Tips for Visiting the Homestead Crater in Utah

The Homestead Crater offers visitors a truly unique experience in the scenic Heber Valley, just a 30 minute drive from Park City, Utah. This natural geothermal spring is housed within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock on the grounds of the Homestead Resort. The 90-95 degree water temperature invites visitors to explore its mineral-rich waters year round. Imagine skiing all day and swimming or scuba diving in the evening! One great benefit of this geothermal spring is that it is not volcanic, meaning there is no sulfur smell in the air. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Homestead Crater in Midway Utah, including the top things to do, how to get there, and where to stay.

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Can You Swim in the Homestead Crater? Absolutely!

The Homestead Crater is a perfect spot for swimming year round. The mineral rich waters and warm temperatures make for a very relaxing swim. You don’t need to stay at the Homestead Resort to access the crater swim experience. Note that guests of all ages are allowed to participate. Children who are not yet potty trained must wear swim diapers.

What is the swim experience like?

• All guests wait outside until the exact time of their reservation (see reservation information below). Staff will open the door when it’s time to enter. The staff checks in each group one by one. They’ll ask for your last name and will look up your reservation.
• There are 4 changing stalls in the crater entry hallway. They strongly recommend arriving already dressed in bathing suits to ensure there are no delays getting in the water.
• There are no bathrooms or showers in the crater. There are bathrooms in the activities center nearby. We’d suggest to visit those before arriving at the crater.
• Life jackets are required for all swimmers and they offer plenty of sizes to choose from (infant to 5XL). Guests can bring their own marine grade life jackets if preferred.
• Snorkel and masks are provided for an extra fee (just select this when making a reservation). Guests can bring their own snorkels and masks too for no charge.
• Once in the water, the staff provides a history of the crater and answers everyone’s questions. When we visited, the staff member working was extremely knowledgeable, and part of the family that runs the crater experience.
• Towels are not provided. Bring your own, unless you are staying at the Homestead Resort (they will provide them in that case).
• About 10 minutes before the end of your swim session, they will ask you to get out, giving you time to change and leave before your session is over. Total swim time is about 40 minutes.

How Deep is the Water in Homestead Crater?

The water in the Homestead Crater reaches depths of about 65 feet at its deepest point, which is about 400 feet wide. An 8-14 foot layer of silt sits on the craters bottom. This depth makes it a popular spot not just for swimmers but also for scuba divers looking to explore the underwater environment and get certified. The clear, warm water offers visibility up to about 35 feet, allowing both novices and experienced divers to enjoy the sights without the chill of the typical dive spot.

What Activities are Offered at the Homestead Crater?

The Homestead Crater is not only a sight to behold but also has a number of activities. These include:

• Scuba Diving: Dive into the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental United States. They offer dive sessions for certified divers and also offer a Scuba Experience for beginners, Scuba Update, Scuba Certification. If you are certified but don’t have a dive buddy, sign up for a Dive Along (they’ll provide a dive buddy). There is no scuba diving solo in the crater.
• Paddleboard Yoga: For a truly unique experience, try yoga on a paddleboard in the buoyant, mineral-rich waters. This is a fun and relaxing workout. Reserve well in advance through Park City Yoga Adventures. You are not allowed to bring your own paddle board into the crater.

Do You Need a Reservation for the Homestead Crater?

Making a reservation is essential when planning a visit to the Homestead Crater. Due to its popularity and the limited space inside the crater, book your spot well in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Reservations can be made on the Utah Crater website for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are typically 28 spots available for regular swim sessions, though this may vary.

Homestead Crater Entry Fees

Activity	2024 Fees
Soaking, swimming	$15-$18+ tax per person for ages 8+, $12-$15 + tax per person for ages 3-7, free for ages 2 an under. Prices vary by day of the week.
Snorkeling	Add $8+ tax per person to the swimming costs to rent a mask and snorkel Bring your own mask and snorkel for free
Private swim sessions (40 minutes of water time for up to 30 people)	$650+ tax on Mondays-Thursdays $775 + tax on Fridays-Sundays
Scuba diving	Rates vary by service, see website for details

Where to Stay for your Homestead Crater Visit

When visiting the Homestead Crater, there are several accommodations that offer comfort and convenience. The lodging in Midway is very convenient to the crater and to Wasatch State Park, though is a bit further from Park City, with its many things to do. Staying in Park City or Deer Valley puts you closer to the action, but will require a 30 minute drive to the crater.

Check out all of our recommendations for unique places to stay in Park City. Here are a few places you might consider:

Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Zermatt Resort in Midway is inspired by the Swiss Alps, and offers a touch of European elegance with plenty of amenities. These include a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, mini golf, a bakery, and an adventure concierge. With hotel rooms and 1-3 bedroom villas located just a few minutes from the Homestead Crater, it’s an ideal place to unwind after a day at the crater.

Book your stay at the Zermatt Resort in Midway here!

Homestead Resort

The crater is on the grounds of the Homestead Resort, which offers rustic charm and direct access to the crater itself. It’s perfect for those looking to stay as close as possible to this natural attraction. Additionally, the resort has meeting facilities, a golf course, tennis courts, and various outdoor pools.

Check availability and pricing of the Homestead Resort here!

Pioche Village

For those seeking a more quaint and quiet stay, Pioche Village provides newer condo accommodations that sit almost mid-way between Park City and Midway next to Deer Hollow. Guests here will want to have a car of their own, and should plan to drive a short distance to reach restaurants. Jordanelle Reservoir, with its beach, SUP and kayak rentals, is right down the street from Pioche Village. Deer Hollow chair lifts are just a short walk from the property for skiers.

Book your stay at Pioche Village here!

St. Regis Deer Valley

Located in Park City, the St. Regis Deer Valley offers luxury accommodations with stunning mountain views and top-notch service. It’s a bit further from the crater but perfect for those who want to combine their visit with other activities. There are 3 restaurants on the property, fitness center and spa, pool, free bikes, and easy ski-on / ski-off access in the winter.

Check availability of the St. Regis Deer Valley for your visit here!

Park City Hostel

For a budget alternative located near all of the action in Park City, check out the Park City Hostel. Options range from shared dormitory rooms to private rooms.

Book your stay at the Park City Hostel!

How to Get to Homestead Crater

Getting to the Homestead Crater is straightforward. Located in Midway, Utah, it’s typically less than a one hour drive from Salt Lake City or 30 minutes from Park City. We use and highly recommend Discover Cars for car rentals. There is currently no effective public transportation to take from Salt Lake City. With the 2034 Winter Olympics assigned to Salt Lake City, there is discussion of a potential train between Salt Lake City airport and Park City, though it’s unclear if this would extend to areas such as Midway.

There are also private transportation options from the Salt Lake City airport to your local lodging. Check availability of these below:

Conclusion

The Homestead Crater in Utah is a unique natural attraction that offers a variety of water activities in a stunning geological setting. Visit the crater as a day trip from Salt Lake City. Enjoy a weekend of scuba dive certification or golfing and fishing in Midway. Or, spend a week visiting the Park City area, enjoying the crater and all of the amenities in Park City and the Olympic Park. It is definitely worth including a stop at the Homestead Crater on your travel list!

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