Natural hot springs in Monroe, Utah. Soothing soaking, grassy tent campsites, pioneer cabins, tropical fish ponds, hiking, biking & more!
Mystic Hot Springs creates an authentic environment that raises self-awareness through direct experience with nature, art, and antiquities.
Producer/Director/Artist Mike Ginsburg was traveling in his bus back to Denver from the last Vegas Dead shows in 1995, when he stumbled into Mystic Hot Springs. Instantly he realized that everything he was looking for was right there. Miraculously he was able to purchase the resort. Having worked since 1996, he is still at it! His artistic talent has been used to add new Soaking areas, restore pioneer Cabins, promote many wonderful Concerts, produce DVDs, create stunning Lampwork glass Jewelry and bring a special energy to this wonderful place.
History of Mystic Hot Springs
The Indians that were in this area were nomadic bands from the Ute, Shoshone, or Piute tribes. They would make their camps on the warm ground near the hot springs. They would soak in the springs for warmth and comfort. It is told that the Indians would paint themselves with red mud to keep them safe. Later as the settlers arrived, the hot springs became popular as a resting place along the “Old Spanish Trail”.
Homesteaded in 1886 by the Cooper family, Mystic Hot Springs (formerly known as Monroe Hot Springs) has undergone many changes in the past 100 years. During the early part of the century, a collecting pool was made of wood at the bottom of the hill. Soon a dance floor was added, and people would come from miles around in their horses and buggies to dance and soak the nights away. Their motto “The home of mirth and merriment” still rings true today.
When Mike first began running the hot springs, there was only one cabin on the property (the Grow cabin). He knew he needed more of them because he rented them frequently. When he realized how much new cabins would cost, he started poking around the valley, thinking he may be able to acquire old shacks from the 40s or 50s. The first building he purchased was one of the first Pioneer cabins in the valley from 1865. He was amazed that anyone would want to part with such a unique piece of history. He realized that many people in the area see them as eyesores, and many cabins have already been destroyed to make room for things such as parking lots. He started acquiring more of them, especially the ones that seemed to not be cared for.
Germania Park, 5400 South Murray Pkwy Ave (about 1100 W). It’s a sunny January Saturday, 37 degrees with snow still on the ground. I’m going to first cross the river to take a look at the leash-free dog park, then I’ll head northGoogle Earth Map of my walk, how cool is that!Bridge to cross the Jordan River to Millrace Park in TaylorsvilleOff-leash Dog Park, Millrace Park, Taylorsville, UtahKids playground at Millrace Park in Taylorsville, UtahEquestrian Trail for riding horses at this section of Jordan River ParkwayRestrooms are not open here in winter like they were at Winchester Park in Murray, Utah. Picnic pavilion, children’s playground, and grass sports field here.Large Sports Field with Wasatch Mountains in backgroundBiking along the Jordan River Parkway TrailTrail Runners enjoying the January Utah SunMurray City plows the snow on the trail in winter. Can you believe it!Overlook Point to view the MarshlandsOutdoor Amphitheater for summer performancesJordan River MarshlandsJordan River: Ribbon of LifeBeautiful frozen ponds in MarshlandsEarly Utah PioneersBeautiful view of the Jordan RiverWalkway to protect the Marshlands4800 S Murray Taylorsville Rd. Just shy of 2 milesOn my return headed south. Capturing a few new light photosMagical Trees! There’s something special about a leafless winter tree.Another one of those birdhouses in a wickedly awesome treeCreekside Petroglyph Mural to reduce graffitiRiver Reflection TimeBoat loading dock for floating the Jordan RiverJanuary Horse Riding on the Jordan Parkway Trail
Today I continue my Jordan River Parkway walking tour at 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah by heading north along the river and walking to my day’s turnaround point at 3900 S in South Salt Lake. Murray, Utah is south across the street from here.
It’s January 19th, the temperature has been maxing out at freezing until this week of sun where it’s been approaching 40 degrees. It’s an enjoyable time to walk because there are few people and the air is refreshingly chilled with a relaxing sense of quiet.
Still snow on the ground. We’ve had snow cover since November this year due to the temperature hovering below freezing for two months.
Tunnel looking south beneath 4800 South headed to Murray, Utah
Trail is not quite as well maintained as in Murray. Snow and ice patches were common.
Good view of the Jordan River from this section of the path as well as a good view of Apartments.
Bird House again, they are all along the trail. Who’s placing these? Great winter trees!
Some Industry Views
A dam here diverts water into a canal that runs all the way to the Great Salt Lake.
Some Geese enjoying the Sun
Veterans Memorial Park
Trail tunnel beneath 4500 S
The local school has tried to combat Graffiti by painting the walls of the tunnel beneath 4500 S in Taylorsville, Utah
The trail follows along 4500 S before turning into Apartment Complex Area, moving away from the river for a while.
Jesus appearing in a tree?!
Trail winds through Apartments, making me wonder if I’m still on the Jordan River Parkway Trail
Once out of the apartments you enter the South Salt Lake wooded area. This section is quite nice with some good views of the river.
Winter Tree Beauty
View of the Jordan River
Jordan River with Wasatch Mountains in the background.
The bridge crosses the river to 3900 S Street Bridge.
Graffiti Bridge
Jordan River Parkway Trail 3900 S Street Bridge in South Salt Lake, Utah
General Holm Park, 3900 South South Salt Lake, Utah. I turn around here and head back. Goodbye til another day.
Heading north from Winchester Park in Murray, Utah. It’s January, and the restrooms are even open, impressiveWinchester Park in Murray, Utah, is well maintained with a pretty pond, ducks and geese, a playground for the kids, restrooms, and picnic tables.Duck Pond at Winchester Park, MurrayWinchester Park PlaygroundJordan Parkway trail following the Jordan RiverIt snowed heavily in November this year, and the temperature has remained under freezing keeping the snow for almost two months now.A very pretty sunny day todayNot too many people on the trail today, still a bit cold for most.The trail crosses the river here.Interesting story about Native American Indians in early UtahA little reflecting time…The path crosses beneath Belt Route 215Some say there are ghosts under hereThere’s beauty in a leafless treeGreat tree-house tree!This is the second birdhouse like this I’ve seen along the trail. Think it’s a science project?Hickman Fort, I never knewWhere the houses are was Hickman FortLots of quiet open space and blue skyFew people walking their dogsApproaching 5400 South and Millrace Park5400 South rest stop with restroom, drinking fountain (weather permitting), and picnic pavilion. I’ll turn around here for now and head back home.Jordan Parkway Trail is great for bicycling too.Jordan River looking pretty in JanuaryWalking The DogView of the Wasatch Mountains from the trail. Goodbye for now. I’ll be back.
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