Idaho Hot Springs

Idaho has over 300 known natural hot springs. It’s situation along the continental divide makes it a geological wonder of The United States with the most hot springs of any state. There are hot springs in every region, near almost every big city in Idaho. 
 
I haven’t been to all, but here are the ones we had on our list to visit during our honeymoon road trip from Mississippi around the southern part of Idaho to the Sawtooth Mountains.

Be sure to see to watch our video from the 75-mile backpacking loop we attempted!

Cove Creek

We actually stumbled upon this spring while leaving Stanley looking for a campsite for the night. This roadside hot spring is somehow barely visited compared to its neighboring Sunnbeam, which was always crowded when we drove by. It’s a beautiful little riverside pool, perfect for about 10 to 12 people.

Goldbug

One of the most popular hot springs in Idaho requires a two mile, uphill, hike to get to. It is 100% worth it in the end, just don’t go on a scorching hot summer day like we did. After the hike up in the blazing sun, the last thing you will want to do is get in a piping hot hole in the ground. 

There are about 20 different pools you can choose from ranging in size and temperature. Explore them all and enjoy the views!

Horsecreek

This hot spring was recommended to us from someone we met while at Cove Creek. He claimed it was his favorite in the state. It took hours to reach on a very windy dirt road and if it wasn’t for the drive, I would have probably agreed with him.

The hot spring itself has been dug out to make it deeper. It’s different than other hot springs because you essentially stand in it instead of sit in. It also has a little structure around it trapping in the heat, making it feel almost like a steam room. It truly is relaxing.

Sunbeam

This is a very popular riverside pool right off the main road out of Stanley heading towards Salmon. Every time we passed here it was packed so we never stopped, we preferred Cove Creek’s lack of crowds instead.

Bonneville

Located near Grandjeann, this hot spring has a campsite nearby and requires a short hike to get to. It has a couple of different pools and a nice little waterfall.

Miracle

This resort has four large central pools and 21 private pools available for rent, some of which also have cold plunges available. You can also rent a dome yurt or pull up your RV to stay a little longer. Check out all the details on their website here: www.miraclehotsprings.com

Durfee

Durfee is close to the Utah – Idaho border near the town of Almo. There is one large swimming pool created from the natural hot waters. There is also an Airbnb on site if you need a place to stay. Learn more: www.durfeehotsprings.com

Haven

Private soaking sessions must be booked to visit Haven’s mineral pool. You can also book a stay in one of their four motel rooms that have their own private pools! You can book your soak or stay on their website: www.havenhotsprings.com

Kirkham

Located about an hour and half outside of Boise, Kirkham is one of the more popular hot springs. There are two bigger pools and a few smaller ones with hot water waterfalls. There is limited parking so visiting on a weekday is advised!

Lava

There is an entire town dedicated to hot springs! All the hotels have private pools, and the town has public riverside springs along with Olympic sized swimming pools and water slides. Learn more about the world-famous town on their website: https://lavahotsprings.com

Frenchman’s

​Just outside of the famous Sun Valley Ski Area inside the Sawtooth National Forest is a nice hot pool. It is recommended to have 4WD to access the pools because of the long rocky drive. They are perfect for a post ski or post hike soak in any season. 

These of course are not all 300+ hot springs in Idaho, these aren’t even all the ones in southern Idaho alone. For a full list of all the swimmable hot springs check out this other listing site, www.idahohotsprings.com

See more things to do in Idaho: