Homestead Crater
The Homestead Crater is a natural hot spring that holds a comfortable temperature of 95F-96F. It is used as a hot spa by the nearby resort and it is also a famous scuba diving site, one of the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental USA. Tours are available that tell of the history, archeology and geology of the Homestead Crater. It is also possible to take a 40 min therapeutic bath or swim in the natural mineral water. It attracts many diving enthusiasts, who have the opportunity to choose a wide variety of activities within the crater. There are one-hour scuba diving introductions, 35min independent dives for certified divers, and public certification classes.
The crater is 60' in diameter, the inside is shaped like a bell and about 30' from the top to the water level. The outside looks like a sphere segment, and very symmetric. This is a result of the way it was formed.
Formation
About 10,000 years ago, water formed a spring at this location. This water, rain and snowmelt from the nearby Wasatch Mountains was heated when it seeped through cracks up to 5mi. deep underground. The geothermic process powered a convection which transported cold water down and hot water back to the surface. Volcanic materials, particularly sulfuric acid, came in contact with calcite and limestone, creating a chemical reaction, the byproduct being carbon dioxide. This cause the water to became aggressive and formed pressure. Eventually, it reached the surface, where the pressure could be relieved. On the surface, the water cooled, carbon dioxide vanished into the air, and the suspended limestone became hard again.
Today, the entrance is an artificial tunnel, blasted out with dynamite. The tunnel starts at the outside of crater, at the base, and is 105' long. It leads to a floating dock, which allows bathing and is the starting point for the divers.
The hot water contains a high amount of minerals and is cause for attracting many seeking healing or cures and relief from various illnesses. However, the high temperature is strenuous to the body and so bot baths and dives are restricted to 40 min.
Location
40.523844° -111.485189° @ 5700'
The Homestead resort is located in Midway, UT
From the Salt Lake City International Airport, Follow signs for I-80 East toward Cheyenne, Wyoming . Remain on I-80 East traveling approximately 25 miles up Parley's Canyon until you reach US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). The Heber City exit is directly after the Park City exit. Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.
From downtown Salt Lake City, take I-80 East approximately 32 miles to US Highway 40 (Heber Exit 146). Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.
From Ogden, take I-84 East to I-80 West. Take I-80 West to US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). Travel south approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.
From Park City, take Kearns Boulevard (State Highway 248) East approximately 4 miles to US Highway 40. Turn South (or make a right) and travel approximately 10 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.
From Provo, take University Avenue North about 6.9 miles (it changes into Provo Canyon Road ). Take Provo Canyon Road (it changes into US-189) about 16 miles. Turn left onto Charleston Road (Highway 113) and go 4 miles to Midway. Turn West or left onto Main Street turn right at the stop sign onto 200 West .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.
From Vernal, take Highway 40 West to Heber City approximately 70 miles. Turn left at the 3 rd stoplight in Heber City onto 100 South Hwy 113. Continue on Hwy 113 approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto 200 West follow for approximately .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the Hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.
Pricing
Prices vary, so check main website for actual prices. Swim - $7 Swim + Snorkel equipment - $15
External Links
http://www.homesteadresort.com/
