BAKER HOT SPRINGS

March 15, 2016

Baker Hot Springs, Utah


Baker hot Springs is another remote geothermal feature containing hot springs and mineral deposits form millions of year worth of resurgence.

Baker Hot Springs, Utah
The Baker Hot Springs were formed and are still fed by the 6 million year old shield volcano known as Fumarole Butte. Aside from the Intermountain Power Plant, which is operated by and supplies power to the city of Los Angeles, you’re a solid 50 miles from anything resembling civilization.

Baker Hot Springs, Utah
 To the south is the community of Delta which is one of the few sources in the world for concentrated beryllium, a highly-toxic metal used in aerospace and military grade technology
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
The water itself went from Luke warm conditions, to almost a boiling hot condition with the different pots found around the area.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
In the center of it all, there appears to be a mineral deposit mound where uplift or seepage has erupted these deposits along with a small network of underground rivers that resurge and lose back underground within the area.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
There were 12-15 of these hot pots that had small streams flowing into each other with a underground system just below the surface.  When I was crossing over the brush land I actually stepped on a weak spot and broke through down to my knee which covered my shoes and pants with a salt and sulfur mixture.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
That was a bit surprising to fall through like that and thankfully I did not damage too much or fall deeper into a hot witches cauldron of boiling minerals.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
I was also scouting some potential dive leads that I thought might turn into something but ended up being duds except for two small sections of the springs were a big might be able to fit through the entrance and the passage might open up.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
Unfortunately the water must be at least 150 degrees and would require some wall shaving off the ceiling and side panel which does not really need to happen and a underwater survey of this passage is not necessary.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
Over by the tourist side, there are 3 bathtub like structures that allow bathers to soak in the mineral waters of the desert and with the remoteness of this area, you will prob have this place to yourself.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
I put my hands in the water and found it to be a bit cool so I am not sure if you have to open up some vault to let warmer water in but it was fairly cool to the hand.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
There were some interesting popcorn features left over by evaporating static mineral water and different colors of stained rock around the rims of the springs.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah

I also found that there were some microbial mats living in these waters which might have included bacterial mats but algae mats were apparent which I find very interesting. This is just another sign that in extreme environments, algae, planktons, and bacteria species can thrive which is something to be said for life on other planets.  

Baker Hot Springs, Utah
This is just another sign that in extreme environments, algae, planktons, and bacteria species can thrive which is something to be said for life on other planets.  
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
Other than the power planet that is 20 miles to the east, this place is really remote and you will not find many people (if anybody) upon your arrival.
Baker Hot Springs, Utah
The regional area is quite interesting as it is a geothermal active zone where the land is actually being spread apart below creating a thinner crust resulting in more heated pools of ground water to surface and evidence of volcanic activity as you will be able to see in the background. 
Baker Hot Springs, Utah


This is a great place to visit and I highly recommend everyone going here to view the springs and soak in the mineral baths.

Baker Hot Springs, Utah
FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/exploration-worldwide/albums/72157663605538184

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