Hooper Hot Springs
Hooper Hot Springs discharges at 140°F with extreme total dissolved solids of 8,360 mg/L—dominated by sodium (2,350 mg/L) and chloride (4,840 mg/L)—from state conservation land in the Ogden Bay Wildlife Area. Public access is restricted to protect waterfowl habitat. The spring sits 220 meters from the nearest road, classified as a short walk, and runs 88 degrees above the 52°F average air temperature.
The spring emerges at 4,216 feet elevation in the wetland complex of Ogden Bay, where the Weber River delta meets the Great Basin shoreline of the Great Salt Lake. Managed as a state wildlife area by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the terrain consists of emergent marsh, open water, and alkali flats that support migratory bird populations. Vegetation is dominated by salt-tolerant grasses and rushes adapted to fluctuating water tables and high soil salinity. The surrounding landscape is flat, with the Wasatch Range visible to the east and agricultural lands transitioning to protected wetlands.
The spring takes its name from the town of Hooper, established in 1851 by Mormon settlers and named after William H. Hooper, a territorial delegate to Congress. Indigenous Shoshone people utilized the broader Ogden Bay wetlands for hunting waterfowl and gathering tule reeds. The wildlife area was formally designated in the mid-20th century as Great Salt Lake wetlands faced drainage pressures from agriculture and development. The spring's high salinity and temperature suggest deep circulation through basin-fill sediments.
Access requires permission from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, as the wildlife area prioritizes habitat management over recreation. Visit during migration periods (March-May, September-November) to observe peak waterfowl concentrations, but expect closures during nesting season. Roads are gravel and may flood during spring runoff or heavy rain. The extreme water temperature and salinity make this unsuitable for bathing. Combine with visits to Antelope Island State Park 15 miles south.
Is Hooper Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Hooper Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 8360 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 The campground is situated on the eastern edge of Utah's West Desert near the historic Simpson Springs station on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Simpson Springs was the site of a significant Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the late 1930s and early 1940s, just prior to the establishment of the US Army Dugway Proving Grounds during World War II. Recreation Hiking, picnicking, OHV riding, mountian biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, scenic backcountry byway,...