Clothing-optional hot springs

Over the New Year, I went with some friends to a clothing-optional hot springs, and we had a great time. It was basically an extra-large hot tub in the rocks. At the most, there were seven or eight people in the water at one time. I found it especially enjoyable at night ... there's nothing quite like being under the desert sky with all those stars, listening to the coyotes and the Great Horned Owls.

Anyone else care to share your hot springs experiences?

 

I've been to three hot springs, obviously not in the area I live in! But I've traveled to the West a few times and always thought natural hot water was just the most fascinating thing, and worth seeking out. The latest one was actually in your neighborhood, though you might not count it because it's commercially developed: El Dorado Hot Spring in Tonopah, about 40 miles west of Phoenix. They have individual stone tubs and sitting areas with a view out over the desert, and we enjoyed it. Here's what you see along the road driving in:
http://i.imgur.com/5feapUo.jpg
And here's where we had our soak:
http://i.imgur.com/D1NEkJ9.jpg

The other places I've been were in the state of Washington: Wind River Spring and Olympic Hot Spring. My memory is that Wind River was a miserable little place that we'd have been very disappointed by if we'd previously gone to Olympic, but since it was our first we didn't know what to expect. Ultimately I did get in the water and it was hot, or at least not totally cold, so it has to count. Olympic was definitely worth the trip, but you do have to walk in a couple of miles, and if you want to camp at the campground across the valley, you must carry your stuff. However, there are several pools of various temperature and the environment is very pleasant. I'd definitely go there again.

What I remember is the feeling of excitement you get when you smell sulfur wafting through the forest! You know you're in for the kind of experience you can't get at home.

 

I've been to the Olympic hot springs a lot. Summer can get busy, but fall and early winter can be great. A nice hike that's getting longer as the road washes out. But great to be under the tall fir trees and stars.

 

How refreshing that there are other Americans who can go to a hot spring and not be weirded out by the nudity! Yay!

I'm living abroad in Japan, working as an English teacher, and let me tell you, there's nothing better after a long day than driving to the local onsen and taking a quick soak! Most places are away from big towns, surrounded by cedar and pine trees, and absolutely beautiful!

It's a very liberating and zenful exercise, undressing with a bunch of strangers in a dressing room, bathing in full sight of everyone and then slipping into the steaming, alkaline waters. One of my favorite places has a big rose garden on premises and actually fills one basin with the roses they pick every day! Makes me almost want to open a Japanese style onsen when I return to the states!

 

I've heard of El Dorado a number of times, but never had occasion to visit, even though I've driven past the town on the interstate a million times.

Your pics are very nice

I had not specifically heard of Olympic Hot Spring, although I know there are many, many hot springs in the Northwest. The hike in adds to the appeal, in my opinion.

That's the whole point of a natural hot spring, isn't it?

 

sounds like a place id like to be

 

That's the whole point of a natural hot spring, isn't it? [/QUOTE]

The point of an onsen trip isn't to be naked, the point is to relax and enjoy a natural bathing experience. It's just common knowledge that most Americans are very uptight about their bodies and nudity and have a hard time separating nudity from sex. Just saying.

 

Thanks for clarifying that

I was talking about natural hot springs such as the one I went to, but that's good to know about an onsen.