Roosevelt Hot Springs
Roosevelt Hot Springs discharges at 133°F near Milford in Beaver County, creating one of Utah's most geologically significant thermal features and site of ongoing geothermal energy development. Located just 38 meters from the nearest road at 6,100 feet elevation, the spring runs 82.2 degrees above the 50.8°F annual average, with recent USGS measurements showing 24.4°C (75.9°F), pH 7.7, and 3,200 mg/L chloride indicating deep circulation through fractured crystalline basement rocks in an active geothermal field.
The spring emerges in volcanic terrain on the western flank of the Mineral Mountains, where Tertiary-age volcanic rocks and recent basalt flows cover older basement rocks containing the geothermal reservoir. The semi-arid landscape receives 13.3 inches of precipitation and 48.9 inches of snow annually, supporting sagebrush and rabbitbrush communities with scattered juniper. Geothermal development infrastructure including power plants and monitoring wells occupies portions of the thermal area, reflecting commercial exploitation of the heat resource that has occurred since the 1970s.
Roosevelt Hot Springs takes its name from President Theodore Roosevelt, following the naming pattern common in the early 1900s when many western features honored prominent political figures. The springs attracted attention from settlers and later from geothermal companies, with Union Oil and later Ormat Technologies developing power generation facilities producing 35 megawatts from the geothermal reservoir beneath the thermal area. The site represents one of the few commercial geothermal developments in Utah.
The spring area intersects with active geothermal infrastructure, requiring awareness of industrial facilities and potential access restrictions near production and injection wells. The high water temperature makes direct contact dangerous. Hanging Rock Campground sits 32.2 kilometers away along the Beaver River, offering six sites with fishing access to what locals consider Beaver County's best trout water. The relatively high elevation brings cold nights even in summer, while winter snow affects access from December through March.
Is Roosevelt Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Roosevelt Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7). It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
Overview Hanging Rock Campground is located just off of Highway 21 between the towns of Beaver and Minerville, UT. The campground has six campsites all located alongside the scenic Beaver River. Along with the scenery that the river provides, it also offers what many consider to be the best fising in Beaver County. Recreation The Beaver River provides opportunity for year-round fishing. The Paiute ATV Trail and Beaver Bench Mountain Bike Trail System are located just down the road in Beaver,...