23. Boiling River—Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
It’s a name. The water doesn’t actually boil because that would be deadly, and death always spoils a good time. The Gardner River winds through Wyoming and the park until it passes natural springs north of the Mammoth area of the park. Hit the park in the day since it’s closed at sunset, and don’t bring alcohol. Do, however, bring a swimsuit. National parks frown on skinny-dipping.
22. Keyhole Hot Springs—Pemberton, BC Canada
Not far from Whistler, British Columbia, one can get to the Keyhole Springs with a car most times of the year. You will need to hike into the springs, though, about a mile. Follow the sounds of the bubbling water from the parking lot. The trail wanders alongside the river to the springs. There aren’t too many pools, but there aren’t too many bathers either. You could probably sneak some beverages but beware the bears. Rangers will close the trail if there is a bear roaming about.
21. Santa Rosa de Cabal Thermal Springs—Risaralda, Columbia
Forget what you saw on Netflix’ series, Narcos. Colombia is not the land of war it once was. Even when it was, the national parks have always been a place of respite. There are two spots to chill. There’s the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal Balneario at the foot of the cascades, and there’s a hotel on the river which collects the springs into a handful of baths. The springs brag some 10 mineral compounds. Has to be good for you, right?
