Berry Springs
Berry Springs emerges at 75°F near Hurricane in Washington County, Utah, at 2,860 feet elevation in the red rock landscape of Utah's southwestern corner. The water flows just 10.3 degrees above ambient air temperature with total dissolved solids of 1,360 mg/L and notably elevated sulfate (690 mg/L), suggesting circulation through gypsum-bearing formations underlying the area.
The spring sits in classic Colorado Plateau redrock country where Navajo and Kayenta sandstone formations create dramatic cliffs and benches. At moderate elevation between the higher plateaus to the north and the Mojave Desert transition zone to the south, the area receives limited precipitation (8.2 inches annually) and minimal snow (9 inches). Desert vegetation including juniper, yucca, and various shrubs dots the landscape. West State Street provides paved access through this scenic terrain near the rapidly growing town of Hurricane.
The springs likely take their name from an early Mormon settler named Berry or from wild berry bushes that may have grown near the water source. Washington County saw intensive Mormon colonization from the 1860s onward, with Hurricane founded in 1906. The spring would have served agricultural purposes and provided crucial water in this arid landscape. Red Cliffs area petroglyphs and Ancestral Puebloan sites indicate much earlier human presence drawn to reliable water sources.
Visit spring through fall (March through November) when temperatures remain comfortable. Summer heat can exceed 110°F, though higher elevation provides slight relief. The spring lies near Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, offering excellent combining opportunities with hiking trails and Ancestral Puebloan sites. Red Cliffs Campground sits 6.4 kilometers distant. Paved access via West State Street makes the site accessible to standard vehicles year-round. The water temperature is mild, barely warm to the touch.
Is Berry Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
The water at Berry Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3) with 1360 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
Overview Red Cliffs Recreation Area includes a campground, day use areas, a non-motorized trail system, and interpreted public use sites. Dinosaurs left their footprints, now visible in the sandstone. Ancestral Puebloans lived here in the 10th century, growing corn, beans, and squash along Quail and Leeds Creek. Mid-19th century pioneers farmed here, supplying the area’s silver miners with food. Located within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, the Recreation Area is managed to cons...