Archives 2022

It’s a big world out there. It’s surely snowing somewhere no matter the time of year.

Indeed, thanks to the alternating winters in the northern and southern hemispheres, skiers and snowboarders are able to hit the slopes at any time. If you prefer fresh powder to sand and surf – and you’re willing to travel from Scandinavia to Australia and beyond – here’s a list for chasing winter all year long.

January: Salt Lake City, USA

Skiers and boarders discuss Utah’s voluminous powder snow in rapt tones. State license plates have bragged about “the greatest snow on Earth” since 1985 – and the hype is well founded. Few North American winter-sports hubs enjoy as much snowfall – around 550 inches per season – as the four main resorts clustered around Salt Lake City.

Cold, dry weather gives the snow a buoyant quality, ideal for off-piste antics (not to mention very soft landings). Skiers will revel in the breathtaking views around Alta, while the top pick for snowboarders (who are not allowed at Alta) is vast Snowbird. Meanwhile, wide-open Solitude has a web of challenging black (advanced) runs that will keep even the most experienced skiers engaged.

February: Hokkaidō, Japan

In Hokkaidō, cathedrals of ice and snowy beasts aren’t hallucinations induced by too much sake. Each February, sub-zero sculptures are unveiled at Sapporo Snow Festival. On the mountains, nature crafts its own surreal display: juhyō (snow monsters), formed when trees are blasted with snow and ice, are at their most impressive in February.

Ski past battalions of juhyō at crowd-pleasing resort Sapporo Kokusai, one hour’s drive west of Sapporo city – or (if you’re a pro), thunder across legendary backcountry. Still yearning to face-plant in fluffy snow? Continue southwest to powder capital, Niseko.

March: Whistler, Canada

When the dreaded spring melt sets in at resorts across Europe and North America, skiers in British Columbia continue merrily on the mountains. The 32-sq-km (12 sq-miles) Whistler-Blackcomb groans under 12 meters (39ft) of snowfall each year, which means it’s still at its prime in March.

More than 200 well-groomed pistes wend across the two mountains, with a mile of skiable vertical that dwarfs other North American resorts. To leave fresh tracks in pristine backcountry snow, grab some avalanche gear and a local guide to explore the lonely snowfields of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

April: Obertauern, Austria

Think quaint chalets and pillowy snow are for wimps? Winter travelers who crave wild, windswept terrain should head to Obertauern, 90km (56 miles) south of Salzburg, Austria. From its dizziest heights – around 2350m (7701ft) – you can survey the towering Austrian Alps as you zoom across 100km (62 miles) of pistes; just be sure to bring a balaclava to fend off the biting winds. Obertauern was one of the filming locations for Help!, should that inspire you to belt out Beatles tunes from the bubble lift.

May: Riksgränsen, Sweden

Lying 200km (124 miles) above the Arctic Circle is Sweden’s northernmost winter resort, Riksgränsen. The ski area’s vertical drop, at under 400m (1312ft), can’t compete with other European resorts, but expansive off-piste trails, winding among cloud-like snowdrifts and frost-rimmed forests, more than compensate.

Mix it up by snowshoe trekking around Lake Vassijaure or commanding a fleet of sled dogs, then watch professional shredders in Scandinavia’s Big Mountain Championships. At the end of May, when the sun barely touches the horizon, you’ll need steely willpower to hang up your skis and (try to) sleep.

June: Cardrona, New Zealand

When Europeans and North Americans mournfully shelve their gear for the season, New Zealanders are busy waxing their skis. Cardrona, where the winter season kicks off in mid-June, is nestled prettily in the Southern Alps. Half of its 345-hectare (852-acre) pisted area suits novice and intermediate levels, while seasoned snowheads can somersault around the southern hemisphere’s biggest half-pipe and park facilities. Just 20km (12.4 miles) south, Cardrona Distillery is the perfect place to stock up on après-ski refreshments.

July: Las Leñas, Argentina

Luxury is best served with a sprinkling of powder snow. Premium ski resort Las Leñas gleams out from the Argentine portion of the mighty Andes mountain range. Its slopes climb from 2200m (7218ft) to a vertiginous 3400m (11,155ft), which means you should start slowly to avoid altitude sickness. (There’s no more enjoyable way to adjust than in a lavish spa hotel; Hotel Virgo is the fanciest.) Best of all, you’re in Mendoza wine country, where après-ski involves swishing an inky malbec around your glass while eyeing a menu of succulent steaks.

August: Perisher Valley, Australia

Dispel images of foaming surf and sail-shaped opera houses: New South Wales is home to a small but hardy community of skiers, who make an annual pilgrimage to Perisher, the southern hemisphere’s biggest ski resort. A valley carved among Australia’s Snowy Mountains, Perisher has an altitude (and more than 200 snowmaking machines) to ensure it’s blanketed in the white stuff each August. Snowboard or ski across its 12 sq km (2965 acres), or clamp on some snowshoes to roam the scenic Rock Creek track.

September: Corralco, Chile

Compared to busier ski hubs closer to Santiago, this friendly resort on the southern slopes of Chile’s 2865m-high (9400ft) Lonquimay is blissfully low-key. After the stormy first half of the ski season, August and September in Corralco bring bluer skies and fewer crowds. Its 18 sq km (4450 acres) of snow-lashed terrain is superb for newbie or intermediate skiers and boarders. Only 10km (6 miles) southwest of the resort, the natural hot springs in Malalcahuello beckon to sore limbs.

October: Whakapapa, New Zealand

Fancy snowboarding on an active volcano? Of course you do. Splayed across the northwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa is simply superb for groups of mixed ability. There’s a huge area dedicated to learners called Happy Valley, as well as 24 steep “Black Magic” runs for advanced boarders, skiing pros or show-offs with robust travel insurance. Together with sister resort Tūroa, Whakapapa forms New Zealand’s biggest ski area, and boasts the country’s loftiest chairlift, the High Noon Express. Just don’t look down.

November: Ruka, Finland

As southern hemisphere resorts shutter their chalets, northern ones wait anxiously for snowfall: November is the cruelest month for skiers. Luckily, far northern Ruka, a frosty fell in eastern Finland, has 200 days of snow per year, plus snowmaking machines to keep the hills downy and white. Most thrilling are Ruka’s 500km (311 miles) of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails, threading among forests and frozen lakes.

December: Val Thorens, France

Finish out the year with a flurry of snow in Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski village. Posing from a 2300m (7546ft) perch in the French Alps, this purpose-built winter-sports retreat accesses the largest linked ski area on the planet, Les Trois Vallées (Three Valleys). Glide down 600km (373 miles) of slopes, schuss more than 300 cross-country trails, and dip into villages like pretty Méribel and low-key Le Praz for hot chocolate. As steam curls from your chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and you look out on a panorama of mountains piercing the clouds, you might find yourself dreaming ahead to another full year of wintry adventures.

In Switzerland, the mountains call. One look at this ravishing land of skyscraping peaks, glaciers, forests and lakes of piercing blue will have you itching to sling on a backpack, zip up to the heights and hit the trail.

You certainly won’t be alone. The Swiss seem to be born with one leg up a mountain – which means hiking is the fast track to the nation’s nature-loving soul. This being Switzerland, even the trails leading you deep into the country’s wildest, remotest corners are diligently marked, and almost every inch of the country is precisely mapped.

Switzerland? Little? Not for hikers it isn’t. As the Swiss delight in reminding you, the country’s 62,500km (38,836 miles) of trails would be enough to wrap around the globe 1.5 times. Alpine hikers fall hard for the high-level trails in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden, which notch up the challenge and floor you with phenomenal scenery. Yet lowland areas like the vineyards of Valais and the gently rolling hills of Appenzell are equally atmospheric and accessible virtually all year long.

Picking Switzerland’s best hikes is kid-in-a-candy-shop stuff. Still, here are nine favorites to whet your appetite.

1. Faulhornweg

Best day hike
15km (9.3 miles) one way, 5 hours, moderate

Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Bernese Oberland, and the Faulhornweg might be the best day hike to take it all in. This moderately challenging ridge hike throws you in the scenic deep end. Beginning and ending on a high, you’ll take in the full glittering sweep of Lakes Thun and Brienz as you trudge from Schynige Platte to First, and colossal peaks like the dagger-shaped Wetterhorn and the big three of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Navigation-wise, the trail is easy enough to follow. From Schynige Platte, the walk eases you in gently, heading over rolling pastures before rising more abruptly to scree slopes, boulder-strewn passes and high moors. You’ll make a steeply rising traverse along a broad ledge between stratified cliffs to the ridge of Winteregg, before turning off to the summit of 2681m (8796ft) Faulhorn. Here you’re in for a treat, with 360-degree views reaching across a sea of mountains to the Black Forest in Germany and Vosges in France on clear days.

Local tip: Keep an eye out for marmots as you descend to the grassy basin of the Bachalpsee, where a steel-blue lake contrasts starkly with the ice-shrouded peaks of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn.

2. Lakes of Macun

Best hike in a national park
22km (14 miles) one way, 8 hours, moderate

For a glimpse of the Swiss Alps before the dawn of tourism, there’s no place like the nature-gone-wild Swiss National Park in The Engadine in Graubünden, where Switzerland muscles its way into Italy. Squished into a remote corner of the country’s southeast, this off-the-radar national park punches high on every level. It’s often so silent that the only sound you’ll hear is that of your own footsteps.

Of all the trails threading through the wilds, this demanding full-day hike from Lavin to Zernez has the edge, weaving up to the glacial cirque of Macun, necklaced with almost two dozen lakes of sapphire, azure and turquoise blue. The snow-capped Bernese, Silvretta and Ortler Alps hog the horizon. Ibex are in their element in these peaks, and with luck and patience you might spot them. The trail becomes tougher, rockier and more exposed as you ascend steep slopes to Fuorcletta da Barcli, a gap in the range at 2850m (9350ft), with top-of-the-world views. The descent to Zernez leads through avalanche grids to meet an Alpine track, twisting through forest to reach Zernez, where you can either stay the night or take the train back to Lavin.

Planning tip: Getting an early start is essential. The walk requires sure-footedness and a good head for heights because some sections are lofty and exposed. Snowfields can linger into summer on the upper reaches.

3. Gemmi Pass

Best hike over a mountain pass
13km (8 miles) one way, 5 hours, challenging

If you think hiking the Gemmi Pass is tough today, spare a thought for those first intrepid travelers who crossed it as part of Thomas Cook’s first forays into the Swiss Alps in 1863. Linking the Valaisian spa resort of Leukerbad to the cute-as-a-button Alpine resort of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, the hike is easily doable in a day, but nevertheless presents a proper challenge, as it involves 1050m (3445ft) of ascent through stark, rocky and at times steep and exposed mountains.

Your reward for the effort to reach the pass is bleakly beautiful lake Daubensee at 2205m (7234ft) and a clifftop lookout platform next to Wildstrubel Restaurant, floating 900m (2953ft) above the valley and affording top-of-the-beanstalk views of the high, perennially snow-frosted mountains of Valais, which hover around the 4000m (13,123ft) mark. At lower elevations, the trail weaves through flower-freckled pastures. Afterward, hop back on the train to Leukerbad to give your feet a soaking in its thermal hot springs, which have views out to the peaks.

Planning tip: While the path is safe and well maintained, be sure to check the forecast before you venture up.

4. Via Alpina

Best multi-day hike
390km (242 miles) one way, 20 days, challenging

The Via Alpina is the big one: an epic 20-stage trek that takes you from the castle-topped principality of Liechtenstein in the east to Montreux, dreamily set on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the west. Embarking on the whole thing is a serious undertaking: you’ll need to be sure-footed, have a head for heights and experience in navigating using a map and compass because you’ll be grappling with 14 Alpine passes. The highest of these is Hohtürli at 2778m (9114ft) in the Bernese Oberland, reached via a steep wooden ladder hacked into the rock face and secured with iron chains.

The descent is no less dramatic, dropping more than 1000m (3281ft) to Lake Oeschinen above Kandersteg, a celestial vision of cerulean blue ringed by snow-streaked mountains and fed by the glacial waters of the Blüemlisalp peaks.

Via Alpina is a proper journey into remote wilderness, with nights spent camping beneath starry skies or at rustic mountain huts, plentiful chances to spot wildlife like chamois, ibex and golden eagles, wild swims and entrancing sunrises and sunsets.

Planning tip: The route requires some advance planning and is best hiked from June to September, dodging the snow and wet or foggy conditions with bad visibility.

5. Aletsch Glacier route

Best hike on a glacier
17km (10.5 miles) one way, 6 hours, challenging

Switzerland bombards you with out-of-this-world scenery, and few places leave you speechless like the Aletsch Glacier, a moraine-streaked, deeply crevassed 23km(14-mile)-long superhighway of ice powering through some of the highest mountains in the country. You can’t quite suppress the gasp of wonder while hiking alongside the largest glacier in the Alps, particularly on a sunny day when great daggers of peaks razor 4000m (13,123ft) above the ice into a searingly blue sky.

Hands down one of the most astonishing day hikes in Switzerland, this route takes you from Fiescheralp to Bettmeralp, with front-row views of the Aletsch Arena peaks. The Fieschergletscher is the prelude to the big one. Snaking down from the eastern flank of Grosses Fiescherhorn, a razor-edge peak at 4049m (13,284ft), this 16km (10-mile) swirl of eternal ice is the second-biggest glacier in the Alps. From here, the route winds around slopes and up through a rock-strewn gully, gradually steepening as it negotiates switchbacks up to a remote valley, its mountain hut and Märjelensee, a milky turquoise splash of a lake buttressed by immense mountains and the rim of the Aletsch Glacier.

The Aletsch Glacier is now your constant companion, as the trail skirts the deeply crevassed ice. Swiss stone pine forest and glittering tarns soften the Alpine picture as you continue along a ridge to the grassy slopes of Moosfluh, where a strategically placed bench offers staggering glacier views. Soon after, you’ll reach the glass-blue lake of Blausee. From here, it is just a stone’s throw to Bettmeralp.

6. Rigi Panorama Trail

Best accessible hike
7km (4 miles) one way, 2 hours, easy

JMW Turner was so smitten by Rigi that in 1842 he painted the mountain in three different lights to reflect its changing moods. Flinging up above fjord-like Lake Lucerne, the 1797m/5896ft-high peak still has a magic touch today, especially when seen in the pink blush of sunrise or sunset. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Titlis, the glacier-encrusted Jungfrau Alps and Lake Zug.

Following a wide path that shadows the old Scheidegg Railway, this wheelchair- and stroller-accessible ridge trail from Rigi First to Rigi Scheidegg beautifully opens up the surrounding lakes, cow-grazed pastures and mountains, with plenty of options to pause for a picnic or barbecue en route.

Planning tip: Some sections are steep for wheelchairs (you’ll need good brakes), but there are options to shorten the trail should you so wish.

7. Höhenweg Höhbalmen

Best hike at altitude
18km (11 miles) round trip, 7 hours, moderate

Matterhorn is the mountain you can’t stop gawping at – and this circular hike in Zermatt gets you up close and personal to the beauty.

The trail threads up through larch forest on the ascent, making broad switchbacks above the Triftbach Gorge. From here, it’s a stiff uphill march to Berggasthaus Trift, at the foot of its namesake glacier, where you stay overnight to split the hike into two days if you wish.

The onward hike takes you over flower-flecked Alpine meadows, zigzagging up grassy slopes to climb onto the high balcony of Höhbalmenstaffel, where a riveting panorama unfolds. Heading west, the route traverses narrowing ledges that get astonishingly close to the north face of Matterhorn to reach Schwarzläger, the walk’s highest point at 2741m (8993ft).

From here, it’s a steady descent over the sparse mountainsides of Arben. The path winds down to meet a more prominent walking track alongside the high lateral moraine wall left by the receding Zmutt Glacier. Follow this down in zigzags through glacial rubble and continue along gentler terraces to the photogenic hamlet of Zmutt and then back to Zermatt.

Planning tip: Pick a good-weather day and get an early start for this full-day trek, which embodies all that is unique about the Swiss Alps, leading you into another world of glittering streams, crevassed glaciers and 4000 peaks. Weather permitting, Höhenweg Höhbalmen is hikeable from June to October.

8. Kronberg Treasure Hunt Trail

Best hike for families
7km (4 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy

Rippling across northeastern Switzerland, the under-the-radar Appenzell Alps are a surefire winner with families. You’ll walk to the backbeat of cowbells through rolling dairy country and flower-freckled meadows. The mountains are easily accessible for those with small legs, and the towns look freshly minted for a bedtime story, with their timber-framed, prettily muralled houses.

A cable car swings up from Jakobsbad to the 1663m (5456ft) summit of Kronberg, the trailhead for this terrific family hike, which skips back down the mountain and presents challenges and clues leading to the “treasure.”

Planning tip: If you want to make a day of it, you can ramp up the adventure in the valley at the water park, adventure playground, zip-line course and bobsled run.

9. Bisse de Clavau

Best hike through vineyards
8km (5 miles) round trip, 4 hours, easy

Gentle walking trails tread quietly through staggeringly steep terraced vineyards in Valais, producer of Switzerland’s most feted wines, with many vignerons throwing open their cellar doors for tasting and buying. There’s no better place to walk, taste and appreciate the grape than Sion, with its cinematic twinset of castles and raft of gourmet addresses.

And there’s far more to hiking around Sion than enticing strolling between grape-heavy vines. What makes trails in this part of the Rhône Valley unique are the bisses, miniature canals built in the 13th century to irrigate these vertiginous terraced vineyards hemmed by stone walls. This half-day hike between Sion and St-Léonard is a treat, shadowing the Bisse de Clavau, a 550-year-old irrigation channel that carries water to the thirsty, sun-drenched vineyards and commanding grandstand views of hilltop chateaux, the snaking River Rhône and the not-so-distant Alps.

Pause to sample Valaisian Dôle (red) and Fendant (white) wines, perhaps over lunch at Le Cube Varone, an old winegrower’s hut. The hike is never lovelier than on a golden fall day when the grape harvest is in full swing, when you can enjoy a brisolée, the traditional harvest feast built around chestnuts, cheese, cold meats and vin nouveau (new wine).

It’s time to get your soak on. Although all 50 states have natural hot springs, the western half of the USA is home to some of the best natural hot springs in the country. From comfortable resorts that revolve around effervescing pools of hot water to remote thermal springs only accessible by snowmobile or dogsled, read on for a rundown of some of these hot spots for a safe, au naturel wellness experience catered by Mother Nature.

1. Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado 

Average water temperature: Between 96 and 108°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 180 miles west from Denver along Interstate 70 through the Rocky Mountains to reach the town of Glenwood Springs. 

Overlooking the mighty Colorado River in the historic town of Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate and varied soaking experience than the nearby (and better known) Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. You can choose your own adventure at the 16 geothermal mineral soaking pools here (ages 5 and up only), all connected by heated walkways. Or take younger kids to the family pool and adjacent jetted spa, where the water hovers around the 100°F mark.

All of the property’s mineral pools are fed from on-site springs, with no chemicals added. Called Mother Lode, the hottest mineral pool maxes out at around 108°F (there are markers outside each pool to let you know the heat intensity to expect). You can tickle your toes in reflexology pools with smooth river rocks at the bottom. And for the best views, look for the Garnet and Diamond pools, which have infinity edges and hang over the river in a way that might make you feel like you’re actually soaking in it.

Planning tip: Visit on a weekday at 9am, just when the springs open, for the most peaceful and crowd-free experience.

2. Homestead Crater, Utah 

Average water temperature: Between 90 and 96°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 51 miles (less than an hour) southeast of Salt Lake City to reach Homestead Crater Mineral Dome. 

As long as you’re okay with a hot-spring soak that’s not as hot as most of them (temperatures max out around “just” 96°F here), Utah’s Homestead Crater definitely delivers the biggest range of on-site experiences of any hot springs we know. Here, you not only can float in womb-like waters but also scuba dive in them (if you’re certified), snorkel and even try some SUP yoga within the beehive-shaped dome of the hot springs’ natural limestone setting.

It’s an otherworldly location for wellness, to be sure, bolstered by naturally present calcium and sodium bicarbonate in the geothermal waters that are said to soothe muscles and promote relaxation. The hole at the top of the crater lets in sunlight and fresh air, setting the scene for some pretty spectacular photos, too. 

Planning tip: For the best photos, plan your visit for spring or summer when there’s less steam inside the crater and you can be sure to photograph its impressive interior expanse with good visibility all around.

3. Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

Average water temperature: Bubbles up at 115°F, with pools maintaining temperatures between 85 and 106°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive about 55 miles (roughly one hour) northwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to reach the resort and hot springs.  

Tucked into a scenic canyon in the Bradshaw Mountains just an hour from Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs has been luring tourists since the late 1800s – and Indigenous peoples for far longer – with its healing waters. Now an all-inclusive luxury wellness resort, this destination is well worth an overnight stay, thanks to exceptional stargazing at night, a thrilling onsite Via Ferrata adventure course and (naturally) 24-hour access to mineral hot springs that cascade across three pools of varying temperatures.

Open to resort guests only, the geothermal hot springs here are rich in calcium and nerve-calming magnesium as well as lithium, which has been called the “happy mineral” for its mood-stabilizing properties. Take a soak surrounded by towering saguaro cacti, palms and layer upon layer of weather-worn rock, colored purple and rusty red from the spring’s mineral content. 

Planning tip: After a long hike on the property, soak in the hot springs to ease muscle soreness and joint pain. Bicarbonates in the water help remove lactic acid from your muscles. To have the hot springs to yourself, arrive before 6am or around 8pm, when other guests are likely still asleep or at dinner.

4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska 

Average water temperature: Outdoor pools average about 106°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Fly to Fairbanks and drive (or take the resort’s shuttle) 62 miles northeast to Chena Hot Springs. 

If there’s any state in the US that naturally begs you to seek out a hot spring, it’s Alaska. And one of the most famous ones in the state is found 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, near Fairbanks, at Chena Hot Springs. If your luck holds here during the darker months of the year, from late August through late April, you might even get lucky and catch the northern lights swirling overhead while you soak.

An indoor pool offers cooler waters, yet the steamier outdoor wading lake – supplied by geothermal waters with no added chemicals and surrounded by boulders – is far and away the most spectacular spot to dip. The sandy bottom is comfortable on your feet, and you can push along the bottom or stroll the lake until you find a spot with the perfect temperature. 

Planning tip: While there’s lodging onsite at the hot springs, there are better places to stay in and around Fairbanks. (We love Borealis Basecamp.)

5. Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, Colorado 

Average water temperature: Pools range from 93 to 104°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 208 miles (4 hours) west of Denver International Airport to reach Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs.

You can come as a day-tripper or stay the night in adorable cabins (including the Chuck Wagon, which sleeps only two people and sits atop actual wheels) at this inimitable hot springs resort in Colorado’s sublime Crystal River Valley. Surrounded by mountains in the White River National Forest, Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs has three hot-spring pools on the property of varying sizes – all of which cascade, waterfall-like, down the mountainside. If you’re staying at the property, access to the hot springs is included in your nightly rate and you can access the pools around the clock. 

Planning tip: The ranch hot springs are closed for cleaning on Wednesdays, but you can carve out your own little pool to sit and soak right on the banks of the Crystal River at Penny Hot Springs, just south of the cute town of Carbondale. 

6. Orvis Hot Springs, Colorado 

Average water temperature: Outdoor pools average about 106°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: It’s a roughly 292-mile drive southwest of Denver International Airport, through Gunnison and Montrose, to reach Orvis Hot Springs. 

Ten indoor and outdoor soaking pools beckon uninhibited lovers of lithium-infused water to this clothing-optional oasis just north of Ouray in southwestern Colorado. Water temperatures in the various pools at Orvis Hot Springs run the range from a nippy 65°F to a steamy 114°F in the “lobster pot,” so you can try alternating hot and cold dips if you really want to get your blood flowing.

The hot springs were long on the radar of the Tabeguache band of the Utes, who considered the spot a sacred healing destination. Today, it’s a free-spirited crowd that largely chooses to take the waters – sans cover-ups. Note: if you’re worried about where your gaze might wander in this liberating environment, it will be hard to resist…the views of the gorgeous San Juan Mountain views all around. 

Planning tip: After a long soak, splurge on a massage inside one of the onsite yurts.

7. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming 

Average water temperature: The water in the bathhouse hot spring is 104°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 85 miles (1.5 hours) southeast of Cody, Wyoming to reach Hot Springs State Park. 

What’s better than a hot spring surrounded by nature in a state park? Free-entry hot springs surrounded by nature in a state park. That’s right: there’s no one taking tickets or sliding your credit card to access the Wyoming State Bath House at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Indoor and outdoor mineral hot springs flow up from the earth at 128°F and are cooled to 104°F for visitors’ therapeutic bathing benefit. Of course, you have to first get to Hot Springs State Park, in the remote north-central reaches of the state. It’s well worth the trek not only to enjoy the springs at the bathhouse and see the too-hot springs flowing along the Big Horn River but to spot big-horned animals, too – the park is home to a managed herd of bison that can be easily observed. 

Planning tip: Find your way to Ava’s Silver and Rock Shop in Thermopolis to shop for a mind-boggling range of rocks, minerals and fossils – all at largely affordable prices. 

8. Benton Hot Springs, California 

Average water temperature: The water comes out at 140°F; adjustable in individual pools

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: On the border with Nevada, the hot springs are most easily reached by flying into Las Vegas and driving 282 miles (roughly 4.5 hours) northwest. 

Camping alongside your own private hot spring-fed-soaking tub with spectacular views? We’re into it. The 11 private hot spring-fed soaking pools at Benton Hot Springs in California’s Mono County are available for overnight rentals and sit astride your own picnic table and fire pit for roasting s’mores post-soaking session. Feel free to pitch a tent (or show up in an RV or camper) for the night to linger longer and enjoy the dark skies overhead. (There’s an inn here with a few rustic rooms, too, but camping is where it’s at).

Each of the private hot tubs has a different look and views – some are elevated, others sunken into the ground – but they’re all fed with natural hot spring water that flows into the pools at 140°F, which you can adjust to a tolerable feel with your tub’s hoses. 

Planning tip: There’s no restaurant on site, so if you’re not into campfire cooking, drive roughly 40 miles (40 minutes) south to Bishop, where Mountain Rambler Brewery serves up excellent burgers and craft beers.

9. Tolovana Hot Springs, Alaska 

Average water temperature: Between 125 and 145°F, then cooled for soaking

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Arrive by helicopter from Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, on dog-sledding tours or, during the summer, by hiking just over 10 miles from a trailhead some 100 miles by car from Fairbanks.

Whereas Chena tends to draw the aurora-seeking masses to its sprawling outdoor hot pool, this more remote Alaskan hot-spring destination, 45 miles as the crow (or helicopter) flies north of Fairbanks, makes you earn it – which means hiking or flying in during the summer months, or arriving by dogsled or on skis when it’s snowy. As you might imagine, arriving by dog sled at Tolovana Hot Springs pretty much takes the cake. You can head out with Arctic Dog Aventure Co. to reach the springs on multi-night dog sledding expeditions that promise one awesome adventure (and often the northern lights, too).

Borealis Basecamp can also get you to the hot springs on day trips by helicopter, which is equally splendid. The hot springs come out of the earth at between 125 and 145°F, and you soak to enjoy them in small, hot-tub-like pools. Yet what makes this place special is being deep in the wilderness of northern Alaska, so comfortable in such very wild surroundings. 

Planning tip: If you dare, be brave and take it all off. The skin feel is exceptional. And when are you ever going to find yourself in such a remote place for hot spring hopping again?

10. Burgdorf Hot Springs, Idaho 

Average water temperature: Between 96 and 113°F 

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 138 miles (roughly three hours) north of Boise through the mountains of the Payette National Forest to reach the hot springs. 

Topping the list of Idaho’s most epic and historic hot springs, Burgdorf Hot Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and delivers a true western experience. Open to guests who overnight in the rustic collection of onsite cabins as well as day visitors who register their visits in advance, the springs are surrounded by the lodgepole-pine-covered slopes of the Salmon River Mountains and original wooden structures built by miners in the 1800s.

Hot water gushes up from the ground at 130 gallons per minute into the hottest soaking pools – called lobster pots – from which you’ll emerge pink as a cooked crustacean. For a soaking experience where you’re likely to last longer, float with a pool noodle in the larger, pebble-bottomed main pool, which is cooler but still plenty balmy – and let the natural lithium work its magic. 

Planning tip: While the hot springs are open year-round, they see far fewer crowds during the winter months and early spring (December to April), when the road is closed to car traffic and most visitors arrive by snowmobile or on skis. 

11. Durango Hot Springs, Colorado 

Average water temperature: Between 99 and 112°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive 345 miles southwest from Denver, or fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport and drive 23 miles north.

Located in the southwest corner of Colorado just minutes from the city of Durango, the newly redesigned and expanded Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa features a whopping 32 hot springs pools. Previously known as Trimble Hot Springs, the hot springs may have a new name and look, but it also has a long history dating back to the Ancient Puebloans and Ute people.

The variety of experiences offered at Durango Hot Springs is what makes it one of the best hot springs in Colorado. From a 25-meter pool to cold plunges and private Japanese-inspired soaking tubs, there are plenty of relaxation opportunities for families, couples and solo travelers accompanied by breathtaking mountain views. Once you’ve dried off, guests can enjoy spa treatments and live music.

Planning tip: The hot springs resort doesn’t currently have lodging, but there are plenty of historic hotels to stay at just nine miles south in downtown Durango, like the Strater Hotel or General Palmer Hotel.

12. Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana 

Average water temperature: Between 98 and 105°F in the hot springs and 60 to 65°F in the cold plunge

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive east on Interstate 90 for about 30 miles. Then go south on US-89 for about 45 miles.

Drive about 10 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park to Yellowstone Hot Springs, which contrary to its name, is not part of the national park. The family-friendly hot springs are open 12 hours daily except Monday. The facility has three pools, including a cold plunge, in close proximity for easy access. Plus, you can take in mountain and river views from the warm, relaxing springs.

Planning tip: The springs don’t take reservations. However, admission covers the entire day, so you can come and go to avoid the crowds.

13. Umpqua Hot Springs

Average water temperature: Between 100 and 115°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Drive about 250 miles (4 hours) south of Portland International Airport on Interstate 5 South.

One of the best hot springs in Oregon, Umpqua Hot Springs is for those who want to be immersed in nature. The springs are located in Umpqua National Forest, and you’ll need to hike a mile from your car – that is, if you can get one of the 10 parking spots available. Be sure to check the status of the hot springs trailhead before planning your visit, especially during the winter. 

Your hard work will be worth it once you reach the natural hot spring’s Instagram-famous cascading pools with wooded views. To make the remarkable experience even more worth your time, you’ll only have to pay $5 to use the springs.

Planning tip: While you don’t need to worry about safety at a regularly maintained hot spring, you’ll need to tread carefully at Umpqua Hot Springs as the surfaces around the springs can get slick. Also, be sure to bring water to stay hydrated.

14. Quinn’s Hot Springs

Average water temperature: Between 100 and 106°F

Fastest way to get to the hot springs: Fly into the Missoula Montana Airport, then drive west on I-90 for about 62 miles. Turn onto MT-135 W in St. Regis, following the road for 20 miles until you get to the hot springs.

If you want to stay, eat and soak at a hot springs resort that has it all, then head to Quinn’s Hot Springs northwest of Missoula in the appropriately named Paradise, Montana. The resort has five hot springs pools, two salt-treated pools and one cold plunge.

The mountain-shrouded hot springs are both mesmerizing and affordable at $20 during the week and $22 Friday through Sunday. You can also stay overnight on the property in one of the two lodges or 25 cabins, with views of the mountains or river. After a soak, treat yourself to a glass of wine and a gourmet dinner at the onsite restaurant or a pint at the cozy tavern.

Planning tip: If you’re not staying on the property, you must book a reservation in advance. Reservations are also recommended for the restaurant, Harwood House Restaurant.

Nashville may be best known as the home of country music, but this dynamic city contains multitudes of great things to do. Catch up-and-coming talent on intimate stages. Tour the Grand Ole Opry. Dine at some of the South’s best restaurants. Explore the city’s history, join the crowds listening to music in the streets and bars or hike through gorgeous wetlands bursting with wildlife.

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Nashville.

1. Make a pilgrimage to the Mother Church of Country Music

The Ryman Auditorium is Nashville’s premier music venue – this historic stage was the original home of the Grand Ole’ Opry and where superstars like Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash jump-started their careers. Today it continues to welcome an impressive roster of country royalty, indie artists and internationally renowned speakers to its hallowed halls.

2. Discover Nashville rock ‘n’ roll at Basement East

Nashville may be known for its country scene, but Music City rocks hard. If you’re more into electric guitars than banjos, head to the Basement East. This local venue survived an encounter with a 2020 tornado and continues to churn out high-energy shows ranging from national touring acts to local cover bands. And if you’re lucky, one of Nashville’s rock elite just may make a surprise guest appearance.

3. Explore the artsy neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston

This former industrial area is experiencing a major boom, but luckily it’s managed to hold on to some of the quirkiness that originally made it a haven for Nashville’s local art scene.

Edgy galleries like Zeitgeist and the Packing Plant commingle with unique bars – Diskin Cider, Flamingo Cocktail Club and Never Never, to name a few – and a growing number of delicious restaurants. Stop by on the first Saturday of every month for the neighborhood’s buzzy art crawl.

Detour: Just because Nashville loves its down-home cooking doesn’t mean it doesn’t appreciate inventive high-end food, and the kitchen at Bastion delivers one of the best chef-curated tasting menus in the city.

4. Catch an MLS game at the new Geodis Park

Nashville’s newly minted Major League Soccer team has shown that this southern city embraces all versions of football. Locals show up en masse to cheer on the Coyotes at the sparkling new Geodis Park; come decked out in team colors and revel in a spirited night of soccer alongside a raucous crowd.

5. Learn about music history at the National Museum of African American Music

Black music has been – and continues to be – the driving force behind the American music scene at large, and this expertly curated museum takes you through the history of these contributions, from jazz and blues to today’s rock and hip-hop scenes. Expect a hands-on approach – you can record yourself singing with a gospel choir, compose your own blues ballad or even participate in a virtual dance battle.

6. Go for a float on the Harpeth River

Nashville is a river city crisscrossed by large water thoroughfares and a circulatory system of smaller rivers and creeks. You can find some relief from the southern heat by paddling your way down the Harpeth River, an easygoing waterway perfect for lazy floats in the sun. If you’ve got your own boat, you can access the river at several different locations in and around Harpeth River State Park; if you need to rent a vessel, try booking with Foggy Bottom Canoe or Canoe Music City.

Planning tip: Always check the forecast for the day before your outing – heavy rains can make the water levels rise to dangerous levels. Follow Foggy Bottom or Canoe Music City on social media for updates on weather-related closures.

7. Listen to the next big thing at the Bluebird’s famous songwriter rounds

Even before the show Nashville made it a household name, the Bluebird Cafe has been a legendary locale for singer-songwriter rounds featuring the best of the best – Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban all graced this stage before they hit it big. It’s all about the listening experience at this bar-restaurant, which puts audiences up close with both rising and established talent.

Planning tip: The Bluebird’s storied status makes it a hot ticket – always book ahead.

8. Take a hike at one of Nashville’s green spaces

Nashville may be an urban metropolis, but it’s also a place that values its green spaces. Head to Percy and Edwin Warner Parks to clock some miles on trails that feel far more remote than you’d think, or walk the extensive greenway at Shelby Bottoms, alongside East Nashville families. If you’re a wildlife fan, don’t skip Radnor Lake State Park, a striking nature reserve home to critters like barred owls, bald eagles, beavers, turtles and wild turkeys.

Planning tip: Outdoor Nashville is so much fun to explore, but be careful during the hot months of July and August – temperatures and humidity levels soar and can be dangerous. Always bring water with you.

9. Learn to salsa dance at Plaza Mariachi

Managed by the Hispanic Family Foundation, this cultural center/music venue/food hall hosts everything from mariachi concerts to ballet folkórico performances to thumping DJ sets, but our favorite is the Bailamos party. Come early to learn salsa, bachata and merengue, and then test out your new skills on the dance floor the rest of the night.

Detour: Nashville is home to the country’s largest Kurdish community, and just across the street from Plaza Mariachi you’ll find Edessa Restaurant serving Kurdish and Turkish cuisine. Order the kabob festival for an indulgent culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

10. Admire exhibitions at Nashville’s art deco treasure, the Frist Art Museum

At the center of Nashville’s thriving art scene sits the Frist Art Museum, a stunning space featuring rotating art exhibitions that range from exuberant contemporary installations to mid-century Italian concept cars to illustrated medieval textbooks. Housed in an art deco–era post office, this museum also hosts art workshops, live music events, lectures series and more.

11. Support local at Honeytree Meadery

Local businesses are Nashville’s beating heart, and the network of friendly folks working at and with Honeytree Meadery exemplify the camaraderie that can be found among business owners here. Their perfectly balanced mead is made with honey from East Nashville beekeepers; a favorite is the Flower Garden, a floral take on the old classic made with tea from local herbal experts High Garden, who lost their building across the street during the 2020 tornado.

If you’re hungry, snag a delectable creation from Alebrije truck parked out front, specializing in Mexico-City-style tacos made with heirloom corn tortillas.

12. Test your taste buds at Prince’s Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is an institution, and it all started with Prince’s, the city’s original hot-chicken shop. Still run by the great-niece of the founder, Prince’s brings the heat. Go easy with mild spice or give it all you’ve got with XXX hot – either way, you’ll be indulging in a quintessentially Nashville experience.

13. Join a dance party at the Blue Room

Part of Third Man Records’ headquarters – owned by Nashville’s most eccentric frontman, Jack White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs – the Blue Room is a surreal art space/bar that hosts poetry readings, theater performances, film screenings and curated dance parties. It also features a cool “infinity wall,” a giant (fake) elephant head and a lush outdoor space, making an atmospheric setting for a night out.

Detour: Just around the corner from Third Man and the Blue Room is Tennessee Brew Works, one of the few local breweries that has truly nailed the art of having both excellent beer and excellent food. Open mics and live music also hit the small stage throughout the week – we love Bluegrass Wednesdays.

14. Watch the sunset from a downtown rooftop

Nashville’s ever-growing skyline is home to a number of spectacular rooftop bars delivering 360-degree views of Music City, each one with its own distinct personality. Channel your inner rockstar at the Bobby Hotel rooftop lounge, check out the latest themed pop-up at the Fairlane or swim in the infinity pool of the L27 Rooftop Lounge.

Detour: Nashville has bars in the sky – and bars down below. Seek out the Noelle’s Hidden Bar for a magical treat.

15. Tour the famous RCA Studio B

Now a branch of the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B is a must-see for anyone interested in Nashville’s music history – you can tour the birthplace of what became known as the Nashville Sound, a particular recording style that highlighted background vocals and string instruments. Industry titans like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded some of their biggest hits here.

16. Rollin’ on the Cumberland River

Take a four–hour journey down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, the country’s largest paddle-wheel boat. The 274-foot boat which can accommodate up to 1000 passengers is named after the first steamboat to navigate the Cumberland River in 1817. Covering all the bases when it comes to entertainment, the General Jackson Showboat features a variety of cruise offerings. Dinner theater with live music, scenic cruises, and holiday shows (think New Year’s Eve and Merry Christmas City) take place in the two-story Victorian theater.

17. Explore the largest home built in pre-Civil War Tennessee

In an era where women were restricted in their ability to work, earn a decent wage or even engage in business, Adelicia Acklen became the wealthiest woman in Tennessee.

Belmont, her magnificent pink mansion accented with white trim and green shutters, was the largest house in Tennessee prior to the Civil War and took ten years to complete in 1853. Located on the campus of Belmont University Campus in the hip Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood, many of the rooms feature period and original furnishings, drawing visitors even more into the feel of the home’s past.

But there is more to the story than just an opulently furnished, confection-like home and a shrewd businesswoman. Mansions like these prospered because of the enslaved people who toiled there. Through much research, their stories at Belmont are also emerging, providing a more comprehensive lesson in history.

Planning tip: Take time to stroll through the Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood. Close to Vanderbilt University and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a wonderful mix of Victorian-era mansions and fun restaurants and shops.

18. Savor French–Italian fare on 4th Avenue

Margot Cafe & Bar is a standout even on this stretch of 4th Avenue in Nashville’s cool Five Points neighborhood known for its trendy eating spots and one-of-a-kind boutique shopping. Founder Margot MacCormick was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef and her two–story restaurant with its gallery overlooking the first–floor bar and outdoor patio is always abuzz with serious food–seekers enjoying the take on local cuisine with French and Italian vibes. The menu changes frequently, giving visitors even more of a reason to come back.

19. Bring the kids to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

A lovely house museum and botanical gardens, Cheekwood is considered among the best of the American Country Era estates—the time between 1890 and 1930 when the wealth of Americans exploded because of the Industrial Revolution. The former home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, the many rooms of the 30,000-square-foot mansion showcase furnishings and art original to the house. The surrounding 55-acres of cultivated gardens, divided into 13 distinct garden areas, are a lush accompaniment to the home’s stately beauty. There’s also a 1.5 woodland trail and statue garden to explore.

But what makes this estate even more unique is that it’s family-friendly with programs like the Enchanted Express, a garden railroad, hands-on art activities, summer camps and storytelling sessions. Adult education programs are also available including the Cheekwood Gardening School.

20. Experience the ultimate celebration of country music

Mark your calendars for the annual CMA Fest, four days and four nights of non-stop music held each June. It’s a total music take-over covering more than two miles with seven day stages and two nighttime stages as well as activities and events all along Broadway. Organized and hosted by the Country Music Association, tens of thousands of people typically throng to the festival.

Planning Tip: If you’re serious about going, buy your tickets and book your hotel rooms early. The countdown for next year’s fest begins as soon as the current one ends.

21. Celebrate a third-generation whiskey history

A road trip, historic marker, and two ancient bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey connected Andy and Charlies Nelson back three generations to their grandfather, a master distiller.

Using a century-old recipe, the brothers founded Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, winning awards and honoring their heritage. Now the distillery, located in Marathon Village, a happening neighborhood that’s a five-minute drive from downtown Nashville, is a place to take tours and sample the wares. That includes Louisa’s Liqueur, a Coffee Caramel Pecan drink, named after the woman who ran the original Nelson’s from 1899 to 1909.

The menu at the distillery’s restaurant is a creative combination of Southern comfort foods, historic foodways, and local produce and products—fried green tomatoes, schnitzel, house-made bratwurst, and German chocolate cake. Book ahead for weekend tours, as they sell out quickly.

Local Tip: It’s only about a minute away so be sure to check out the calendar of events at the Marathon Music Works.

22. Discover 12South, Nashville’s coolest neighborhood

This half-mile stretch of 12 South Avenue known as 12South is packed with stylish boutiques, restaurants, and businesses including a couple owned by celebrities. See what’s in stock at White’s Mercantile. Founded in 2013 by singer-songwriter Holly Williams to save a vintage gas station and reimagine the old general store concept, there are now five locations selling food, apparel, and home décor.

Check out Reese Witherspoon’s curated selection of women’s fashions, books and gifts at Draper James. Stock up on local and regional products at Made in TN.

Amble down to the Frothy Monkey for a Golden Monkey Latte (espresso with steamed milk, honey, cinnamon, and their house turmeric blend) and the Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast. At Five Daughters Bakery, order hand-crafted 100-layer doughnuts. A cross between a croissant and doughnut, they can take up to three days to make and come in such flavors as Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Glaze.

23. Take the Honkey Tonk Highway

Immerse yourself in live music on the Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of honky tonks on Lower Broadway where, from 10 am to 3 am, music fills the streets – and it’s free! You’ll discover legendary country music venues, including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Center on Saturday nights and Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint at Papa Turney’s BBQ. Robert’s Western World is known for its live country music and The Recession Special, a fried bologna sandwich served with a Moon Pie and cold PBR.

Planning Tip: Just like it’s free to walk the Honky Tonk Highway, you don’t have to spend a fortune or even a buck in Nashville to have fun. Check out these Music City destinations.

24. Follow Your Favorite Musicians at the Music City Walk of Fame Park

Located on Nashville’s Music Mile, between 4th and 5th Avenues, the Music City Walk of Fame Park on Nashville’s Music Mile honors musicians and others in the industry who have had an impact on the music world.

25. Cross one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges

Take in incredible views of the river and downtown skyline by walking the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which is closed to car traffic. The historic bridge built from 1907–09 connects downtown Nashville to East Nashville.

Planning Tip: Though the walk is free, there are shops and restaurants on either end so bring your wallet with you.