Big Warm Springs
Big Warm Springs flows at 72°F on Utah State Trust Lands in Tooele County near Grantsville at 4,220 feet elevation within the I-80 Block Special Recreation Management Area. Recent USGS measurements show highly saline water with extraordinary total dissolved solids of 8,110 mg/L, including sodium at 2,750 mg/L and chloride at 4,420 mg/L, creating brine-like water reflecting circulation through ancient evaporite deposits.
The spring emerges in the broad Tooele Valley west of the Stansbury Mountains, whose peaks rise dramatically to elevations exceeding 11,000 feet immediately south and east. The valley floor sits in rain shadow, receiving just 12.3 inches of precipitation annually with moderate snowfall (22.5 inches). Sagebrush and salt-tolerant vegetation dominate the landscape, while seasonal wetlands and playas reflect the basin's internal drainage. Interstate 80 crosses the valley several miles north, connecting Salt Lake City to Nevada across the Great Salt Lake Desert.
The name simply describes the feature's size and temperature. Historical use likely centered on cattle ranching and perhaps salt extraction given the extreme brine chemistry. State Trust Lands historically served to fund Utah's public schools through lease revenues from grazing, mining, and other extractive uses. The area lacks documented hot springs resort development despite the thermal feature. Access remains open though the Wikipedia entry appears to describe a different California spring (Slates Hot Springs), indicating database confusion.
Access via dirt roads passable to most vehicles in dry conditions. The roadside location (73 meters from road) provides easy walking. The water is too saline for comfortable soaking and may irritate skin. Visit spring or fall when temperatures moderate; summer heat can exceed 95°F while winter brings freezing conditions. Lower Narrows Campground in South Willow Canyon (28 kilometers southeast) offers developed facilities. Combine with exploration of the Stansbury Mountains or Great Salt Lake Desert salt flats to the west.
Is Big Warm Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
The water at Big Warm Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7) with 8110 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 sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).
Overview Upper Narrows Campground is located southwest of Grantsville, Utah, in South Willow Canyon at an elevation of 6,840 feet. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails. Recreation The multi-use Stansbury Front and Medina Flat Trails begin nearby, offering access to the rugged Deseret Peak Wilderness. Willow Creek offers rainbow and brown trout fishing. Facilities This campground has 3 single sites. This campground has vault restroom facilities. There is no water system in this campground, yo...