Idaho may not be on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but it should be, especially if you love hot springs! In fact, Idaho has 130 hot springs you can soak in, more than any other state! And if you want a great place to experience a bunch of them in one road trip, look no further than Stanley.
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Stanley is often called the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains, an amazing area in central Idaho with phenomenal hiking, water sports, and hot springs. If you are looking for a great vacation that is off of many people’s radars, then this is a place you should go.
Here are 11 Stanley, Idaho hot springs to visit on your road trip to the Sawtooth Mountains.
Stanley Idaho Hot Springs Map
Stanley Idaho Hot Springs To Visit
Some of these hot springs are in Stanley, Idaho and some are in the surrounding areas. All of the hot springs on this list are within 1 hour and 45 minutes of Stanley, which makes the town a great place to base yourself while you explore.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug was our favorite activity on our Sawtooth Mountains road trip. It’s the furthest hot spring on this list, about 1 hour and 45 minutes north of Stanley, but it is 100% worth it.
It’s also the hardest hot spring to reach as you must hike 4 miles round trip to enjoy it. The hike can be steep on the way up and a bit strenuous, but the views – oh, the views – will make up for the workout.
The start of the trail is off of Warm Springs Road just outside of Elk Bend. There’s a parking area and a restroom at the trailhead. The beginning of the trail is actually on private property, so be respectful and practice Leave No Trace principles (as you should no matter where you hike).
There’s no fee to enjoy these hot springs, but be aware that it is clothing-optional here and people do take advantage of that.
Despite the hike to get here, this is a popular spot, so if you want a more quiet experience, get here really early on a weekday.
Mountain Village Resort
If you enjoy a more spa-like experience, give Mountain Village Resort a try.
This resort right in Stanley has its own hot spring on the property for its guests. The water is from the natural hot spring, but it’s contained in a man-made soaking tub that can sit up to 8 people.
The tub is inside a log structure so visitors can relax and enjoy the experience regardless of the weather. You also get a stunning view of the Sawtooth Mountains while you soak. You’ve probably seen photos of this place but may not have realized it’s in Idaho!
The warm water sits between 98 & 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a great soaking temperature for most people.
When you book a stay here and check in, you can reserve a time slot for the hot springs, but depending on the size of your party you may end up sharing with others, so keep this in mind.
Non-guests can book a slot if there are any available but you will have to pay a fee. Some sources have said $20 but I couldn’t find anything confirming this on the website, so if this is something you’d like to do, give the resort a call to check.
Snake Pit Hot Springs
Snake Pit Hot Springs, also called Valley Creek Hot Springs, is actually located near Mountain Village Resort, but it’s free. It’s situated right along the banks of Valley Creek and can be accessed off of Valley Creek Road.
This hot spring can be muddy and doesn’t have the nice rock bottom that many others do, so it may not be what you’re looking for if you don’t like the feel of squishy mud on your skin. However, this place isn’t very popular, so you could end up having it all to yourself.
Boat Box Hot Springs
Boat Box is probably the most unique hot spring on this list. Essentially, the water from the hot springs is diverted into a metal cauldron that’s located along the banks of the Salmon River. If you’re looking for something different, this one fits the bill.
This hot spring is located just minutes from Stanley, about 4 miles up State Highway 75.
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam is located just a little further down State Highway 75 from Boat Box, about 13 miles from Stanley. This hot spring is right in the Salmon River. You can build your own soaking pools by arranging the rocks in the river to regulate the hot and cold water.
This is a popular place with locals and tourists, but it is a larger area than Boat Box so you should be able to find an area to relax as long as it isn’t too crowded. Your best bet for a more private experience is to come early on a weekday.
Something else to note: since the hot water pools are in the river, if the water level is too high (usually in the spring) it might not be worth visiting as the water goes over the rocks and you can’t create pools to soak in. Basically, you’ll just be sitting in the cold river water.
Challis Hot Springs
Challis Hot Springs is about 1.5 hours northeast of Stanley and is a nice option for those who like more of a pool experience.
There are two pools to choose from. The Large Pool has a regulated temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 98-100 degrees in the winter. The Therapy Pool’s temperature is unregulated but is typically between 105-107 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hot spring is part of the Challis Hot Springs Campground and is free for campers to use. A day pass for non-campers is $10, but you must be 18 or older to use the hot springs as a non-camper. If you are a camper, children are allowed with adults.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is located in the Boise National Forest. It’s just over an hour from Stanley and is close to two other hot springs on this list, Bonneville and Pine Flats (see below).
This natural hot spring is along the edge of the Payette River. You can access it by taking the trail with stairs down to the pools and steaming waterfalls. It is a beautiful and also very popular hot spring. There is also the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail nearby for those who want to stretch their legs after a soak.
Since Kirkham is located in a national forest, you must pay $5 for a day pass to park at the entrance of the Kirkham campground. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, you can get in free.
Bonneville Hot Springs
Bonneville Hot Springs is also located in the Boise National Forest and is approximately 45 minutes from Stanley.
This hot spring is located in Warm Springs Creek and is made up of rock pools with sand and silt on the bottom. There’s also a man-made “soak shack” with a bathtub where the hot water is accessed by a pipe.
You do have to walk an easy ¼ mile trail from the Bonneville Campground to reach the hot springs. This area is also known for good trout fishing.
Since Bonneville is located in a national forest, you must pay $5 for a day pass to park at the entrance of the campground. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, you can get in free.
Pine Flats Hot Springs
Located about 1 hour and 15 mins from Stanley, Pine Flats Hot Springs is the third hot spring in the Boise National Forest. It’s a natural hot spring along the Payette River and features a hot waterfall and lots of soaking options in the various pools.
To access the hot springs, you’ll hike a ¼ mile trail down to the Payette River. The walk down can be steep with some loose rocks, so good footwear is recommended when you visit here.
You will park at Pine Flats Campground and walk from there. If the campground is closed you can park at the gate. It’s $5 for a day pass or free with the America the Beautiful pass.
Easley Hot Springs
Easley Hot Springs is 50 minutes south of Stanley near Sun Valley. It features a swimming pool and 2 hot tubs. This is a more family-oriented option for those with younger kids. The facility also has a store, restrooms, and showers.
Easley is only open in the summer and costs $8 a day per person. Kids and seniors get in for $7, and children under 2 are free.
Frenchman’s Hot Springs
If you are down in the Sun Valley area and would like to experience a free and natural hot spring, check out Frenchman’s. This hot spring is formed from manmade rock pools in Warm Springs Creek. It’s about 1.5 hours from Stanley.
There are no facilities here and it can get crowded since it’s a popular place for locals to go. Unlike some of the other natural hot springs, swimsuits are required here.
Just a note: the dirt road to access the hot spring can get flooded during the springtime, so this place is better to visit in the summer, fall, or winter.
How To Get To Stanley, Idaho
Stanley is not the easiest place to get to if you have to fly, which is probably why this area is not swamped with tourists.
Boise is the closest major airport to Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains, about a 3-hour drive through beautiful scenery.
Salt Lake City is another option that will probably have more flights and cheaper options, but it’s further away, about 5 hours and 45 minutes.
Once you arrive at either airport, you will need to rent a car as there is really no other way to get around the Sawtooth Mountains. Public transportation is non-existent and there aren’t any tour groups that go out to the hot springs.
I recommend Discover Cars to find the best car rentals. They have great prices and customer service and you always get free cancellations.
When To Visit Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
While the privately owned hot springs on this list are typically only open in the summer, most of them are free and open year-round.
With that said, not every season is ideal for enjoying the hot springs.
In the spring, the snowmelt makes the rivers and creeks flood, and the water levels can often be too high for the rock pools that hold the hot water. A couple, like Boat Box and Mountain Village Resort, can be enjoyed year-round but in my opinion, if you want to experience a lot of hot springs, you might not want to come this time of year.
I think that summer and fall are the best times to visit Stanley. While this is the busier time of year, if you want to experience more than just the hot springs this is going to be your best bet. There is so much to do in the Sawtooth Mountains such as hiking, water sports, and fishing.
Winter can also be a great time to enjoy the hot springs, but be aware of the very cold temperatures this time of year and the ever-changing weather. Roads may become impassable and some of the hot springs may be harder to reach.
Also, hiking and water sports are not available this time of year, but if you like winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, you’ll have plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
Tips For Visiting Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
- Arrive very early on a weekday for the best chance of having any of the hot springs to yourself, or come in the off-season. None of these hot springs are really hidden gems anymore, so chances are you’ll have to share them with others. If you want some peace and quiet, come early.
- As you should whenever you are outdoors, make sure you practice the Leave No Trace principles. Keep the hot springs in great shape so others can continue to enjoy them.
- Many of the hot springs on this list are clothing optional except the private ones. Just be aware of this when visiting.
- Be prepared for constantly changing weather. Even in the summer, the Sawtooth Mountains can get cold, and it could be raining one minute and sunny the next. Pack for anything and you’ll be good to go.
- Be mindful and respectful of others. You more than likely will be sharing the hot springs with people not in your group, so be polite and communicate with others if there is a place you’d like to soak that is occupied.
What To Pack When Visiting Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
For the best experience, here are some things you should bring with you to the hot springs.
Swimsuit
While not all of the hot springs on this list require a swimsuit, you should still pack one along. Many of these places do require one or are located in an open, public area. For the hot springs that have no facilities, you should change into your suit before visiting.
Towel
A towel will be a nice item to have after you get out of the water, especially on a cooler day. A quick-dry option is even better.
Water shoes or sandals
Many of the hot springs require some walking to access them, so a solid pair of shoes or sandals that can get wet will work best for footwear.
Drinking water
The hot springs live up to their name – the water is HOT! And you can easily become dehydrated if you sit in it too long. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water with you to stay hydrated.
Snacks
I always carry snacks with me, especially if I don’t know how long I’m going to be somewhere.
While you may not be in the springs for hours, it’s always a good idea to have something to munch on in case you get a little peckish. Just make sure that you pack everything out with you when you leave.
Sunscreen
Even on a cooler day, you’ll be at a higher elevation in the Sawtooth Mountains and therefore have a greater chance of getting burnt, so you should wear sunscreen to be safe.
Dry bag
If you plan to bring along your phone, camera, extra clothes, or anything else you don’t really want to get wet, a dry bag is a great choice to store your items in.
Where To Stay In Stanley Idaho
Overall, Stanley doesn’t have a ton of accommodations to choose from. If you want to stay in Stanley, you should book as far out as possible to have the most options.
If you like to camp, there are a few campgrounds you can choose from south of Stanley at Redfish Lake and the surrounding areas. You can look at the cabin and camping options in the Sawtooth Mountains here.
If you want to book a hotel, some of the popular places include Mountain Village Resort (which is the place with its own hot spring) and Sawtooth Lodge.
If you like renting homes, apartments, or private spaces, VRBO is your best bet.
If you have trouble finding a place to stay near Stanley, try looking near Ketchum and Sun Valley, which is a little over an hour south of Stanley.
Conclusion: Stanley Idaho Hot Springs To Visit
If you are looking for a fantastic road trip with lots of hot springs, then you should definitely visit Stanley, Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountains. There are so many different kinds of hot springs here for every type of experience, no matter what you are looking for.
Want to extend your road trip? Consider combining a visit to the Sawtooth Mountains with one (or more) of the national parks below!
The Perfect One-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
The Best 4-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Two Days In Grand Teton National Park
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