Homestead Crater

This is probably the coolest event or activity I have ever done in Utah. I 100% recommend doing this, no matter where you live. Even if you live outside of Utah, you must come visit Homestead Crater. It is located in Midway, and is actually right next to the Ice Castles (another amazing activity to go to)! It is about 45 minutes from Provo, and it is a beautiful drive through Provo Canyon on your way up to Midway. Be sure to get there a good 20 minutes before your scheduled time. You must reserve a time to snorkel or scuba dive in Homestead Crater before you go (either call ahead or online).

Homestead Crater is a hot springs crater that anyone can swim, snorkel, bath, or scuba dive in. It is very warm and therapeutic. Before you enter into the crater, check in at the check in booth near the ice castles to receive your ticket stub. The crater entrance looks just like a gate, and you look like you are about to walk into a mountain. The floors will be soaking wet, and the entire right hand side will be full of stalls to change into your swim suit. I recommend wearing your swim suit to the crater. The stalls are tiny and dark, which makes it hard to change. They are often very wet too from people before you swimming and changing into their dry clothes. Go to the front desk and the worker will suit you up with your equipment (for snorkeling or scuba diving). I brought my own snorkeling gear and fins, but they have some available for purchase at the crater. Everyone is required to wear a life jacket, as there are no lifeguards on duty.

After you get all of your gear on and swim wear, you can enter the water! I was pleasantly surprised how big the crater is. Only 20 people are allowed in the water at the same time, which makes it relatively comfortable enough for everyone to swim around without bumping into anyone. The crater is VERY warm. Do not wear a wet suit! Even with just floating in the water, you will be perfectly warm. The water is very blue as seen in the pictures. It literally looks like that. I loved snorkeling, but I will admit that because I got there later in the day, it was hard to see the bottom of the crater. It still feels good to have the warm water on your face and be able to breath in the water, but unless you go first thing in the morning, I would not recommend paying extra to snorkel. A few scuba divers mentioned to me that if you come before most people do in the mornings, the water is crystal clear and you can see from the bottom straight to the top of the crater and vice versa.

Everyone is allowed to swim for 45 minutes which I wish was longer. I love snorkeling and swimming, and I could do it all day, but 45 minutes is a good amount for anyone who just likes the water. I totally recommend this to anyone, and even little kids would love it. There were a few families and grandparents swimming with their families. It is an active activity that everyone can enjoy. Afterwards, there are some nice restaurants nearby or the Ice Castles (also reserve ahead of time).