Red Hill Hot Springs: free access and directions
Red Hill Hot Springs is a set of four free, terraced soaking pools on the edge of Monroe, Utah, sitting on private land the owner donated for public use and the city now maintains at no charge. Parking is at the base of the hill with the pools just steps away, no hike or reservation required. Red Hill shares its town with reservation-only Mystic Hot Springs; both appear in our hot springs in Utah guide.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | Near 38.64°N, 112.10°W, on the edge of Monroe, Utah |
| Temperature (source, historical) | The NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive lists the source at 171°F (historical estimate, base year 1980); pools step down cooler as water travels downhill |
| Nearest town | Monroe, Utah |
| Access | Roadside; parking at the base of the hill, pools a short walk uphill |
| Fee | Free |
| Legal status | Private land donated by the owner for public use; maintained by the city of Monroe |
| Season | Open year-round, no posted hours; visiting in daylight is recommended since the site is unstaffed |
Directions and access
From Main Street (UT-118) in Monroe, turn east onto 300 North and follow it for about a mile to reach the parking area at the base of Red Hill. There's no hike involved; the four pools sit close together, stepping down a red dirt mound just steps from where you park. A pit toilet is the only facility on site, and there's no staff or gate, since the city maintains the site rather than charging for it.
The land itself is privately owned but was donated by its owner specifically to keep the springs free and public, and Monroe has invested in road and pool upkeep to keep that arrangement working. That history is worth knowing before you visit: this is one of the few Utah springs that's free, developed and easy to reach all at once, largely because of a deliberate local decision. Packing out your trash is the simplest way to help it stay that way.
The pools
Four pools step down the red dirt mound, each cooler than the one above it as water travels downhill from a source the NOAA thermal springs archive estimates at 171°F (1980 baseline). That range lets visitors pick a pool by temperature preference rather than settling for whatever's available, from hotter upper pools to milder ones lower down. The setting is more open and exposed than a canyon soak like Fifth Water, with the red mound itself and views over the Sevier Valley as the backdrop rather than forest cover.
How this guide was researched
This page was compiled from the city of Monroe's maintenance of the site, the NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive, and published trail reports. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Access and conditions can change; verify current status before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
Is Red Hill Hot Springs free?
Yes. It's free to visit, with no reservation, gate or entry fee, unlike Monroe's other hot spring, Mystic, which requires a paid reservation.
Where do you park for Red Hill Hot Springs?
At the base of the hill, reached from Monroe's Main Street (UT-118) via 300 North, about a mile from downtown.
How hot is the water at Red Hill Hot Springs?
The NOAA archive lists the source at 171°F (1980 estimate); the four terraced pools run progressively cooler downhill, so visitors can choose a pool by temperature.
Do you need a permit for Red Hill Hot Springs?
No. It's privately owned land the owner has donated for free public use, maintained by the city of Monroe.
Is Red Hill Hot Springs the same as Monroe Hot Springs?
No. "Monroe Hot Springs" more commonly refers to Mystic Hot Springs, the separate reservation-only resort in the same town.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.