How to Visit Hot Springs Responsibly and Leave No Trace
Natural hot springs offer an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, unwind, and experience the earth’s geothermal magic — but with their growing popularity, it’s more important than ever to visit these beautiful places responsibly. That means minimizing your impact, respecting the environment, and leaving the area just as pristine as you found it.
Here’s how to enjoy hot springs while following the Leave No Trace principles.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Responsible travel begins before you even arrive. Do a little research on the hot spring you’re visiting:
- Is it on public or private land?
- Are permits or entry fees required?
- Is it legal and safe to soak there?
- What’s the best route, and are there restroom facilities?
Check for current conditions, closures, and local rules. If it’s a popular location, consider visiting during off-peak hours to reduce crowding and your impact.
2. Pack Out All Trash (Even the Tiny Stuff)
One of the core Leave No Trace rules is “pack it in, pack it out.” Bring a small bag to carry your trash, including:
- Food wrappers
- Water bottles
- Hair ties
- Clothing tags or packaging
- Even biodegradable items like orange peels and tissues — they don’t decompose quickly in nature
Don’t assume someone else will clean up after you. Every bit left behind damages the ecosystem.
3. Keep the Water Clean — No Soap or Sunscreen
Even if it’s “natural” or “biodegradable,” never use soap or shampoo in a hot spring. These products can harm aquatic life and disrupt the fragile chemistry of the spring. If you’ve applied sunscreen, lotions, or insect repellent beforehand, rinse off before soaking to keep the water pure for everyone.
4. Stay on Trails and Use Durable Surfaces
Stick to marked paths when hiking to hot springs to avoid damaging vegetation and causing erosion. When setting down your towel or bag, use rocks or dirt — not plants or mossy areas. Avoid widening trails by walking side-by-side or off-path.
5. Be Mindful of Wildlife
Hot springs are often home to birds, insects, and other wildlife. Don’t feed animals, leave food out, or get too close for photos. Even small disturbances can throw off their natural behavior. Respect their space — it’s their home, not just your getaway.
6. Practice Quiet Enjoyment
Sound travels easily in wide-open outdoor spaces. Keep noise to a minimum so others can enjoy the peace, and avoid playing music unless you’re using headphones. Responsible visitors help maintain a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
7. Handle Human Waste Properly
If the area has no restroom facilities, come prepared with a wag bag or portable toilet for solid waste, and follow local guidelines for disposal. Never go to the bathroom near the water or bury waste near hot springs — it can contaminate the water.
8. Don’t Alter the Environment
It can be tempting to rearrange rocks, build pools, or “improve” the area, but this disrupts the natural balance and flow. Leave everything as you found it, and avoid leaving any carvings, graffiti, or marks.
Final Thoughts
Visiting hot springs should be a restorative experience for both body and mind — but it should also be restorative for the earth. When you soak with respect, care, and consciousness, you help ensure these natural wonders remain clean, wild, and available for future generations.
So go ahead — breathe in the steam, soak up the warmth, and leave nothing behind but footprints.
