9 Hot Spring Day Trips in the USA to Book Early

1.Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $210Our pick

Spend about eight hours traveling from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs with a driver-guide, soaking in 106-degree mineral water, touring the Aurora Ice Museum, and learning about geothermal power. Guides such as Jean, Ray, Gavin, and Amanda have helped make the drive part of the experience. Pickup is available from Fairbanks city hotels.

“Suzi was cheerful, and warm which made it easy to ask her questions. She was gracious about picking us up from the designated location. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the Hot Springs and the Ice Sculpture Museum. The restaurant in the resort was quite good, but I would recommend that people that require vegetarian food options, consider carrying their food with them.”

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2.Chena Hot Springs Day Tour from Fairbanks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 117 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $200

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs in a small group of up to 12. You’ll visit the Fairbanks Ice Museum, hear local stories from an English-speaking guide, see geothermal features, and soak in the resort’s thermal pools. Guides such as Ash, Paul, Joe, Jeff, and Ed have made the drive especially rewarding.

“We had a wonderful time on the ride to and from Chena Hot Springs with our guide Joe. He took such great care of us! While at Chena, there were so many activities for us to do!! Above all, we got to see 2 moose out in the wild!!!”

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3.Full Day Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 32 reviews · 7 hours · from $200

From Fairbanks, you’ll ride about an hour to Chena Hot Springs for a guided Ice Museum visit, a geothermal-energy tour, and several hours in the pools. Guides such as Paul and Joe have earned praise for clear, entertaining commentary. Bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a towel, and note that the outdoor rock lake pool is for adults 18 and older.

“the ride from fairbanks the chena hots springs was about an hour. Our driver Paul was very entertaining and knowledgeable. We did the hots springs, the indoor pool and lunch there it was a great experience.”

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4.Chena Hot Springs Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · from $210

Spend eight hours traveling from Fairbanks or North Pole to Chena Hot Springs Resort with an English-speaking guide. Tour the year-round Aurora Ice Museum, learn how geothermal power supports the resort, and soak in mineral water. Guides such as Rachel and Jodie have been praised for clear local insight and thoughtful service.

“Very knowledgeable and highly professional guide, very enjoyable and informative tour”

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5.Hot Springs Canyon Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $199

Spend about seven hours paddling and exploring near Big Bend’s Hot Springs Historic District with a local guide, safety equipment, transport, and a fresh riverside lunch. The trip suits moderately fit visitors and holds up to 14 people. Guides such as Billy and Rye have led memorable outings, though the exact guide may vary.

“I booked the Hot Springs Full Day tour, but got placed on the FullDay Colorado Canyon tour and was NOT disappointed. It waa so beautiful, pictures cannot justify the vastness of the canyon. The guide (Rye) was amazing. I went by myself so he allowed me to ride with him in the canoe. He was very friendly and patient with myself and the whole crew. It was a LONG day, but we did a hike also and had a great lunch. The only bothersome thing were the abundance of paper wasps, so if your allergic, may not be the place for you. They are prepared with benadryl and emergency meds…”

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6.Chena Hot Spring Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 8 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $190

Ride from your Fairbanks hotel to Chena Hot Springs for a three-hour visit that includes pool admission, then add the Aurora Ice Museum for $20. Expect a small group of up to 14, hotel pickup, a chilly ice room, and a long but scenic day. Confirm the guide’s language before departure, especially if you need English service.

“Chena is touristy, but worth going to see. The drive from Fairbanks was long and the driver spoke over a mic in Chinese only. It should be disclosed the tour would be in Chinese. The second van in our tour had a driver that spoke English and was able to communicate where and when to meet up for the drive back to Fairbanks. Fortunately we read other reviews and knew to book the ice museum in advance, booked early in the morning the day of our trip. It was sold out upon arrival. Hot springs is amazing but locker room chaotic. Give yourself plenty of time to shower, dress and…”

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7.Chena Hot Spring Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $189Best value

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs with a small group and a guide such as Alan, Robin, or Hank. Your pass covers the hot spring, heated pools, and locker use. Add the optional 45-minute Aurora Ice Museum tour, then return to Fairbanks around 5 p.m.

“Amazing experience! The tour guide is Robin. He is friendly and knowledgeable. The hot springs is so good that I even want to come back soon!”

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8.Chena Hot Spring Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $190

Leave Fairbanks at 11 a.m. for a 5 to 6-hour outing to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Your guide, possibly Adam or June, handles the drive and shares Alaska stories while you enjoy the hot springs. Admission, hotel pickup, and return transport are included. Bring a towel, slides, and a bag for wet clothes.

“Great experience. Adam was our tour guide. I enjoyed the information he shared about Alaska. Chena Springs was incredible. Adam had told us to bring towel, slides, bag for wet clothes. The lockers take 2 quarters only. There are showers, blow dryers and changing areas. The water feels wonderful. Don't forget the ice museum, it was also incredible. Get the apple martini and dont forget to smash your ice glass after you make a wish. We did not use any of the other pools. Once you get in the hot springs you dont want to get out. Highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Hot Springs: Small Group 5-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $2,845

Travel with up to eight people from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, with four hotel nights, breakfasts, park touring, and a hot-spring stop included. Guides such as Kenny and Stanley are known for thoughtful service and good humor. Expect long driving days, wildlife country, geothermal wonders, and changing plans when weather or road conditions require it.

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