The Homestead Crater
The Homestead Crater
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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- k8umsPhoenix, Arizona101 contributionsFun, relaxing, comfy adventureFun and relaxing soak. Did the swimming option. Not sure how much you would see snorkeling. Water is very warm but not hot. Get to float, bob or paddle around. You wait outside until your time slot. We had nice day - in the winter I’d wait in my car until very close to time. Once they open the door, you enter a long narrow hallwayThere are 4-5 small changing booths, and ~ 30 ish small lockers. Would minimize what you bring in with you. Checkin, get the rules explained, pick out a life vest (possibly wet from prior time slot) and walk out to the floating dock. Climb down pool ladder into very warm comforting water. There are 2 small areas off the dock set up with benches where you can sit in the water (think hot tub) or stand. When we were there everyone bobbed or floated in their groups. Had space to move around some. Overall cool experience I would recommend if you are in area. I would go againVisited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 9, 2023
- Serene L13 contributionsJust go to soakThe Crater is always great to visit and the whole property is just gorgeous. However, we will now be staying at an Airbnb, and just visiting to soak or dive for the day. Between the high room rates and the fact that there’s no breakfast options, and no place to even get a cup of coffee in the morning—it’s not worth it to stay. No free coffee in the lobby, no restaurant coffee. The cute little Milk House looks amazing, but says it opens at 7 & a bunch of froze our butts off outside waiting til 7:15 with zero activity in the building. Front desk said they decided to open at 8 , but there were no signs and not updated online.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 15, 2023
- Lorrie H23 contributionsAmazing experienceI was a bit skeptical of going since we did this late October and at the time of our visit it was in the low 50’s. But, I was pleasantly surprised it surpassed my expectations. The water was 93 degrees and clear as can be. Our group ages ranged from a 1 year old, 10 yr, 30’s, 60’s & 70’s. Everyone had a fabulous time. My skin was sooo soft afterwards. I’m glad we went early since you do have to wear life preservers and we were fortunate to be the first to use so they were dry. Bring your own towels, limited (4) changing rooms.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 4, 2023
- Kischka B27 contributionsCrater itself is amazing but experience could be improvedIt was really amazing to float in a warm water spring in a natural crater, and for that I give it four stars. However, there are definitely ways the experience could be improved. First, I arrived at night, and there was no signage directing you to the crater until you were right next to it, and even then it was hard to see at night and ambiguous in its direction. The actual entrance had no signage at all, except maybe something small right on the door. My main issue with the swim itself was the requirement that everyone wear life jackets. I understand they are trying to limit liability, but there are lots of places that the public can swim that don’t require life jackets. I float like a cork even without a life jacket, and having to wear the jacket made the whole experience less pleasant. The other thing that could be improved is the lighting. The harsh lights glaring down from above don’t make for a very nice ambiance. I kept imagining how nice it would be if there were hidden lights recessed above one of the rock strata that make up the walls.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 12, 2023
- shaunieAustin, Texas27 contributionsA fantastic visitWe loved it ! Bring towels they do not provide them and your going to be cold! The crater is clean and well kept . The lockers are small and no locks you won’t need them . The dressing rooms are small but efficient and clean. The host was cheerful and informative .Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 23, 2023
- A AProvo, Utah2 contributionsDave is AWESOME!Just recently went to The Crater and hands down, Dave is the best employee that works there! Love his sense of humor and his willingness to give us a hand if needed. He shares historical information about The Crater in a fun and interesting way. We highly recommend going to The Crater and saying "hi" to Dave!Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 3, 2024
- DJArizona20 contributionsClear blue and calmingI brought my two children, mom and husband for an hour dip and we made every second count. It was a little confusing when we first arrived since we didn’t know if we should wait outside or come inside and let them know we were there. David the attendant came out and let us know how everything was and to come at our exact time for a smooth transition from group to group. If there was signage outside that would have helped so he wouldn’t have to explain but it was greatly apreeciated. Come pre dressed in swim clothes, bring a towel and flip flops, and your change of clothes to maximize the visit. We came pre dressed, put our belongings on the white shelf, grabbed life jackets and got right in. The minerals make your skin feel slippery smooth and everybody felt so calm the rest of the day. The crater was clear blue to the bottom and a perfect 94 degrees. We will certainly stop by again!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 9, 2024
- John R6 contributionsDave H is great!Dave H was a fantastic scuba instructor. I did my open water certification dives with him and he made the experience feel very safe and fun. He told a lot of jokes and allowed me to take a minute whenever I needed to think through a task, so I never felt rushed.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2024
- doone201811 contributionsMake a reservation, bring your own snorkel kit their equipment is haggard and it won't fit kids.They allow young swimmers and they provide life jackets. However, you can bring your own jackets. The water is very warm and swimming in a cave is cool Don't bother paying for the snorkel adventure for kids as there are no masks that fit them; just bring their own goggles and snorkel if they are old enough to snorkel. The snorkles for adults looked haggard I suggest you just bring your own. The water is very dark so there is nothing to see unless you have scuba divers surfacing.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 9, 2024
- Susan HTacoma, Washington4,184 contributionsYou Got To Do It!After reading a number of reviews, I wasn’t sure of what to expect. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised! This was a great experience! We went at the 8:00 am session to avoid divers, there was only 2, because some reviews said they were a problem. Others claimed it was crowded, but this session was sold out at 24 and it wasn’t crowded at all. The water was the perfect temperature and the required life vest was perfect rather than treading water for 40 minutes. Some people mentioned the dressing rooms were too small, there are 4 and they are large enough for two people. We came in our suits and changed afterwards. Only challenge was the ladders into the pool are a bit narrow and not the easiest for someone in their 60s but doable. The girl working the day of our visit was very pleasant and helpful and at the halfway mark she came in and told us the history of the crater. I would definitely do this again!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
548 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
181
Average
66
Poor
35
Terrible
31
Megan K
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
This place falsely advertise that they were taking certain precautions against the coronavirus but once we got there we realized that there was no one wearing a mask at the front desk, they were overcapacity and they lied to us about how many people would be joining us in the water. People were within 6 feet of each other and nothing was being sanitized. If you have a death wish, you should look into renting their snorkel equipment. On top of all of that, there was nothing super special about the place. I expected it to be in the middle of nature or on an eco preserve but it is surrounded by houses. They told use there would be max of 26 people but instead there were over 50 people in a small enclosed pool. When we entered the pool it was just us but then 40+ people were entering and blocking our entrance so we couldn’t leave. This is why America is having problems stopping this virus. Shame on you!
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esther m
miami9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
I had booked to swim at the Crater it was our first time in Utah. We had arrive two days before our reservation
We are a family of 5 and two of the family members were having a difficult time with the altitude. We went to urgent care, and they gave it to some medication, but it wasn’t quite helping. I called the homestudy crater to cancel. Since one of them was the driver of the vehicle we had rented. The young lady I spoke to her her name was Kelly was rude on the phone and refused to refund me the money she kept saying that she would postpone the reservations. I explained that we were only there for a few days and we were from Florida. She still Refused. I felt that they were very unprofessional. I even mentioned to her that I would send her a copy of the bill from urgent care and the medication. She still refuses
I found that Iverall Utah was very friendly and two other places I had booked refunded us the money
Due to the lack of caring and unprofessionalism I would never recommend this place
Spend your money where people care about you!
We are a family of 5 and two of the family members were having a difficult time with the altitude. We went to urgent care, and they gave it to some medication, but it wasn’t quite helping. I called the homestudy crater to cancel. Since one of them was the driver of the vehicle we had rented. The young lady I spoke to her her name was Kelly was rude on the phone and refused to refund me the money she kept saying that she would postpone the reservations. I explained that we were only there for a few days and we were from Florida. She still Refused. I felt that they were very unprofessional. I even mentioned to her that I would send her a copy of the bill from urgent care and the medication. She still refuses
I found that Iverall Utah was very friendly and two other places I had booked refunded us the money
Due to the lack of caring and unprofessionalism I would never recommend this place
Spend your money where people care about you!
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLLoco
Ormond Beach, FL68 contributions
Mar 2020
This was a fun experience. They have changing rooms. You are given a life jacket to wear and we were able to just lay back and relax and enjoy the warm water. They limit the number of people they let in at a time so it wasn’t crowded at all. I was so relaxed afterwards! I would go again.
Written February 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda
Phoenix, AZ5 contributions
May 2021 • Family
You definitely need reservations and tickets sell out well in advance in the summer!!
We took two kids (ages 10 and 14) with us to experience the crater. We were taken it at our scheduled time with a few other groups, maybe about 12 people total including us. There are lockers to put your stuff in, or shelves to put your clothes.
The water is warm (94 degrees Fahrenheit) and you can see at least 4-5 feet down. Further when there are not divers present. (In addition to the 12 people at our time slot, there were another 5-10 who were doing scuba lessons). You are required to wear the life vests they provide the whole time.
Even with the number of people there, we didn’t feel crowded. There was plenty of space and groups congregated together so you could always find a secluded place to hang out in the water. A lot of people just laid back and floated. Some help onto the wall so they didn’t float away. We had a fun time just swimming around and taking pictures.
The amount of time (about 45 minutes) was perfect. After we exited, we went up the staircase to the top of the crater and walked across the bridge so we could look down into it. It’s pretty cool, definitely recommend taking the time to do that as well!
John was our guide inside the crater and was super helpful and answered all of our questions about how it was formed, where the water comes from and goes, scuba diving in the crater, etc. He was super nice and we appreciated his guidance and info!
We took two kids (ages 10 and 14) with us to experience the crater. We were taken it at our scheduled time with a few other groups, maybe about 12 people total including us. There are lockers to put your stuff in, or shelves to put your clothes.
The water is warm (94 degrees Fahrenheit) and you can see at least 4-5 feet down. Further when there are not divers present. (In addition to the 12 people at our time slot, there were another 5-10 who were doing scuba lessons). You are required to wear the life vests they provide the whole time.
Even with the number of people there, we didn’t feel crowded. There was plenty of space and groups congregated together so you could always find a secluded place to hang out in the water. A lot of people just laid back and floated. Some help onto the wall so they didn’t float away. We had a fun time just swimming around and taking pictures.
The amount of time (about 45 minutes) was perfect. After we exited, we went up the staircase to the top of the crater and walked across the bridge so we could look down into it. It’s pretty cool, definitely recommend taking the time to do that as well!
John was our guide inside the crater and was super helpful and answered all of our questions about how it was formed, where the water comes from and goes, scuba diving in the crater, etc. He was super nice and we appreciated his guidance and info!
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zracoon
Sandy, UT611 contributions
Oct 2020
They seem to do a pretty good job keeping groups apart and limiting how many people are in there. They said the minerals don't allow anything to survive in the water. It was a fun outing and felt relatively safe.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitney Hall
4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We went for the first time today and it was such a cool experience! Warm water, snorkeling and swimming. Jon at the front desk was very thorough with his instructions. He was able to take the negativity of one man refusing to wear his life jacket and turn it into a positive experience for us all still. Would HIGHLY recommend!
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krista Jessen-Kiewicz
6 contributions
Nov 2021
I initially emailed as instructed by their voicemail to request a reservation for 6pm, I was given several time slots and was told to call back and reserve to pay upfront. I called several times that day and only got their recording. I sent another email stating that I had called several times, and was told it was too late that date to reserve and to call back the next day. I did this, again, 8 times received voicemail every time (I did leave a message with no call back), so I emailed again, only to receive an email back that all time slots but one was filled. If you going to instruct people to call and reserve ANSWER THE PHONE.
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy B
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Two reviews:
As a diver who likes to try new things to say that I did it, it's a 4. The crater is ~63' deep and ~60' wide. There are a few horizontal tubed swim-throughs. There's a skeleton on a wagon wheel to add of interest, along with a plastic crab with a skeleton hand on a wall. You need about 5 minutes for the dive. You can find the thermal vent on the bottom, but the volume is much less than described. I'm glad I did it so that I can say that I did.
From a facility, equipment, and people standpoint, I'm being generous by giving it a 2. We were a group of 3, two divers and a "soaker". We ended up paying for 2 divers and 3 soakers. When picking up scuba equipment, computer batteries were dead and fin heels ripped. The attendant did not know how to help people fit masks. He seemed upset that we had him exchange equipment. When exiting, there was an instructor talking to the attendant. I don't know if he was visiting, or worked there. He was totally full of BS although he thought he was impressive, including his work to "map ALL of the wrecks in the Great Lakes". By the way, I'm an instructor and we do our dives in the Great Lakes and St. Laurance River. He did not know what he was talking about.
If you are a diver and want to add the experience to your logbook, go for it. Just don't expect a lot from the crater and less from the staff.
As a diver who likes to try new things to say that I did it, it's a 4. The crater is ~63' deep and ~60' wide. There are a few horizontal tubed swim-throughs. There's a skeleton on a wagon wheel to add of interest, along with a plastic crab with a skeleton hand on a wall. You need about 5 minutes for the dive. You can find the thermal vent on the bottom, but the volume is much less than described. I'm glad I did it so that I can say that I did.
From a facility, equipment, and people standpoint, I'm being generous by giving it a 2. We were a group of 3, two divers and a "soaker". We ended up paying for 2 divers and 3 soakers. When picking up scuba equipment, computer batteries were dead and fin heels ripped. The attendant did not know how to help people fit masks. He seemed upset that we had him exchange equipment. When exiting, there was an instructor talking to the attendant. I don't know if he was visiting, or worked there. He was totally full of BS although he thought he was impressive, including his work to "map ALL of the wrecks in the Great Lakes". By the way, I'm an instructor and we do our dives in the Great Lakes and St. Laurance River. He did not know what he was talking about.
If you are a diver and want to add the experience to your logbook, go for it. Just don't expect a lot from the crater and less from the staff.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Saint Louis, MO151 contributions
Nov 2020
A unique experience, but really not a really great experience.
Very unusual formation of a giant rock dome, with a rather small opening at the top and a large clear mineral spring inside. Access is through a tunnel cut into the side. Access after going to the "activity center" which is rather run-down and then walk across the parking lot tot he rock dome. Bathrooms in the dome are nonexistent and the bathrooms at the activity center are outside in a rather filthy building. The tunnel is narrow and rather dirty since people have to walk in from the outside.
Not much to do except put on a life jacket and float in the water for an hour. Getting out is cold and somewhat miserable.
Scuba classes also going on which were actually more interesting.
Only room for about 20 or so in the pool at a time
Very unusual formation of a giant rock dome, with a rather small opening at the top and a large clear mineral spring inside. Access is through a tunnel cut into the side. Access after going to the "activity center" which is rather run-down and then walk across the parking lot tot he rock dome. Bathrooms in the dome are nonexistent and the bathrooms at the activity center are outside in a rather filthy building. The tunnel is narrow and rather dirty since people have to walk in from the outside.
Not much to do except put on a life jacket and float in the water for an hour. Getting out is cold and somewhat miserable.
Scuba classes also going on which were actually more interesting.
Only room for about 20 or so in the pool at a time
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura K
16 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The facility seems geared toward scuba divers and certifications so our one hour session was packed with a huge group of very loud scuba divers with stuff everywhere leaving no room for other swimmers. They should NOT book regular swimmers at the same time as scuba divers. It was very unfair to the swimmers who had no room to swim. Paying extra to snorkel is another waste because you can’t see anything. Tiny, tiny, tiny. The “changing rooms” are so tiny you can barely use them and they are in the very tiny entrance with little privacy. The tiny lockers are so old and small it would be difficult to store much more than a bathing suit and there are no locks. It was definitely NOT a peaceful or relaxing experience. Taking our money knowing we had no where to swim when the place was overrun with the scuba group was not right. It was $100 for our family of four to attend and it was a terrible experience. We would NOT recommend this excursion at all. Pass this one by.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone been lately to know how it is when at capacity (about 22 swimmers)? Are you able to maintain a safe social distance from other swimmers or is it v crowded in the crater w 20 people?
Written September 14, 2020
I would agree with the other individual. Although we were scuba diving, the crater is big enough to distance yourself from the crowds in the water. The check in process when you enter though requires a little more effort.
Written September 15, 2020
Cosmopolitan220358
Maui, Hawaii
Can our 3 year old go? And I’m 8 months pregnant?
Written January 8, 2020
I think you can both go. Everyone wears a life jacket. It’s wRm but not super hot. Look at the website or call to see what they say.
Written January 9, 2020
How far a walk is it to water and can you walk onto water or do you have to jump in?
Written June 16, 2019
Walk to water is about 100 yards from parking lot. You can enter via ladder.
Written June 16, 2019
Is there a way to dry your hair afterwards since you are going back out into the cold?
Written February 10, 2019
Hello, there are changing stalls inside the Crater but no power outlets. There is a restroom near the Activities Center that has outlets but it is about 50 yards away from the Crater. Hope that helps!
Written February 10, 2019
As far as I know, there is no public transportation from Park City to the Homestead. However, the Homestead runs a shuttle for skiers. Best to call over and see if there is anything that could work for you. Of course, Uber, Lyft and private taxis are an option.
Written January 27, 2019
Is there a place close by to rent diving gear or a local dive instructor to go with?
Written September 14, 2018
I know you can rent diving equipment right there and I believe you can take diving lessons. You can certainly call them and ask.
Written November 17, 2018
Can babies swim there? And do they need to pay? My daughter is 8 months old
Written August 3, 2018
Yes babies can swim. They just need a swim diaper.2 and under are free!
Written August 4, 2018
Yes, life vests are provided with the price of admission and they come in a variety of sizes. Dry isn't necessarily guaranteed, but you can probably find a dry one if you look.
Written July 10, 2017
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