Best Idaho Hot Springs

If you are looking for the best Idaho hot springs, you have come to the right place. I haven’t soaked in every Idaho hot spring – there are more than 300 in the state! – but I have visited a bunch.

As I continue to explore the many hot springs Idaho has to offer, I will add them here. And if you are out hot potting and want to add one, just let me know in the comments.

The best hot springs in Idaho are located in the central part of the state among towering mountains and wild rivers. I like to combine hot spring soaks with hiking/backpacking in the summer or skiing in the winter.

I’m always impressed with the cute towns in Idaho. Stanley and McCall are small, but filled with charm and perfect for a basecamp or jumping off point.

The larger towns – Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls— have a lot to offer, too. I think Idaho is becoming a more popular place to visit for tourists, especially outdoor-focused travelers like myself, but it still feels mostly wild and remote.

How To Use the Best Idaho Hot Springs Guide

I am dividing this into various sections to help you find the best hot springs in Idaho based on location, whether it is undeveloped (natural) or a resort.

• (N) = Natural Hot Springs in Idaho (undeveloped hot springs)
• (R) = Hot Springs Resorts in Idaho (developed hot springs)

Start with the map of Idaho hot springs if you are already visiting the state and want to find a hot spring near you. Or, it might aid you in planning an Idaho road trip.

In addition to the hot springs Idaho map, I am listing the hot pools according to which city or town they are near.

If you are looking for the best natural hot springs, you can check that section. Of course, all the hot springs here are “natural.” They are formed by hot water flowing or gushing out of the ground. I am calling the undeveloped hot springs “natural.”

You will also find Idaho hot springs resorts listed in this guide. “Resort” is kind of a loose term. I simply mean it has other amenities, like lodging, and the hot spring flow is directed into a pool. The hot spring resorts have various levels of fanciness. Some are downright shabby and others are more high end.

For a hot springs campground, Idaho resorts are a good place to look. Additionally, some of the hot springs are a short walk  or drive from National Forest campgrounds.

Hot Springs Near Idaho

To extend your hot springs in Idaho trip, take a look at my Montana hot springs post. Depending on where you are in Idaho, a Montana spring may be closer.

Hot Spring Etiquette

Always, always test the water before getting in. There are reports of pets and people hopping into hot springs and being severely burned, or dying. Temperatures of the hot springs fluctuate, so just because you soaked in a hot pot one day, doesn’t mean it’s safe the next day. Or even the next hour.

Take along a temperature gun (digital infrared thermometer) to safely measure the temperature of a hot spring without having to touch the water.

If there are already soakers in a hot spring when you arrive and there is plenty of room for your party, feel free to ask to join them. Some hot springs are large enough for many soakers, but a lot of the pools are smaller and fit just a few. If there isn’t room, I think it’s ok to let them know you will wait just out of site for them to finish their soak. Most people will let you know how much longer they plan to soak. Idaho’s hot springs can get crowded, so be prepared to wait, or go on off times, or look for hot springs with multiple pools. The hot pots right off the road will be more crowded than the ones you have to walk a bit to get to (except Goldbug – that’s crazy crowded and requires a hike). Skinny dipping in Idaho: There are a few hot springs which have signs indicating you can’t skinny dip, but most of the wild, or natural, hot springs are clothing optional. Clearly, if you can see the road, you should keep your clothes on, but many are up to your discretion. I generally see what other people are doing when I get there. The farther you get from the road, the more appropriate it is to get naked.

Map of Hot Springs in Idaho

Hot Springs in Idaho

Hot Springs in Northern Idaho

Riggins Hot Springs (closed, for sale) (R)

If you want to buy a hot springs resort, Idaho has a lovely one for you.

Riggins Hot Springs sits above the Salmon River and has a long history of use. Native Americans drank its healing waters and soaked in the medicinal mud baths. In the 1860s, miners, hunters, traders, and trappers stopped at the “Fountain of Youth.”  Riggins Hot Springs served as a communal bathing area from 1935 through the early 1970s when it was purchased and turned into a private residence.

In 1991 “The Lodge” at Riggins Hot Springs opened to the public. It is now closed and for sale. Whereas Clara and Fred Riggins purchased the springs for six $20 gold pieces in 1900, you can buy this northern Idaho hot springs and its 1.5 miles of riverfront property it for $6.2 million.

Highway 12 – Best Hot Springs, Idaho

Stanley Hot Springs (N)

It takes a little effort to get to Stanley Hot Springs, which is not near Stanley Idaho, but rather in northern Idaho. You would think the 11-mile round trip hike would keep more people away than it does. Still, it’s a lovely hot spring and worth a visit. It’s a tough hike.

These backcountry hot springs flow through a couple pools before joining the creek. Bathers have built rock and log pools and you can control the temperature a little bit by moving rocks to let in more or less cold creek water.

The trailhead is in the Wilderness Gateway Campground on the Lochsa River. We spent the night here, but others backpack in and camp near the spring. A lot of people camp near the spring.

Stanley Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Stanley Hot Spring lodging in Kamiah, Idaho (about 1 hour west) or stay at the Wilderness Gateway Campground (you can make a reservation through recreation.gov.) There are several other National Forest campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Stanley Hot Springs: From Kooskia, Idaho, drive 48.2 miles east on Highway 12 (85.2 miles west of Lolo, Montana) to Wilderness Gateway Campground. Pass Loops A and B. Trail 211 will be on your left just before the second bridge. Parking is just beyond the bridge over Boulder Creek.

Follow trail 211 five miles to a signed junction. Go right on Trail 221 “to Huckleberry Flat.” Ford Boulder Creek and continue south along the edge of Huckleberry Creek where you will see soaking pools in a large clearing above the trail.

Stanley Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Stanley Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Weir Creek Hot Springs (N)

I first visited Weir Creek Hot Springs in 1995 and these north Idaho hot springs were popular then. It has since become even more well visited, especially for people coming from Missoula. But, by getting there early, we’ve been able to have some time to ourselves in the pools.

A lot of people camp between the trailhead and the hot springs, so don’t be too concerned if the parking lot has a handful of cars. There were about ten on our most recent visit and only three parties using the hot springs.

It’s a lovely, but uphill, 0.5 mile walk to the hot springs, through the trees.

The main pool is on a slab of rock above Weir Creek and looks over the forest and creek. If that one is full, clamber down to the creek and look for a rock lined pool just upstream from the hot spring cascade. If you are really adventurous, climb uphill from the main pool to find another, hot pool.

Weir Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay:  Find the best deals on Weir Creek Hot Spring lodging in Kamiah, Idaho (about 1.5 hours west) or stay at the Wilderness Gateway Campground (you can make a reservation through recreation.gov.) There are several other National Forest campgrounds in the area.

Lolo, Montana is about 1 hour, 20 minutes east. Find lodging in Lolo, Montana. There are a ton of hotels in Missoula, about 20 minutes from Lolo.

Directions to Weir Creek Hot Springs: From Kooskia, Idaho drive 68 miles east on Highway 12. From Lolo, Montana, drive 66 miles west on Highway 12. The parking area is on the north side of the road across from the Lochsa River barely east of milepost 142. There is a vault toilet in the parking lot.

Weir Creek Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Weir Creek Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs (N)

Jerry Johnson may be one of the most popular hot springs northern Idaho has to offer thanks to its proximity to Missoula, Montana.

Cross the Warm Springs Pack Bridge over the Lochsa River and head to the right along the well marked trail. It’s about a mile walk through the forest parallel to Warm Springs Creek.

The first pools are the “Waterfall Pools” below the trail. You might walk right past them if you aren’t looking. While these pools are beautiful, it’s hard to find a spot that isn’t freezing or boiling, at least in mid-summer. They become more enjoyable later in the summer when the creek drops, but there is still enough cold water to mix in.

The trail crosses the second hot spring creek as it makes its way to Warm Springs Creek. There are a handful of pools of varying temperature.

The third set of pools is above the second set in the meadow. These pools are pretty silty, but a great soaking temperature.

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Jerry Johnson Hot Spring lodging in Kamiah, Idaho (about 1.75 hours west) or stay at the Wilderness Gateway Campground (you can make a reservation through recreation.gov.) There are several other National Forest campgrounds in the area.

Lolo, Montana is about 1 hour east. Find lodging in Lolo, Montana. There are a ton of hotels in Missoula, about 20 minutes from Lolo.

Directions to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: From Kooskia, Idaho drive 78 miles east on Highway 12. From Lolo, Montana, drive 56 miles west on Highway 12. The parking area is on the north side of the road across from the Lochsa River between mileposts 151 and 152. There are vault toilets in the large parking lot and trash bins.

Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Hot Spring Hours: 6 am – 8 pm

Lolo Hot Springs (Montana) (R)

Lolo Hot Springs is just over the Idaho – Montana border in Montana, but I am including it here since it’s so close to Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek Hot Springs.

Native people have been using the springs since long before Lewis and Clark passed through in 1805. There are indoor and outdoor hot springs and pools (depending on the season), a bar, a restaurant, and a casino. The facility includes gaming machines, golf course, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, hunting and fishing, cabin rentals, RV site rentals, tents, and campgrounds.

You can read more about it in my Montana Hot Springs post.

Lolo Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Lolo Hot Spring lodging at the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs or at one of the hotels in Missoula, about 45 minutes away.

Directions to Lolo Hot Springs:

Lolo Hot Springs Prices: (8/20): Senior ($6.00), Adult ($7.00), Kids 5-12 ($5.00), Under 5 (free)

Lolo Hot Springs Hours: (Summer) Sunday-Thursday 10 am-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am-midnight, (Winter) Sunday-Thursday 10 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am-midnight.

Hot Springs Southern Idaho

Hot Springs Near Boise, Idaho

While there aren’t any hot springs in Boise, Idaho, or even very close, there are a lot not too far away. The largest city in Idaho, and the state capital, can be a good springboard or basecamp for exploring hot springs in southwest Idaho.

For other Idaho hot springs near Boise (within an hour or two drive) look to the sections on hot springs near Lowman or Twin Falls.

Roystone Hot Springs (R)

The closest you can get to Boise hot springs is Roystone. This Idaho hot springs resort includes a pool and hot tub, along with camping and RV sites, a wedding venue, and recreation area with sports closet.

Roystone Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Roystone Hot Spring lodging or stay in one of the hotels in Boise (less than an hour away).

Directions to Roystone Hot Springs: Do NOT use GPS to find Roystone. They are located at milepost 44 on Hwy 52, halfway between Emmett and Horseshoe Bend. 7882 N. Hwy 52  Sweet, ID 83670

Roystone Hot Springs Prices: Open pool/tub ($8), Private pool rental ($24+)

Hot Spring Hours: Check their site as there are a lot of activities in the pool throughout the day.

Atlanta Trailhead Hot Springs (N)

The Atlanta Trailhead, 90 miles northeast of Boise, is the starting point for access to nearly 15 hot springs. Since I have not visited any of the Atlanta, Idaho hot springs, yet, I recommend looking up the details in Evie Litton’s Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest.

Directions to Atlanta Trailhead Hot Springs: Be prepared for gravel and dirt roads. The nearest gas station is in Idaho City. From Boise, take I-84 east to Mountain Home. Then drive north on US-20. Follow Forest Road 61 to Featherville, then 156 to Rocky Bar. Then 126 to 268 and into Atlanta. You will pass 11 hot springs along the way, including Trinity Hot Springs Idaho Resort (Paradise Hot Springs Idaho).

The Springs, Idaho City (R)

The hot springs, Idaho City is Instagram famous for their private hot tub looking into the forest. It’s lovely. They also have a larger pool and hot tub, cafe, and lodging.

The Idaho City hot springs have an adult-only policy three days of the week. They offer bodywork and live music.

For more Idaho Springs hot springs, check out the natural hot springs near Atlanta.

The Springs Idaho City

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on The Springs Idaho City lodging on Airbnb. I love this cute cabin. Or stay at Inn the Pines, which is owned by the folks at The Springs.

Hotels in Nampa are the closest major hotels.

Directions to The Springs Idaho: 3742 Highway 21, Idaho City, Idaho

The Springs Prices: Day pass: Adults ($20), Kids 12 and under ($14). Private tubs: 18+ only ($45/hour/2 people). Be sure to make a reservation.

The Springs Hours: Monday (11 am – 10 pm), Tuesday (closed), Wednesday-Friday (11 am – 10 pm, 18+ only all day and night), Saturday (11 am – 10 pm), Sunday (11 am – 10pm, family day with special pricing).

Hot Springs Near Cascade, Idaho

Cascade is perched on the edge of Cascade Lake between Boise and McCall. The hot springs Cascade, Idaho has to offer are a bit outside of town to the east.

Check the next section – hot springs McCall, Idaho – for other hot pots near Cascade. Gold Fork Hot Springs, for instance, is between Cascade and McCall.

There are several hot springs just off of Warm Lake Road (Molly’s Tubs, Molly’s Hot Spring, and Vulcan Hot Springs, Penny Hot Spring), but since I haven’t visited those, yet, I’ve stuck to describing only Trail Creek Hot Spring.

Turning north from Warm Lake Road to Forest Road 474, you can access Mile 16 Hot Spring, which I write about below, as well as Penny Hot Spring, Darling’s Cabin Hot Spring, Teapot Hot Spring, and Buckhorn Hot Spring – all along the South Fork of the Salmon River.

Trail Creek Hot Springs (N)

There are a few pools in Trail Creek for soaking. Over the years, they’ve been fortified with concrete and other building materials, but it still looks mostly natural. Pipes allow cold creek water into a couple of the pools and can be used to regulate the temperature for a perfect Goldilocks soak.

We visited in the winter and it is easy to access year round, though you may need AWD or chains in winter. It was a nice stop on the way to McCall from Boise and part of an Idaho winter road trip.

Trail Creek Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Trail Creek Hot Spring lodging in Cascade or hotels in McCall. Alternatively, there are Forest Service Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Trail Creek Hot Springs: From Cascade, drive 19 miles northeast on Warm Lake Road. There is a pullout on the right 0.04 miles past mile marker 61. It’s a slippery walk, but super short, to the creek (at least in winter). It’s called Samuel’s Hot Springs on Google Maps.

Trail Creek Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Trail Creek Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Mile 16 (Sugah) Hot Springs (N)

This undeveloped hot spring sits along the edge of the Salmon River. With its sandy/gravel bottom, it’s a comfortable place to sit and watch the river go by and take in the sylvan landscape. You may need four-wheel drive and/or tire chains to access it in the winter. It’s also called “16-Mile Hot Springs,” and “Fire Crew Hot Springs.”

Mile 16 Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Mile 16 Hot Spring lodging in Cascade or hotels in McCall. Alternatively, there are Forest Service Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Mile 16 Hot Springs: From Cascade, drive 24 miles northeast on Warm Lake Road and turn left on Forest Road 474/674. Drive 16.8 miles (1.8 miles beyond Poverty Flat Campground) to a small pullout. Make sure you are all the way off the road so you do not get ticketed.

Mile 16 Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Mile 16 Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Hot Springs Near McCall, Idaho

There are both developed and undeveloped McCall, Idaho hot springs. McCall is one of my favorite towns in Idaho and it has so many recreational opportunities – summer or winter.

The town sits at the edge of Payette Lake, surrounded by National Forest, and just a few miles from Brundage Mountain – a downhill ski area with the “best snow in Idaho.”

There aren’t any hot springs in McCall, Idaho, but you can get a hotel room with a hot tub. And it’s not far to find a hot plunge in a pool or along a creek.

Check the hot springs near Cascade (above) for other McCall hot springs.

Krigbaum (Last Chance) Hot Springs (N) (CLOSED!)

CLOSED – Private Property

EDIT: Krigbaum Hot Springs has new owners as of 2021 and there is NO TRESPASSING. 

The closest hot springs McCall, Idaho has to offer is Krigbaum or Last Chance Hot Springs.

A rocky pool sits above the creek and is filled via an overhead pipe. This is a popular hot spring. When we visited there was already a family in the pool who had just arrived, so we didn’t soak. But. it looked nice.

Krigbaum Hot Springs Idaho

Zims Hot Springs (R)

Zims Hot Springs was purchased by the New Perce tribe in 2019 after being run by the Dixon family since the 1970s.

Zims Hot Springs features outdoor pools fed by natural mineral water from an artesian well that is cooled by the waters of the Little Salmon River and treated with chlorine.

Zims’ facilities include a small soaking pool (100-105-degrees F), a larger pool (90-100-degrees F), restrooms, picnic area, handicap access, a bike path, and RV spots 7 days a week. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Zims Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Zims Hot Spring lodging at hotels in McCall. Alternatively, there are Forest Service Campgrounds in the area. Or camp right in the Zims Campground.

Directions to Zims Hot Springs: 2995 Zims Rd., New Meadows, ID

Zims Hot Spring Prices: Seniors ($8 ), Adults ($10), Kids 3-17 ($6)

Zims Hot Spring Hours: Monday/Tuesday (closed), Wednesday-Friday (12 pm – 9 pm), Saturday/Sunday (8 am – 5 pm).

Burgdorf Hot Springs (R)

This rustic resort is surrounded by Payette National Forest and offers a large (100-degrees F) swimming pool and two smaller hot pools (113-degrees F). Extra adventure comes from the fact that hot springs are only accessible by snowmobile in winter.

Burgdorf Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Burgdorf Hot Spring lodging at hotels in McCall or at Burgdorf Hot Springs in one of their rustic cabins (no electricity or water). You may also camp in the surrounding National Forest.

Directions to Burgdorf Hot Springs: From McCall, drive north about 28 miles on Warren Wagon Road. Turn left on Burgdorf Rd/ Forest Road 246 and continue 1.7 miles. The total drive is about an hour. The hot springs are only accessible by snowmobile in winter.

Burgdorf  Hot Spring Prices: Check the website for up to date information.

Burgdorf  Hot Spring Hours:Check the website for up to date information.

Gold Fork Hot Springs (R)

Gold Fork Hot Springs, between McCall and Cascade, is great for families with small children. They offer six mineral pools in natural rock formations with a flow-through system, and a small, sand-bottomed kiddie pool. They have heated changing rooms and you can bring your own picnic (no glass). And it’s cash only.

Gold Fork Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Gold Fork Hot Springs lodging in Cascade or hotels in McCall. Alternatively, there are Forest Service Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Gold Fork Hot Springs: 1026 Gold Fork Road, Donnelly ID

Gold Fork Hot Spring Prices: Adults ($10), Kids 2-9 ($5)

Gold Fork Hot Spring Hours: Wednesday – Monday (12 pm – 9 pm), Tuesday (closed)

Hot Springs Near Lowman, Idaho

There are several hot springs near Lowman, Idaho accessed from the Banks-Lowman Highway (Highway 17) in the Boise National Forest.

The road passes through the tiny town of Crouch. From Crouch, you can drive north on Forest Road 698 to get to a handful of hot springs. You can find out more about the Crouch, Idaho hot springs in Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest.

We haven’t visited these, yet, so I am sharing Lowman hot springs along the Banks-Lowman Highway from west to east, including Garden Valley hot springs.

Bronco Billy (Deer Creek) Hot Spring (N)

Bronco Billy was a great little Idaho hot spring until 1996. Then a mudslide made it too cold for soaking.

It was December 31 when mudslides on both sides of the river damned the Payette River at the spring and covered the highway with water. It took three weeks to open the highway and the spring was never the same.

Bronco Billy Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Bronco Billy Hot Spring lodging in Boise (1 hour from Banks), hotels in Cascade (45 minutes from Banks), or lodging in Lowman, Idaho. There are also several National Forest campgrounds.

Directions to Bronco Billy Hot Springs: From Banks, take the Banks-Lowman Road east to a pullout at mile marker 4. When we were there, the mile marker itself was missing, so look for the big pullout on the river side of the road a mile from mile marker 3 or 5.

Skinny Dipper Hot Springs  (closed) (N)

Skinny Dipper hot springs is closed until June 21, 2021 as the BLM restores the access and trail and pools. Skinny Dipper was considered one of Idaho’s most abused hot springs – a dubious distinction.

Before the closure, the trail could be found across the road from the pullout (the same pullout as used for Bronco Billy). The trail switchbacked about 0.5 miles up a steep hillside to 3-4 pools.

The trail was known to be super muddy after a rain (remember, this is the same area as the mudslides of 1996 (see Bronco Billy). It was also challenging when icy.

We will see what it looks like when it reopens in 2021.

Skinny Dipper Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Skinny Dipper Hot Spring lodging in Boise (1 hour from Banks), hotels in Cascade (45 minutes from Banks), or lodging in Lowman, Idaho. There are also several National Forest campgrounds.

Directions to Skinny Dipper Hot Springs: From Banks, take the Banks-Lowman Road east to a pullout at mile marker 4. When we were there, the mile marker itself was missing, so look for the big pullout on the river side of the road a mile from mile marker 3 or 5.

Campground Hot Springs (N)

For another Garden Valley, Idaho hot springs, try Campground. This one is still open. Like many Idaho hot springs adjacent to roads, this one is likely to be busy.

There are two pools, one at the river and one above it. Water is piped in from the hot spring to the shallow upper pool. There’s also an ugly concrete slab near the river that used to be a bathhouse.

Campground Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Campground Hot Spring lodging in Boise (1 hour from Banks), hotels in Cascade (45 minutes from Banks), or lodging in Lowman, Idaho. There are also several National Forest campgrounds.

Hot Springs Campground is directly across the road from the hot springs pullout.

Directions to Campground Hot Springs: Look for a large pullout on the river-side of the road between mile markers 13 and 14 on the Banks-Lowman Road. From the east end of the pullout, steps lead down to the hot springs and the river.

Campground Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Campground Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Pine Flats Hot Spring (N)

Pine Flats Hot Spring is an absolute delight.

From the west end of the small parking lot (there is a bigger one almost adjacent and to the east), follow the 0.03-mile trail to the river. As you approach the spring flowing down the side of a rocky cliff, you can go left and down to pools near the river, or right and up to the hottest pools perched atop the cliff.

We walked to the river and then climbed a short (easy) bit up the cliff to a pool about halfway up. It was a perfect summer soaking temperature. A rock blocks the view from below so if feels very private, but not the river and tree vistas from the pool.

There is also a great swimming hole at the river.

Pine Flats Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Pine Flats Hot Spring lodging in Boise (1 hour from Banks), hotels in Cascade (45 minutes from Banks), or lodging in Lowman, Idaho. There are also several National Forest campgrounds.

Directions to Pine Flats Hot Springs: Pine Flats Campground is just a smidge west of mile marker 28 on the Banks-Lowman Road and around 5 miles west of Lowman.

Pine Flats Hot Spring Prices: There is a $5 day use fee for the parking area. Or display the America the Beautiful All Access Pass (National Parks Pass). You could probably park on the highway and walk through the campground if you really didn’t want to pay.

Pine Flats Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Kirkham Hot Springs (N)

It’s pretty much guaranteed you will be sharing Kirkham Hot Springs with others, unless you hit it just right. It’s a very popular spot, both because it’s a lovely hot spring and it’s so easy to access. You can see it from the highway as you drive by.

There are several sand and rock bottomed pools along with a couple hot springs waterfalls/cascades. When we were there, several large families were hanging out and people were jumping from the big rocks into a deep swimming hole.

Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Kirkham Hot Springs lodging at nearby Haven Hot Springs Resort: Haven Hot Springs Room #1 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #2 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #3 (sleeps 3), Haven Hot Springs Room #4 (sleeps 4), Teardrop trailer (sleeps 2). There are several of cute Airbnb rentals in Lowman, including some yurts near hot springs and a river view log cabin with hot tub.

Or stay at the Kirkham Campground or one of the other nearby Forest Service campgrounds.

Directions to Kirkham Hot Springs: From Lowman, drive 4 miles east on state Route 21 to the Kirkham Campground between mile markers 76 and 77. Cross the bridge into the campground and turn right to the trailhead. There is a very short path at the east end of the parking area that leads down to the river.

Kirkham Hot Spring Prices: There is a $5 day use fee for the parking area. Or display the America the Beautiful All Access Pass (National Parks Pass). You can also park for free in a big pullout just before the entrance to the campground and trailhead.

Kirkham Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Haven Hot Springs (R)

We didn’t stay here, but stopped to check it out. A family was enjoying the pool and people seemed to be having a great time. It looks like a nice winter spot, but kind of exposed and hot in the summer.

The café serves homemade food using organic ingredients and each room has a private, fenced in hot tub.

This Lowman, Idaho hot springs hotel has a pool, private hot tubs, motel rooms, full hook up RV spots, tent camping, 24-hour gas, and a café.

Haven Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Haven Hot Springs lodging at Haven Hot Springs Resort: Haven Hot Springs Room #1 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #2 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #3 (sleeps 3), Haven Hot Springs Room #4 (sleeps 4), Teardrop trailer (sleeps 2). There are several of cute Airbnb rentals in Lowman, including some yurts near hot springs and a river view log cabin with hot tub.

Or stay at the Kirkham Campground or one of the other nearby Forest Service campgrounds.

Directions to Haven Hot Springs: From Lowman, drive 4 miles east on state Route 21 to Haven Hot Springs Resort on the north side of the road between mile markers 76 and 77.

Haven Hot Spring Prices: $10/person if you are not staying there. You can pay on the Haven website or at the café

Haven Hot Spring Hours: 10 am -8 pm

Bonneville Hot Springs (N)

It’s just a 0.25-mile walk down a well worn path to these hot springs flowing down a hillside and into the appropriately named Warm Springs Creek.

There is an old, wooden bath house at the top of the hill with a porcelain bathtub inside. It’s easy to fill and empty (and private), but it seemed a little gross to me.

Several large pools along the edge of Warm Spring Creek make for lovely soaking pools. Their temperatures can be adjusted by moving rocks, allowing more or less cold creek water in.

Given the ease of access and the popular campground, these springs tend to be busy.

Bonneville Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Bonneville Hot Springs lodging in Lowman (19.5 miles southwest) or Stanley (40 miles east). Haven Hot Springs Resort (15 miles southwest): Haven Hot Springs Room #1 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #2 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #3 (sleeps 3), Haven Hot Springs Room #4 (sleeps 4), Teardrop trailer (sleeps 2). There are several of cute Airbnb rentals in Lowman, including some yurts near hot springs and a river view log cabin with hot tub.

In Stanley, we like the Stanley High Country Inn or the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Bonneville Hot Springs: Look for the Bonneville Campground on State Route 21 between mile markers 41 and 42. Drive to the back of the campground to a parking area.

Bonneville Hot Spring Prices: There is a $5 day use fee for the parking area. Or display the America the Beautiful All Access Pass (National Parks Pass).

Bonneville Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Sacajawea Hot Springs (N)

Sacajawea Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs in Idaho. It may be because we had the pools to ourselves and spent hours soaking and staring at the scenery. It’s also because it’s a ways off the highway and feels more like a wilderness experience than the many highway adjacent springs in Idaho.

That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of people in the area on a summer weekend. Several campgrounds and trailheads are accessed from the same forest road.

There are several pools along the banks of the South Fork Payette River, which vary a bit from year to year, depending on how people build them up. Temperature can be adjusted by moving rocks around and letting in more or less water.

Just upstream from the hot pools, we found a great beach. It would be a lovely place to spend the day alternating between swimming in the river and soaking in the hot pots.

Just a mile past the hot springs is one of the main gateways to trails into the Sawtooth Mountains. After a day hike or a few days on the trail, a soak in Sacajawea Hot Springs could be amazing.

Sacajawea Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Sacajawea Hot Spring lodging nearby. The Sawtooth Lodge is less than a mile from Sacajawea Hot Springs and has ten cabins to rent, an RV park, and tent sites (see more in the next listing).

Check for lodging in Lowman (19.5 miles southwest) or Stanley (40 miles east). Haven Hot Springs Resort (15 miles southwest): Haven Hot Springs Room #1 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #2 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #3 (sleeps 3), Haven Hot Springs Room #4 (sleeps 4), Teardrop trailer (sleeps 2).

There are several of cute Airbnb rentals in Lowman, including some yurts near hot springs and a river view log cabin with hot tub.

In Stanley, we like the Stanley High Country Inn or the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Sacajawea Hot Springs: From Bonneville Hot Springs, it’s just two miles on State Route 21 to the right turn on Forest Road 534/Grandjean Road. It’s about 21 miles northeast of Lowman and 36.5 miles (and a left turn) from Stanley. Drive up Forest Road 534 about 4.8 miles to signed Wapiti Junction. Stay straight another 0.06 miles and find a place to pull over. We parked at a “no fireworks” sign and there were a few other pullouts beyond that. Make sure you park all of the way off the narrow road. Huge RVs drive to the Sawtooth Lodge a bit beyond the hot springs and need all the space they can get.

From your parking spot, find a user trail to get to the river just below.

Sacajawea Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Sacajawea Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Sawtooth Lodge (R)

The Sawtooth Lodge is still labeled as Grandjean Lodge on some maps, but it’s called Sawtooth these days, thanks to its location on the west side of the Sawtooth Range.

The 104 degree geothermal-heated pool is available for day use as well as for guests of the lodge. The water comes from Sacajawea Hot Springs (see above listing). It’s a basic swimming pool filled with hot spring water.

The Lodge also has a small store and restaurant.

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: The Sawtooth Lodge has ten cabins to rent, an RV park, and tent sites.

Check for lodging in Lowman (19.5 miles southwest) or Stanley (40 miles east). Haven Hot Springs Resort (15 miles southwest): Haven Hot Springs Room #1 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #2 (sleeps 4), Haven Hot Springs Room #3 (sleeps 3), Haven Hot Springs Room #4 (sleeps 4), Teardrop trailer (sleeps 2).

There are several of cute Airbnb rentals in Lowman, including some yurts near hot springs and a river view log cabin with hot tub.

In Stanley, we like the Stanley High Country Inn or the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs: Take State Route 21 northeast from Lowman 21.3 miles. From Stanley, drive 36.5 miles west. Turn east on Forest Road 534/Grandjean Road. Drive about 4.8 miles to signed Wapiti Junction. Stay straight another mile to Sawtooth Lodge.

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Spring Prices: Adults ($10), Kids ($5)

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Spring Hours: Closed Tuesdays

Hot Springs Near Stanley, Idaho

As you get closer to Stanley, Idaho hot springs start showing up along the river in all directions. For hot springs west of Stanley, check the section above on hot springs near Lowman. Sacajawea and Sawtooth Lodge are west of Stanley.

You can also check hot springs near Salmon, as Challis and Goldbug are between Stanley and Salmon.

Mountain Village Resort (R)

If you are looking for hot springs in Stanley, Idaho, look no further than the barn-like building at the Mountain Village Resort. The natural hot spring is piped into a pool inside a barn. Open the doors for a gorgeous view and the subject of many an Instagram photo.

The pool fits 8 people and the resort will book that many, so you may not have a private hot tub.

Hot Springs at Mountain Village Resort Idaho

Where to Stay:We like the Stanley High Country Inn or stay right at the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Mountain Village Resort: 3 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley, ID 83278

Mountain Village Resort Hot Spring Prices: Free to guests and around $30/hour for others.

Mountain Village Resort Hot Spring Hours: By reservation only!

Boat Box (Elkhorn) Hot Spring (N)

The natural hot springs Stanley, Idaho may be most known for is probably Boat Box Hot Spring. It is right off the road and highly visible, thus popular at all times of year.

Hot water is directed into what looks like a giant cauldron, but is really a welded buoy. The pipe can be moved to pour more very-hot water into the tub, or directed out of the tub. There is usually a bucket nearby to collect water from the Salmon River to cool the pot down.

The soaking tub used to be a wooden box and rafters would stop on their way down river, hence the name.

Boat Box Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Boat Box Hot Springs lodging in Stanley.  We like the Stanley High Country Inn or stay right at the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Boat Box Hot Springs: From Stanley, drive east on Highway 75. The pullout for the hot spring is between mile markers 192 and 193 at the bend in the road.

Boat Box Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Boat Box Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Sunbeam Hot Springs (N)

This is another popular hot spring, just off the road near Stanley. It was quite crowded when we were there, both with people soaking in the springs and river, and folks stopping to look.

There is an old stone bathhouse next to road with an interpretive sign. There is also a new bathroom/changing room at the site. From there, steps lead down to the river and the hot spring pools.

The hot spring water is piped under the highway from the spring on the other side. It flows into the river and users have made stone lined pools along the edge. It’s pretty easy to adjust the pool to a temperature that works for you.

Sunbeam Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Sunbeam Hot Springs lodging in Stanley. We like the Stanley High Country Inn or stay right at the Mountain Village Resort where you can reserve time in their hot tub in a barn. There are several Airbnbs in Stanley, Idaho, including some really cute tiny houses.

Of course, there are lots of National Forest Campgrounds in the area.

Directions to Sunbeam Hot Springs: From Stanley, drive 11 miles east on Highway 75. There is a large pullout on the river side of the road.

Sunbeam Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Sunbeam Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Challis Hot Springs (R)

This cute resort has two hot spring fed pools. One is swimming temperature and the other is hot! Both have gravel bottoms and the spring water percolates up from below. The pools are drained nightly. There are changing rooms and shower house.

You must be 18 to use the pools unless you are staying there. In which case, kids can use the pools with an adult.

The RV and tent camping sites are lovely and right along the Salmon River. I especially loved all the flowers. This is one of my favorite hot springs resorts Idaho has to offer.

Challis Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Challis Hot Springs lodging on their website.

Directions to Challis Hot Springs: From the junction of 75 and 93 in Challis, drive southeast on US-93 1.5 miles. Turn left on Hot Springs Road and drive 2.7 miles. Turn left on Challis Hot Springs Road and continue 2.4 miles to the hot springs. It is well signed.

Challis Hot Spring Prices: Free if you are staying there, $10 for the 18+ public.

Challis Hot Spring Hours: Not sure, but the pools are drained at night.

Hot Springs Near Salmon, Idaho

Salmon, Idaho is a conservative, tourist town and a jumping off point for outdoor recreation. Salmon is a hunting, fishing, and river running gateway on the edge of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in central Idaho. It’s known as the birthplace of Sacajawea. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center is well worth a visit.

There are quite a few Salmon, Idaho hot springs spread out in almost every direction from the town.

Panther Hot Springs (N)

I really love Panther Hot Springs. It’s a haul to get back there, but worth it. I’ve read that it’s a popular spot, but we spent almost two hours there and didn’t see anyone at the hot spring nor on the road up to it.

The hot spring itself flows over a mound of travertine on a hillside into aptly named Hot Springs Creek. It looks like a mini Yellowstone.

At the top of the hill, there’s a little sauna where you can sit and enjoy steam coming up from below.

Along the creek, we found three or four rock-walled pools of varying degrees of warmth, from chilly to quite hot. Like many of these hot springs pools, the temperature can be adjusted by moving rocks and adjusting the cold water intake. The cold water stream can dry up in late summer making it too hot to soak. There have been reports of dogs and people getting severely burned, so check the temperature before getting in.

We sat there for over an hour,  just gazing up the hillside and into the ponderosa pines and wildflowers. By mid-afternoon there is a quite a bit of shade.

According to Evie Litton’s Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest, Panther Creek used to be called Big Creek and Panther Hot Springs was Big Creek Hot Springs. “The name changed in the 1920s when someone reportedly went shooting ever panther in sight until the creek was littered with them.” So, there’s that. It seems kind of appropriate for one of the Salmon hot springs.

Panther Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Panther Hot Spring lodging in Salmon, Idaho. The Super 8 is probably your best bet for a hotel in Salmon. It’s newer and clean and nice for a Super 8. The Stagecoach Inn is dated, but ask for a river view room – the location is great. There isn’t a lot to choose form.

This cabin on the North Fork River will get you even closer to Panther Hot Springs and still close to Salmon. And there are other Airbnbs in Salmon, Idaho or nearby.

There are campgrounds along Panther Creek, but people obviously camp in and around the parking area for the hot springs, too.

Directions to Panther Hot Springs: From Salmon, Idaho drive north on US Highway 93 for 21 miles to North Fork. From here, it’s an hour and 15 minutes to Panther Hot Springs. Drive west on Salmon River Road 26 miles. Just before Panther Creek and Duncan’s Outpost, turn left onto Panther Creek Road. Drive 4 miles to Forest Road 60. Turn left and go up the hill (hoping no one comes down because it is narrow, winding, and has steep drop offs) for another four miles.

Apparently you can drive part way up in winter – until it gets too icy. I am not sure where you’d pull over to park, though.

You’ll see a random arrow sign and then a big pullout. It looks like the road ends here, but you could theoretically keep driving. I would not attempt it in a car, though.

Walk south from the parking area, through an obvious campsite and toward the creek. Cross the creek on a bridge and follow the trail about 0.25 miles. You will see the pools and a big travertine mound when you get to the hot springs.

Panther Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Panther Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Goldbug Hot Springs (N)

The name Goldbug is synonymous with Idaho hot springs. It’s one of the most popular in the state, despite having to walk 2 miles uphill to get to it.

I first visited Goldbug Hot Springs a couple times in 1994 and 1995 and there were always other people there then. Back then it was almost exclusively skinny dippers, but you can’t really get away with that anymore.

Goldbug is a lovely cascade of hot spring pools dropping down the side of a hill. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, ensuring you’ll find the perfect heat level. Hot waterfalls add to the fairy-like atmosphere.

On my last visit to Goldbug, we let the 50 cars in the parking area deter us from a visit. If there are ten cars, there will likely still be room to find a pool of your own, but 50 cars is too many.

Goldbug Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Panther Hot Spring lodging in Salmon, Idaho. The Super 8 is probably your best bet for a hotel in Salmon. It’s newer and clean and nice for a Super 8. The Stagecoach Inn is dated, but ask for a river view room – the location is great. There isn’t a lot to choose form.

There are also some Airbnbs near Goldbug Hot Springs in Elk Bend, which is a mile or less from the trailhead.

It’s a narrow canyon, so there isn’t much camping space available near the hot springs. In fact, you are not allowed to camp within 500 feet of Goldbug Hot Springs, but there are a couple spots between the second and third bridges.

Directions to Goldbug Hot Springs: From Salmon, drive 23 miles south on Highway 93. About 1.5 miles south of the Idaho Hermits Historical Marker and near mile marker 282, turn east on a short gravel road to the trailhead.

Follow the well marked trail across Warm Springs Creek (there are a lot of those in Idaho) and up the switchbacks. After crossing the third bridge and climbing up the wall, start looking through the plants for the Rollercoaster Pools. After the fourth bridge, you can access the pools on the other side of the creek.

Goldbug Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Goldbug Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Hot Springs Near Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley hot springs are in high demand. Who doesn’t want to dip into hot water after a day skiing or hiking? Only weirdos.

This section includes hot springs near Ketchum, Idaho, since that town is a six minute drive away. Ketchum to Stanley is only 60 miles, so look in the “Hot Springs Near Stanley” section for more hot spring suggestions.

Milford Sweat (Wild Rose) Hot Springs (N)

Personally, I prefer the name Wild Rose to Milford Sweat, but whatever you call these Ketchum hot springs, you are going to love soaking in them. And since the hot spring itself is on private land owned by the Milford Sweat family, it’s appropriate that we honor them (they do let the public into their spring after all!).

In the past, the springs have been trashed by users. There have been some clean ups and last time I went it was in pretty good condition. Please, be cool and pack out anything you pack in.

The pool is 10+ feet across and deep enough to sit submerged with just your head above water. It’s surrounded by lava rock and gravel bottomed. It’s pretty warm (I read 99-degrees F somewhere, but haven’t measured it myself), but I’d like it a little hotter in winter.

Nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument is a very interesting place to visit.

Wild Rose Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Milford Sweat Hot Spring lodging in Ketchum. There are also some very cute Airbnbs in Ketchum and Sun Valley like this treehouse.

Directions to Milford Sweat Hot Springs: From Ketchum, drive south 26 miles on ID-75. Take US-20 east about 19 miles to Carey. Turn left onto US-26 and continue another 9.7 miles to a pullout between mile markers 214 and 215 on the north side of the road. (It’s called Wild Rose Natural Hot Spring on Google Maps.)

You’ll see a trail that takes you about 50 yards to the hot springs. It is near the road, but obscured by a low hill.

Milford Sweat Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Milford Sweat Hot Spring Hours: 24/7

Frenchman’s Bend and Warfield Hot Springs (N)

For hot springs Ketchum, Idaho adjacent, try these. The two popular roadside pools are about 0.25 miles apart along the edge of Warm Springs Creek (there’s that creative name again!).

Water flows from three springs – one spring is on the road side of Warm Springs Creek and for the other two, you’ll need to wade across Warm Springs Creek.

Frenchman’s Bend is really two pools, just below the road. Across the creek and slightly upstream, there is often another pool. These rock-lined pools can be adjusted to let more or less cold water in and maintain an ideal soaking temperature.

If you walk downstream, less than 0.25 miles, you’ll see a grassy field at the bend in the river. This is Warfield Hot Spring. It’s right next to someone’s driveway, though, so it’s not very desirable.

All these pools are usually under cold water until at least mid-June. And the road is icy in winter, so plan accordingly.

Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Frenchman’s Bend and Warfield Hot Spring lodging in Ketchum. There are also some very cute Airbnbs in Ketchum and Sun Valley like this treehouse.

Directions to Frenchman’s Bend and Warfield Hot Springs: From Ketchum, take Warm Springs Road (227) 10.5 miles to a pullout on the right just past the bridge. Walk upstream a bit to the hot springs.

Frenchman’s Bend and Warfield Hot Spring Prices: Free!

Frenchman’s Bend and Warfield Hot Spring Hours: 4am – 10pm

Russian John Warm Spring (N)

As the name implies, this is a warm spring, not a hot spring, but it’s a pretty spot for a summer soak. The hot spring is an old shepherd’s soaking pool with mountain views.

Russian John Warm Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Russian John Warm Spring lodging in Ketchum. There are also some very cute Airbnbs in Ketchum and Sun Valley like this treehouse.

Directions to Russian John Warm Springs: From Ketchum, take ID-75 northwest 18 miles. Turn west on a dirt road just south of mile marker 146, then south into a parking area.

Russian John Warm Spring Prices: Free!

Russian John Warm Spring Hours: 24/7

Hot Springs Near Twin Falls, Idaho

There are a handful of Twin Falls hot springs. The most well known is probably Miracle Hot Springs, Idaho which is mentioned below.

Milford Sweat (Wild Rose) Hot Spring, mentioned in the Sun Valley section, is less than 1.5 hours away and a great stop if you are driving in from Craters of the Moon, as we often do.

For developed hot springs, Hagerman, Idaho near Twin Falls is the place to go. You’ll find both Banbury and Miracle Springs Idaho there.

Miracle (Buhl) Hot Springs (R)

Sometimes called “Hagerman Hot Springs,” “Hagerman Idaho Hot Springs,” or “Buhl Hot Springs” because of its location near the town of Hagerman and in Buhl, Idaho, Miracle Hot Springs is a gem, whatever you decide to call it.

Miracle Hot Springs has clean pools and private soaking tubs. There are four big pools and several “VIP rooms,” which are small changing rooms with a little tub that four people can fit in. They also have a couple bigger private tubs.

If you are so motivated, you can tent or RV camp, or rent a geo-dome for glamping.

Miracle Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Miracle Hot Springs lodging in Twin Falls. We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites – they are all good.

If you prefer an Airbnb in Twin Falls, there are some very affordable options.

There are a lot of things to do in Twin Falls beyond hot springs, so it can be a good base camp.

You can also camp (tent and RV) at Miracle Hot Springs, Hagerman, Idaho, or rent one of their geodomes or glamping domes.

Directions to Miracle Hot Springs, Buhl Idaho: 19073A US-30, Buhl, ID 83316

Miracle Hot Spring Prices: Adult ($10), Child 4-13 ($4), Senior 60+ ($8), 1 hr private pool ($5), 1.5 hr private pool ($10), 1 hr VIP pool ($10), 1.5 hr VIP pool ($20)

Miracle Hot Spring Hours: Monday – Thursday (8 am – 10 pm), Friday – Saturday (8am – 11pm)

Banbury Hot Springs (R)

Banbury Hot Springs is owned by the same people and about a six minute drive from Miracle. It’s situated on the banks of the Snake River and also has a campground and kayak rentals (for the river, not the hot pool).

Banbury was less crowded when we stopped by and had a huge log floating in the middle of the pool. I guess you can hang on it to stay afloat. Or maybe you try to run on it, as they do lumberjack competitions.

In addition to the large geothermal spring-fed swimming pool with a deep end and diving board, Banubury has individual, private pools for rent. This is one of the developed hot springs in southern Idaho that I would like to spend more time at.

Banbury Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Banbury Hot Springs lodging in Twin Falls. We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites – they are all good.

If you prefer an Airbnb in Twin Falls, there are some very affordable options.

There are a lot of things to do in Twin Falls beyond hot springs, so it can be a good base camp.

You can also camp (tent and RV) at Banbury Hot Springs, Hagerman, Idaho, or stay in a hotel room or cabin.

Directions to Banbury Hot Springs: 1128 Banbury Rd, Buhl, ID 83316

Banbury Hot Spring Prices: Adult ($10), Child 4-13 ($4), Senior 60+ ($8), 1 hr private pool ($4), 1.5 hr private pool ($8)

Banbury Hot Spring Hours: Monday – Thursday (8 am – 10 pm), Friday – Saturday (8am – 11pm)

Hot Springs Near Idaho Falls, Idaho

When you are looking for Idaho Falls hot springs, consider looking at the Pocatello section, too. Or even driving out to Milford Sweat (Wild Rose) Hot Springs in the Sun Valley section, about 1.5 hours away.

Heise Hot Springs (R)

While there aren’t any hot springs in Idaho Falls proper, it’s just a 30 minute drive to Heise Hot Springs. We visited after skiing at Kelly Canyon Ski Resort in winter and it was dreamy.

Heise Hot Springs has a natural mineral hot spring pool kept at a temperature of about 104 F. There is also a warm pool, which is fresh water and kept at about 92 F.

In summer there is an 84 F pool with a diving board, 350-foot waterslide, and snack bar.

The complex includes a year-round pizzeria with good pizza and beer, a summer campground, gold course, and zip line.

Heise Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Heise Hot Spring lodging in Idaho Falls (we like the Hilton Garden Inn) or hotels in Rexburg. In summer the tent and RV campground at Heise Hot Springs is open.

Directions to Heise Hot Springs: To get to Heise Hot Springs, Idaho Falls is your starting point. Drive northeast on US-26 for 19 miles. Turn left on N 160 for 2.0 miles.  Right on E 100 North about 1.0 miles. Right on E Heise Road to 5116 E Heise Rd, Ririe, ID 83443

Heise Hot Spring Prices: Adults ($10), Kids 11 and under ($7)

Heise Hot Spring Hours: {Winter} Monday – Friday: (2 pm – 10 pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 am – 10 pm), CLOSED in November. {Summer} Daily (10 am – 10 pm)

Hot Springs Near Pocatello, Idaho

As far as hot springs in Idaho go, the Lava Hot Springs pool has to be the most well known and the most popular. It’s the Old Faithful of Idaho hot springs.

Lava Hot Springs in Idaho isn’t the only southern Idaho hot springs — I am including Downata Hot Springs and Maple Grove Hot Springs in this list, too.

There are a few other hot springs near Pocatello, including Riverdale Hot Springs Resort and Bear Lake Hot Springs, but I haven’t been to either. If you have, let me know and I’ll add them to the list of Pocatello hot springs. 

Lava Hot Springs (R)

The largest hot springs resort in Idaho, Lava Hot Springs can be divided into mineral pools, swimming pools, and a sunken garden.

The mineral hot springs (five outdoor gravel/rock bottom pools) are formed as natural hot spring water bubbles out of the ground, through the pools, and into the Portneuf River. The spring’s temperatures range from approximately 102˚ F to 112˚ F degrees.

The Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex includes and indoor aquatic center, which is open year round, and an outdoor olympic size pool with diving boards and slides, which is closed in winter.

The Sunken Gardens don’t have any hot spring pools, but they do feature native and imported plants and flowers throughout the season. It’s a nice place to relax and hang out.

Lava Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: The Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs is my first choice for a hotel in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. It’s a restored hotel with modern conveniences, great service, and just a couple minutes walk from historic downtown Lava Hot Springs and the Lava Hot Springs swimming pool.

The Lava Hot Springs Inn doesn’t have great reviews, but it is conveniently located. Lava Spa Motel and RV Park is right on the river and directly across the street from the Lava Hot Pools.

Find the best deals on a Lava Hot Springs hotel in Pocatello. We usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Pocatello – it’s new, nice, and at the top of a hill with a great view.

For Lava Hot Springs camping, consider nearby Forest Service campgrounds or a Lava Hot Springs KOA in the town of Lava Hot Springs.

For the most convenient of the Lava Hot Springs campgrounds, choose the Lava Hot Springs West KOA. There is also a Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday and Mary’s Place Campground right in town.

Or stay at one of the hotels in Pocatello. We like the Holiday Inn Express on the hill.

Directions to Lava Hot Springs:

• Pocatello to Lava Hot Springs: (35 minutes) Take I-15 south 19 miles to exit 47 for US-30 E. Follow US-30 12 miles to Lava Hot Springs.
• Idaho Falls to Lava Hot Springs: (1.25 hours) Take I-15 south 71 miles to exit 47 for US-30 E. Follow US-30 12 miles to Lava Hot Springs.
• Salt Lake City to Lava Hot Springs: (2+ hours) Take I-15 north 137 miles to exit 44 / E Jensen Rd. Follow US-30 12 miles to Lava Hot Springs.
• Boise to Lava Hot Springs: (4 hours) Take I-84 east 228 miles. Then, take I-15 south 25 miles to exit 47 for US-30 E. Follow US-30 12 miles to Lava Hot Springs.

Lava Hot Spring Prices: There are two many passes, combination entry fees, and other ways of charging an entry fee to Lava Springs, Idaho to keep track. Check their website.

Lava Hot Spring Hours: There are different hours for the Lava Hot Springs mineral pools, Lava Hot Springs Olympic Pool, and Lava Hot Springs Indoor Pool. And they change daily and seasonally, so it’s easiest to check the Lava Hot Springs, ID website.

Downata Hot Springs Resort (R)

Another Idaho hot springs resort, Downata is comprised of swimming pools, hot pools, water slides, and a water playground (some facilities are closed in winter).

There is a spa, lodging, campground, and conestoga wagons for their hot springs lodging.

Downata Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Downata Hot Spring lodging right on their property.

Or stay at one of the hotels in Pocatello. We like the Holiday Inn Express on the hill.

Directions to Downata Hot Springs: From Pocatello, drive south on I-15 30 miles to exit 36 to US-91 S. Stay on US-91 S for 9 miles and turn right onto S Downata Rd. You will see the hot springs resort on the right.

Downata Hot Spring Prices: Rates vary, check their website.

Downata Hot Spring Hours: Hours vary, check their website.

Maple Grove Hot Springs (R)

There are a handful of family friendly hot springs near Pocatello, and Maple Grove is one of them. Maple Grove Hot Springs bills themselves as a retreat center for family, personal, and organizational growth.

These Idaho hot springs have three lovely stone pools near the bank of the Bear River. There is also a therapeutic pool.

Thanks to its location on the Bear River, you can kayak or paddleboard right from the retreat center. It’s much more relaxed and quiet than nearby Downata or Lava Hot Springs.

Maple Grove Hot Springs Idaho

Where to Stay: Find the best deals on Maple Grove Hot Spring lodging in one of their furnished yurts, canvas glamping tens, wood cabin,  mountainside tent camping spots.

Or stay at one of the hotels in Pocatello. We like the Holiday Inn Express on the hill.

Directions to Maple Grove Hot Springs: From Pocatello, take I-15 south 19 miles to exit 47 for US-30 E. Follow US-30 49 miles (passing Lava Hot Springs) to ID-34. Drive south on ID-34 for 24 miles. Turn left on E 13800 N and then a quick right on N Maple Grove Rd for 3 miles. Veer right onto Oneida Narrows Rd and look for Maple Grove Hot Springs on the right.

Maple Grove Hot Spring Prices: Adult ($15), Kids 3-12 ($12)

Maple Grove Hot Spring Hours: Daily 10 am – 9 pm (closed Wednesday). Book a 3-hour soak online.

More To Do in Idaho

• Idaho Hot Springs Visit Island Park Idaho in Winter
• Winter in Southern Idaho: Ski, Soak, and Sip
• Glamping Near Yellowstone
• Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park
• RV Parks Near Yellowstone
• 10 Things you should know about Pocatello
• Bogus Basin Idaho: Skiing, tubing, coasting, and more
• 3 Day Snowshoeing and Hot Springing Itinerary — McCall, Idaho
• Exploring Camas National Wildlife Refuge
• Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Idaho Weekend Getaways