An experience like no other
Step inside one of Utah’s most iconic natural landmarks. Over 10,000 years in the making, The Crater is a 400-foot-wide, 55-foot-tall beehive-shaped limestone dome, formed when melting snow seeped deep into the earth and emerged as mineral-rich geothermal waters. The Crater has long been a gathering place, first intriguing 19th-century settlers and eventually transforming the land into the valley’s first resort. Today, visitors from across the country experience its warm waters, historic charm, and unique setting.
Hours of Operation:
Soak/Swim Reservations
Weekdays: 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Weekends: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Diving
Weekdays: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Crater is the only warm water scuba diving destination in the United States. AT 450 ft wide and 65 ft deep, scuba enthusiasts and first-timers alike can explore the depths of of this geological wonder. The Crater offers dive programming including equipment rentals, dive certifications, and refresher courses. Email thecrater@homesteadmidwayutah.com for booking inquires.
Experience the tranquility of The Crater all to yourself — perfect for couples looking for a serene moment, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or unique team activities for corporate retreats. To book a private experience, please contact: thecrater@homesteadmidwayutah.com
Over the span of millennia, melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains seeped deep into the earth. Two miles below the surface, Earth’s interior heated the water. As it percolated upward, the water picked up minerals that were deposited on the surface, forming the beehive-shaped limestone crater. The hole at the top of the dome lets in sunlight and fresh air, while the interior stays heated by the mineral water at a constant range of 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit.
In 1864, Swiss pioneer Simon Schneitter and his family settled in Midway, Utah, and while farming the land, discovered the massive geothermal “hot pot” that would become The Crater at Homestead. The limestone dome quickly drew local settlers as a gathering place and inspired the creation of the valley’s first resort. By 1886, Schneitter’s Hot Pot Resort opened, beginning a cherished legacy that continues to welcome visitors today as Homestead.
The Complete Experience
We are delighted to include one complimentary therapeutic soak per person (up to two guests) in the natural wonder of The Crater. This is a singular, unforgettable experience, ensuring an exclusive moment of tranquility. This offer also includes a generous $50 Dining Credit that can be savored during an intimate evening within a private Dining Globe or utilized for locally roasted coffee and delicious pastries from Milk House. Crater Soaks must be reserved separately from your room reservation. Please contact the The Crater at Homestead to book your soak | 435-657-3840 | thecrater@homesteadmidwayutah.com
Leading up to Spring 2027, The Crater experience will be thoughtfully enhanced with updated infrastructure, bringing a refreshed sense of wonder to its historic, geothermal setting.
Whether you float under the stars or dive into the legacy of this natural phenomenon, The Crater offers a restorative, one-of-a-kind experience—right in the center of it all.
