r So what can you do that is a warm and a unique experience during the Christmas month of December. About 50 miles up the road and around the corner in Heber City (actually in Midway) Utah is an interesting natural rock dome which covers a geothermal hot spring. Officially this feature is referred to as the Homestead Caldera, but locally known as simply “The Crater.” The beehive-shaped dome is huge and about as high as a five-story building, and there is a hole in the top of the dome. Underneath this dome is a pool of water heated to a comfortable 95 degrees. The pool is 65 feet deep. What a one-of-a-kind incredible feature of our natural landscape right here in our back yard.
In the old days, there are stories of the adventurous repelling through a hole in the top of the dome to reach the warm water pool. It must have been a challenge to climb back up the rope. Thankfully that is not necessary today. In 1996 a ground level 110 foot tunnel was constructed on the north side of the dome to provide easy access to the warm water pool, and it was made available to the general public. Along the entrance edge of the pool, decks have been constructed making entrance to the water easier. Two areas off to the sides of the deck have been added as a soaking area. Scuba diving is also available as a major attraction and the “Crater” is the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental United States. The water which originates from the snow and rain from the nearby Wasatch Mountains percolates through a geothermal zone and flows as a spring through the Homestead Crater at a rate of 135,000 gallons per day so the water is all ways clean and clear. The natural rock domed pool and the 95-degree water temperature, which is just below our body normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees, is a warm and amazingly comfortable experience.
This geological feature is located on the property of the Homestead Resort and is a leased concession to Homestead Crater Inc. There is a fee to use the pool and it varies with the day of the week and how you are using the pool. Call the Homestead Activities Center at 435-657-3840 for specific information and to make reservations for your visit.
