Long before scuba tanks and paddleboards, the Crater was used by people who understood the restorative power of its warm waters. In the 1800s, Swiss immigrants—led by Simon Schneitter, founder of Homestead—built a hotel around the site, inviting guests to soak in what they saw as both healing and novel. Early visitors would lower themselves into the pool by rope, treating the mineral water as both a curiosity and a natural spa and for nearly a century this was the only way to enter the Crater. In the mid-1990s, Jerry Simons led the effort to carve a 110-foot tunnel through the side of the dome. With new docks, seating, and changing areas, The Crater became accessible to everyone—from scuba divers and snorkelers to yoga enthusiasts and casual visitors. That single project transformed The Crater into a year-round destination.

As recreation evolved, so did the ways people used The Crater. In the mid-20th century, it became popular among divers, who discovered that beneath the serene surface was a cavern 65 feet deep—perfect for training. Today, it remains the only warm-water scuba certification site in the continental U.S., attracting everyone from beginners to advanced divers who want to practice in a geothermal spring instead of a cold ocean.

At about 60 feet down, divers describe the unique sensation of warmth pressing in from all sides, with visibility often clearer in winter months than at the surface. Instructors even recommend bringing a light to fully appreciate the Crater’s mineral walls.

The Crater’s mystique hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hollywood. The site was featured in the film 127 Hours, in The Bachelor (Season 16), and even on The Real Housewives. Beyond entertainment, it has become a milestone destination for travelers worldwide. In 2021, The Crater welcomed its one millionth visitor, cementing its place as one of Utah’s most iconic resort activities.

Part of what makes The Crater so remarkable is that it’s not just an attraction—it’s a protected natural feature. Carefully monitored for safety and preservation, the dome’s interior has been reinforced to ensure stability, while daily maintenance keeps the water pristine for swimmers, divers, and paddleboard yoga enthusiasts alike. Access is structured to limit crowding, ensuring guests can experience the magic without overwhelming the ecosystem.

The mineral-rich water itself is continuously renewed, heated by the earth and refreshed by underground flow. It’s this delicate balance—geothermal energy meeting ancient limestone—that makes The Crater such a rare formation.

• It’s deep: divers can descend 65 feet into its clear waters.
• It’s warm: 90–96°F year-round, even when snow blankets the Wasatch.
• It’s big: the limestone dome is 55 feet tall and 400 feet wide.
• It’s versatile: visitors can soak, swim, scuba, snorkel, or even try paddleboard yoga.
• It’s unique: no other U.S. site offers warm-water scuba certification.

For today’s visitors, The Crater offers a blend of adventure and calm. You might start with a soak under the dome’s opening, where sunlight (or starlight) filters in. Others dive deep to train for scuba certification, while some simply float and let the mineral water do its work. And because it’s located just steps from Homestead’s guest rooms, dining, and golf course, The Crater feels like both centerpiece and hidden treasure.