Lava Hot Springs is a timeless city with historic significance. The town is known for its relaxing and therapeutic activities. Shoshoni-Bannock Native Americans called this place Poha-Ba, or “the healing waters,” because of its natural hot pools.
Many visitors still come to the city every year to bathe and relax in these waters. However, Lava Hot Springs provides a wide variety of other activities for family-fun getaways, thrill-seekers, and, of course, those who want to just take it easy. Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, Lava Hot Springs is the place to visit this winter!
Family-fun getaways
One of Lava Hot Springs’ time-honored traditions is the annual Fire & Ice Winterfest. This family-friendly festival is a three-day event from Feb. 5-7. These two days are packed with activities like sledding, ice ball flinging, and a river float.
For kids, check out the Children’s Water Carnival. Here kids can participate in floating relays, wall-climb races, diving contests, and a splash event. The Indoor Aquatic Center is also open year-round for swimmers.
For a wacky experience, make sure to see the Polar Float Parade. Participants put on their wildest costumes and float the Portneuf River, that’s right- float the river in the middle of winter! See the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and many other silly dress-ups floating down the bone-chilling water.
On the last night of the festival don’t miss The Torch Light Parade. Fire performers entertain through dance, acrobatics, and music as they tantalize the eyes with flaming objects. Visit the website for more information, https://www.fireice.lavahotsprings.org/fireice-events.html
Thrill Seekers
If a winter-time festival sounds too tame, Lava Hot Springs has several action-packed adventures waiting for you. Take a ride at Lava Zipline Adventure. Guests zoom across thousands of feet of zipline while taking in the beautiful snowcapped mountains and landscape or hook into their amazing challenge course. The zipline course is open on weekends during the winter and planning a trip for your group is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter.
Snow lovers and adrenaline junkies will want to plan a trip to Pebble Creek Ski Area. The mountain has 1,100 acres of skiable snow and 54 runs with an extensive bunny hill and challenging upper slopes. There are also two terrain parks featuring rails, boxes, and jumps. Pebble Creek provides ski rentals and lessons for all ages. So, whether it’s high-flying action or downhill carving, Lava Hot Springs has activities to match your desire. However, Lava Hot Springs has more than just suspenseful activities.
Relaxation station
Like visitors of old, many come to Lava Hot Springs to unwind and have a stress-free break. The town is famous for its hot pools for a reason. The hot pools are located in the middle of town. The complex features five, odorless mineral pools with temperatures ranging from 102 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get some well-deserved R&R and escape winter’s harsh frost in the toasty waters. Many of the local hotels have their own hot pools as well! After your soak, visit one of the local restaurants for a delicious dinner.
For a hearty dish, check out the Portneuf Grille & Lounge for Duck Confit, Pork Bolognaise, or Cioppino. Match an aromatic drink with your entree from their impressive list of wine and beer selections. Lava’s Riverwalk Thai Restaurant is also a sublime option for an after-soak dinner. Located just up the road from the famous hot pools, the Riverwalk Thai Restaurant has all the beloved Thai dishes like green curry and pad Thai.
Lava Hot Springs is located fewer than 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City. To get there, take Interstate 15 to Exit 47-US 30 E and travel east on 30E for 11.2 miles. For more information about upcoming events, restaurants to try and places to stay, visit lavahotsprings.org.