We parted ways with Ryan in the morning and took a quick drive through Arches National Park to see a few of the more famous sights. I found Double Arch to be particularly impressive. We then drove west on Interstate 70, which passes through Capitol Reef and San Rafael Swell- spectacular wildernesses I have yet to explore. Worthy of road trips in their own rights.
Tucked against the hillside behind the small Mormon community of Monroe is the unassuming Mystic Hot Springs, which upwell along an active range-front fault. Here five bath tubs and two larger pools are overgrown by very active orange travertine terraces looking out on the agricultural valley below. The hillside is made up of older travertine deposits, suggesting it is a very long-lived spring.
The owner, Mystic Mike, has restored a couple hippie buses and old pioneer cabins which can be rented for very reasonable rates. We had a great night soaking in the hot springs by moonlight and were fortunate enough to have the whole place to ourselves. Taking a shower and sleeping in a bed made for welcome mid-road trip luxuries.
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