Did you know there are more hot springs in Idaho than any other state in the country? The geologic wonders of our state are simply incredible, which makes the Gem State the perfect place to kick back and soak! And really, there’s no better way to relax in nature than at a healing hot spring, especially when the weather cools down. But Idaho also has something a little extra thrown in that will make all of your dreams come true: an “official” cross-country hot springs trail that will take road-tripping to a whole new level. It’s called the Idaho Soaktennial Trail…and you’ll absolutely love it. Get ready to melt your cares away on what will be no doubt the most relaxing adventure of your life:
The Idaho Soaktennial Trail is an 1,100-mile backpacking journey to 63 of Idaho’s most glorious hot springs from border to border.
j.a.woodhouse/jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr Developed by Aria Zoner and published in the book, The Idaho Soaktennial Trail: A Soaker’s Rendition of the Classic Route, the trail loosely follows the established 900-mile cross-Idaho Centennial Trail, which stretches from Idaho’s southernmost border all the way north to Canada. While we can’t provide the full trail route for you (you’ll have to buy the book for that!), here are some of the highlights so you can begin planning your own cross-Idaho hot spring experience.
The full route was designed to be the adventure hot springer’s perfect vacation: the ultimate journey from the southern border of California to Canada.
Cavan Images/Getty
Your adventure will start in Idaho’s far southwest corner at Indian Hot Springs on the Bruneau River.
BLMIdaho/Flickr Owyhee County and the Owyhee Canyonlands are as refreshingly peaceful and secluded. and are especially phenomenal when night falls. As one of the last remaining dark sky areas in the country, a soak under the stars at Indian Creek Hot Springs would be a dreamy adventure! A word of caution: these small pools are known to be hotter than many of the other hot springs in Idaho. Please be safe, respectful, and know your limits. Indian Hot Springs, Idaho 83604, USA
Heading north, Prince Albert Hot Springs in Elmore County is a set of single-source spring pools that offer toasty, rural views and crowd-less relaxation.
Darrell Swofford/Google Local Prince Albert Hot Springs in Southern Idaho is a true hidden gem. A brilliantly unexpected surprise that’s tucked away in a harsh, rocky slice of the landscape, these pools definitely feel like the middle of nowhere. In other words? Privacy and serenity. Prince Albert Hot Springs, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, USA
Loftus Hot Springs is definitely a local Idaho favorite that is surprisingly easy to get to.
El Bishop/GoogleMaps About 30 miles west of Atlanta and tucked in the Boise National Forest near the middle fork of the Boise River, this hot spring is a gorgeous gem to behold. Loftus Hot Spring features a delicate cascade over a rock ledge into the soaking pool, pops of color from surrounding flora, and an easy mid-level depth. A few years back, the spring fell victim to vandals and human impact, but local soakers banded together to repair the pool to its former self. Loftus Hot Spring, Mountain Home, ID 83647, USA
But for a true hidden gem that is only accessible during fall due to late spring runoff, Granite Creek Hot Spring is a quiet riverside getaway that’s only an hour or so away from Loftus.
Kevin Raney/Google Local Granite Creek Hot Spring, Atlanta, ID 83716, USA
Chattanooga Hot Spring is an overlooked haven, complete with waterfalls.
Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography/Flickr Chattanooga Hot Spring, Idaho 83716, USA
And Skillern Hot Spring is another riverside spring in the Sawtooths backcountry. You’ll also find a separate cave-like hot pool carved into a nearby granite cliff.
Matthew Wordell/AllTrails Skillern Hot Springs, Idaho 83340, USA
Finally, your boundary-to-boundary journey will end just shy of the Canadian border at Bonneville Hot Springs, where you can marinate in the natural pools or enjoy one of the man-made soaking tubs.
Greg Hart/AllTrails The towering evergreens, scenic river backdrop, and phenomenal PNW-inspired landscape is worth the extra effort to get here. Bonneville Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
Out among the trees and wildlife, breathing in the fresh air, hiking through the countryside, and finally lowering yourself into a steaming pool of warm water flowing directly from the earth is a simple pleasure that’s hard to beat. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for an extended vacation now! What do you think? Is this hot springs trail in Idaho a bucket list must-do, or what?
j.a.woodhouse/jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr
Developed by Aria Zoner and published in the book, The Idaho Soaktennial Trail: A Soaker’s Rendition of the Classic Route, the trail loosely follows the established 900-mile cross-Idaho Centennial Trail, which stretches from Idaho’s southernmost border all the way north to Canada. While we can’t provide the full trail route for you (you’ll have to buy the book for that!), here are some of the highlights so you can begin planning your own cross-Idaho hot spring experience.
Cavan Images/Getty
BLMIdaho/Flickr
Owyhee County and the Owyhee Canyonlands are as refreshingly peaceful and secluded. and are especially phenomenal when night falls. As one of the last remaining dark sky areas in the country, a soak under the stars at Indian Creek Hot Springs would be a dreamy adventure! A word of caution: these small pools are known to be hotter than many of the other hot springs in Idaho. Please be safe, respectful, and know your limits.
Indian Hot Springs, Idaho 83604, USA
Darrell Swofford/Google Local
Prince Albert Hot Springs in Southern Idaho is a true hidden gem. A brilliantly unexpected surprise that’s tucked away in a harsh, rocky slice of the landscape, these pools definitely feel like the middle of nowhere. In other words? Privacy and serenity.
Prince Albert Hot Springs, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, USA
El Bishop/GoogleMaps
About 30 miles west of Atlanta and tucked in the Boise National Forest near the middle fork of the Boise River, this hot spring is a gorgeous gem to behold. Loftus Hot Spring features a delicate cascade over a rock ledge into the soaking pool, pops of color from surrounding flora, and an easy mid-level depth. A few years back, the spring fell victim to vandals and human impact, but local soakers banded together to repair the pool to its former self.
Loftus Hot Spring, Mountain Home, ID 83647, USA
Kevin Raney/Google Local
Granite Creek Hot Spring, Atlanta, ID 83716, USA
Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography/Flickr
Chattanooga Hot Spring, Idaho 83716, USA
Matthew Wordell/AllTrails
Skillern Hot Springs, Idaho 83340, USA
Greg Hart/AllTrails
The towering evergreens, scenic river backdrop, and phenomenal PNW-inspired landscape is worth the extra effort to get here.
Bonneville Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
As always: leave no trace, tread lightly, follow all posted signs, and be respectful of any fellow hot springers. Stay adventurous, friends!
For more epic things to do in Idaho’s great outdoors, check out this unique volcano hike in Southern Idaho.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Springs in Idaho December 27, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best hot springs to visit in Idaho? Idaho might just be the most underestimated state in the country. Not only is it immensely beautiful, but it’s also a veritable hot springs treasure trove. And the most glorious of them all is Burgdorf Hot Springs. This resort near McCall, Idaho, has something for everyone: two hot pools that simmer at an average temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a smaller pool that’s perfect for kids. This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you’ll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile. It’s worth the effort, however, as Burgdorf Hot Springs offers guests the rare opportunity to truly get away from it all. Are there any hot springs resorts in Idaho? Absolutely! In a state that’s as full as amazing hot springs as Idaho, there are so many wonderful resorts where you can go to literally soak your stresses away. Idahoans have two ways to do it right: our hundreds of natural hot springs tucked away in mountain caves and alongside rivers, or, luxury man-made pools. While the Gem State is renowned for having more naturally soakable hot pools than any other state in the country, we also know how to up your experience into a glam pampering session, complete with fuzzy robes, massages, and modern lodging. Whether enjoying a relaxing soak on a chilly, snowy day or enjoying the beautiful views of the warmer months, this list has some of our favorite hot springs resorts in Idaho where you’re sure to find rest and relaxation. How many hot springs are there in Idaho? Great question! The answer will impress you: there are more than 130 soakable hot springs scattered around the Gem State! While many of these hot springs will require a bit of a journey to enjoy, there are others that are easy to access. At these locations, you don’t have to worry about trekking in ice and snow during the winter months or becoming hot and tired during the summer as you work to reach your destination. In fact, some of these year-round hot springs in Idaho have become popular attractions with many amenities to make a long soak convenient, enjoyable, and perfect. Here are just seven year-round hot springs in Idaho where you can relax and unwind… anytime the mood strikes!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Springs in Idaho
December 27, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best hot springs to visit in Idaho? Idaho might just be the most underestimated state in the country. Not only is it immensely beautiful, but it’s also a veritable hot springs treasure trove. And the most glorious of them all is Burgdorf Hot Springs. This resort near McCall, Idaho, has something for everyone: two hot pools that simmer at an average temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a smaller pool that’s perfect for kids. This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you’ll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile. It’s worth the effort, however, as Burgdorf Hot Springs offers guests the rare opportunity to truly get away from it all. Are there any hot springs resorts in Idaho? Absolutely! In a state that’s as full as amazing hot springs as Idaho, there are so many wonderful resorts where you can go to literally soak your stresses away. Idahoans have two ways to do it right: our hundreds of natural hot springs tucked away in mountain caves and alongside rivers, or, luxury man-made pools. While the Gem State is renowned for having more naturally soakable hot pools than any other state in the country, we also know how to up your experience into a glam pampering session, complete with fuzzy robes, massages, and modern lodging. Whether enjoying a relaxing soak on a chilly, snowy day or enjoying the beautiful views of the warmer months, this list has some of our favorite hot springs resorts in Idaho where you’re sure to find rest and relaxation. How many hot springs are there in Idaho? Great question! The answer will impress you: there are more than 130 soakable hot springs scattered around the Gem State! While many of these hot springs will require a bit of a journey to enjoy, there are others that are easy to access. At these locations, you don’t have to worry about trekking in ice and snow during the winter months or becoming hot and tired during the summer as you work to reach your destination. In fact, some of these year-round hot springs in Idaho have become popular attractions with many amenities to make a long soak convenient, enjoyable, and perfect. Here are just seven year-round hot springs in Idaho where you can relax and unwind… anytime the mood strikes!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Idaho might just be the most underestimated state in the country. Not only is it immensely beautiful, but it’s also a veritable hot springs treasure trove. And the most glorious of them all is Burgdorf Hot Springs. This resort near McCall, Idaho, has something for everyone: two hot pools that simmer at an average temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a smaller pool that’s perfect for kids. This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you’ll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile. It’s worth the effort, however, as Burgdorf Hot Springs offers guests the rare opportunity to truly get away from it all.
Are there any hot springs resorts in Idaho?
Absolutely! In a state that’s as full as amazing hot springs as Idaho, there are so many wonderful resorts where you can go to literally soak your stresses away. Idahoans have two ways to do it right: our hundreds of natural hot springs tucked away in mountain caves and alongside rivers, or, luxury man-made pools. While the Gem State is renowned for having more naturally soakable hot pools than any other state in the country, we also know how to up your experience into a glam pampering session, complete with fuzzy robes, massages, and modern lodging. Whether enjoying a relaxing soak on a chilly, snowy day or enjoying the beautiful views of the warmer months, this list has some of our favorite hot springs resorts in Idaho where you’re sure to find rest and relaxation.
How many hot springs are there in Idaho?
Great question! The answer will impress you: there are more than 130 soakable hot springs scattered around the Gem State! While many of these hot springs will require a bit of a journey to enjoy, there are others that are easy to access. At these locations, you don’t have to worry about trekking in ice and snow during the winter months or becoming hot and tired during the summer as you work to reach your destination. In fact, some of these year-round hot springs in Idaho have become popular attractions with many amenities to make a long soak convenient, enjoyable, and perfect. Here are just seven year-round hot springs in Idaho where you can relax and unwind… anytime the mood strikes!
