Blue Creek Spring
Blue Creek Spring flows at 82°F near Garland in Box Elder County, Utah, at 4,610 feet elevation in the northern Great Salt Lake basin. Recent USGS analysis shows water at 28°C with total dissolved solids of 2,010 mg/L, including elevated sodium (636 mg/L) and chloride at 895 mg/L, suggesting circulation through evaporite formations with alkaline pH of 7.9 and temperature 31.5 degrees above ambient.
The spring emerges in the agricultural lands west of the Bear River and north of Great Salt Lake, where irrigated farming has transformed naturally arid terrain. The area sits at moderate elevation between the Wasatch Range to the east and the Promontory Mountains to the west. Annual precipitation reaches 15 inches with substantial winter snowfall (32.7 inches), much of it falling on surrounding mountains and contributing to spring runoff. Blue Creek itself likely flows seasonally through this landscape, fed by irrigation returns and natural drainage.
The Blue Creek name references a local watercourse, though whether the creek actually runs blue or the name derives from other sources remains undocumented. The Garland area saw Mormon agricultural settlement from the 1850s forward, with irrigation projects transforming the desert into productive farmland. The spring likely served stockwatering and possibly agricultural purposes. No evidence suggests commercial development or resort use. Current access via county roads suggests continued agricultural context.
Access via 18000 West road requires just 53 meters of walking, essentially roadside. The spring sits in private or agricultural lands; verify access before visiting. Water temperature is warm but not hot enough for comfortable winter soaking. Visit spring or fall when temperatures moderate between winter cold and summer heat exceeding 95°F. Curlew Campground near Stone Reservoir (33 kilometers northeast) offers developed facilities. Combine with visits to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (south) or explorations of Box Elder County's agricultural heritage.
Is Blue Creek Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
The water at Blue Creek Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9) with 2010 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits), and total dissolved solids (higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking).
Overview Curlew Campground is located just seven miles north of Snowville, Utah, and fewer than 10 miles south of Holbrook, Idaho. The campground is adjacent to Stone Reservoir in the Curlew National Grassland. It sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Recreation Stone Reservoir is closed to all motor crafts, boats and water crafts do to invasive spieces.The surrounding area is crisscrossed by numerous off-road vehicle trails. Horseback riding is allowed on the open range. Facilities The campgro...