Tule Spring
Tule Spring flows at 82 degrees Fahrenheit on Bureau of Land Management lands in Millard County, emerging 25.7 degrees above regional ambient air temperature just 70 meters from Tule Spring Road. This warm spring at 4,420 feet elevation delivers moderately mineralized water balanced between sulfate and chloride at 240 milligrams per liter each, with 200 milligrams per liter sodium.
The spring emerges in the Sevier Desert basin at 4,420 feet elevation, positioned in the arid lowlands managed by BLM's Fillmore Field Office. The surrounding landscape receives minimal precipitation at 6.4 inches annually with 15.9 inches of snow, supporting sparse desert vegetation dominated by shadscale, greasewood, and isolated clumps of the tule reeds that give the spring its name. Open basin topography extends in all directions with distant mountain ranges forming the horizon, creating the characteristic wide-open setting of Utah's west desert country.
The spring takes its name from the tule reeds (Schoenoplectus species) that historically grew around the discharge point, representing crucial wetland vegetation in an otherwise arid landscape. These emergent plants provided material for matting and basketry traditionally harvested by Indigenous peoples, and later served as livestock forage and cover. The spring's value as a reliable water source in desert terrain made it a significant waypoint in regional movement patterns across centuries.
The roadside location on BLM public lands offers easy access year-round, though summer heat can prove extreme in this exposed desert setting. Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures for visits. No facilities exist on-site; pack out all waste and respect the fragile desert riparian zone. The spring's moderate temperature makes bathing feasible, though no developed facilities exist. Bring adequate water and sun protection for the open desert environment.
Is Tule Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
The water at Tule Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7). It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).