

Saratoga Springs City Park, rated 4.3 on Google Maps, has picnic tables and open grass a short walk from the springs. It’s free to enter and works well for a picnic before or after the soak.

Photograph the Wasatch Mountain Views

Sunset views of the Wasatch Mountains across Utah Lake are free and best seen from the shoreline near the back pool. Travelers who also chase mountain views at Travertine Hot Springs will notice a similar wide-open, high-desert feel here.

Soak in the Back Pool

The back pool at Inlet Park Hot Springs sits closest to Utah Lake and stays the coolest and muddiest of the three. Entry is free, and it’s the quietest spot for a slow, relaxed soak away from crowds.

With the main activities covered, here’s where to stay and eat nearby.

Where to Stay & Eat Near Inlet Park Hot Springs

Picking a hotel in Lehi or Provo keeps the drive to Inlet Park Hot Springs short and puts restaurants, groceries, and gas stations within easy reach. Soakers who also travel toward desert pools like Saline Valley Hot Springs will find this base far more convenient by comparison.

Hotels Near Inlet Park Hot Springs

Hyatt House Provo/Pleasant Grove

Hyatt House Provo/Pleasant Grove offers suite-style rooms with kitchenettes, about 15 minutes from Inlet Park Hot Springs. Rated around 4.3 on Google Maps, it suits families or longer stays, with rates typically in the 150–220 range per night.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lehi

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lehi sits about 10 minutes from the springs near Thanksgiving Point. Standard rooms sleep up to four guests, rated near 4.4 on Google Maps, with nightly rates generally between $140 and $190.

Hilton Garden Inn Lehi

Hilton Garden Inn Lehi is roughly 12 minutes from Inlet Park Hot Springs, with standard king or double-queen rooms. It holds about a 4.4 Google Maps rating, and its onsite pool is a plus after a day of soaking.

Restaurants Near Inlet Park Hot Springs

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken serves Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches and tenders a short drive from Inlet Park Hot Springs. Prices stay in the 10–16 range, with a 4.3 Google Maps rating and hours generally running 11 AM to 10 PM.

Sol Agave

Sol Agave, a Mexican restaurant near Saratoga Springs, offers tacos and enchiladas priced from $12 to $22. It carries a 4.2 Google Maps rating and typically opens from 11 AM to 9 PM daily.

Bombay Kitchen of Saratoga

Bombay Kitchen of Saratoga serves Indian curries and tandoori dishes, with mains priced between $14 and $20. It holds around a 4.5 Google Maps rating, with typical hours from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.

What Are People Saying About Inlet Park Hot Spring?

Inlet Park Hot Springs holds a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Google Maps, with mixed but generally positive feedback. Visitors praise the free access, mountain views, and easy trail, while some reviewers note the muddy pool bottoms. Couples and small groups appear to enjoy it most.

Final Thoughts on Inlet Park Hot Springs

Inlet Park Hot Springs works well for visitors who want a free, natural soak close to Salt Lake City without a long drive or an entry fee. The muddy pool bottoms and 3.9 rating suggest it’s not built for anyone expecting a polished spa setting.

Families, couples, and casual travelers tend to enjoy it most. Remember that the gate closes at 10 PM sharp, so plan the visit with enough daylight or headlamp time to walk back out safely.