Laura Kay Young has soaked from Iceland's Blue Lagoon to Montana's Chico, and Green Canyon still made her top five. She admits it is an oddity and a bit dated, then promises it is worth the side quest, especially on a day when you have the place to yourself. With the old roof gone over the hot pool, she says you get sunsets and starlight instead.
She gives a nod to the huge indoor pool the swim teams use, teases the cold plunge crowd, and saves her favorite detail for last: on a busy day, the local gossip floating across the hot pool is half the fun.