Updated November 2025
We’ve spent years exploring Idaho’s backroads, river canyons, and rugged mountain passes in Idaho, but our favorite part of the state? Stanley Idaho hot springs.
This area remains one of our favorite places to soak. Between the two of us, we’ve visited more than 20 hot springs across the state, and this pocket of Central Idaho continues to stand out for its dramatic scenery, accessible soaking spots, and the sheer variety of natural pools within a short drive.
Stanley sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, an alpine region shaped by volcanoes, fault lines, fast-moving rivers, and the magma-making Idaho Batholith– the perfect recipe for geothermal activity!
That’s why some of Idaho’s most iconic hot springs are found here, from riverside rock pools warmed by underground vents to tucked-away tubs with mountain views that feel straight out of a dream.
Whether you’re planning your first Idaho road trip or returning to explore new springs, Stanley makes an incredible basecamp.
Below, we’re sharing the best hot springs within roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes of town, plus insights from our own visits, updated safety notes, and tips for navigating seasonal changes in this wild, beautiful region.
- Stanley Idaho Hot Springs Map
- Stanley Idaho Hot Springs To Visit
- How To Get To Stanley, Idaho
- When To Visit Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
- Tips For Visiting Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
- Local Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
- What To Pack When Visiting Stanley Idaho Hot Springs
- Where To Stay In Stanley Idaho
- Conclusion: Stanley Idaho Hot Springs To Visit
Author’s Note
As a travel writer and photographer duo, we’ve soaked in ALL of the hot springs listed in this guide, often in very different conditions. From stupid-early summer sunrises to sub-zero winter mornings. Water levels, temperatures, and access can change quickly depending on runoff, recent storms, and seasonal closures. We’ve included updated notes, firsthand observations, and safety considerations based on our experience, but always check current conditions before visiting, especially in spring when rivers run high.
Stanley Idaho Hot Springs Map
Click here to view the full map on Google Maps!
Stanley Idaho Hot Springs To Visit
(Can’t see our Stanley Idaho hot springs comparison chart? Check it out on your desktop instead of a phone!)
Some of these hot springs are in Stanley, Idaho and some are in the surrounding areas like Sun Valley or Garden Valley.
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 Hot Springs 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).
Important Note: 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. Or, camp like we did! There are free spots a quarter mile away from the pools, so you can be the first one in and last one out. Camping is free, but it’s limited and first-come-first serve.
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, barn-like 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.
On our most recent trip here, we booked in early March and not a single other soul signed up to soak in the early morning time slot of 7am. (Probably because it was honest-to-god ZERO degrees outside). We had the pool to ourselves for HOURS, with incredible mountain views!
Not staying at the resort? 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 (it’s more like slimy silt), 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 Hot Spring 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 a different and unique soak, this one fits the bill.
This hot spring is located just minutes from Stanley, about 4 miles up State Highway 75.
Plan Your Trip: You can read everything you need to know about visiting Boat Box Hot Springs here.
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs 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.
Seasonal Consideration: 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. It’s great for young families like us, who prefer a more controlled environment and temp for our little toddler.
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.
Update for 2025/2026 Winter Season: Challis Hot Springs Hours of Operation for winter hours are
Wednesday – Sunday: 8:30am – 8:30pm, Monday – Tuesday are CLOSED.
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.
Important: If you are driving to and from Boise, keep tabs on the road closures for Highway 21. Infamously nicknamed “Avalanche Alley” it’s notorious for frequent snow closures in the winter.
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.
Fee Area: Since Bonneville is located in a national forest, you must pay $5 CASH for a day pass (per vehicle) 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 a tip From our last trip: Wear grippy water shoes! You’ll be climbing along the ridge, and need all the traction you can get!
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.
Important Note: Easley is only open in the summer and as of the 2025 season, admission costs $12 a day per person. Kids and seniors get in for $12, and children under 2 are free.
Frenchman’s Bend 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 Bend Hot Springs.
This hot spring is formed from manmade rock pools in Warm Springs Creek. It’s about 1.5 hours from Stanley, but the closest town is quite close actually, in Sun Valley.
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.
Winter Interest: It’s a very popular place for young people to congregate after a fun day skiing on the slopes near Sun Valley.
Road Access 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, Idaho has 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. We’d only recommend this option if you are taking a one-way road trip like through the Rocky Mountains, or a big loop drive to experience tons of things to do in Idaho.
Getting Around Pro Tip: 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 most of 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.
Not Recommended: 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. If you want to experience a lot of hot springs, you might not want to come this time of year.
We recommend: Personally, we think 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.
Recommended (with a caveat): 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, and it’s important to be comfortable driving in the snow.
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 Idaho 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.
Wildfire season is between August – September, so if you plan to come during late summer, save this fire map to be aware of air quality and safety. Pack for anything and you’ll be good to go.
Local Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Berty and I have been to over 20 different hot springs in Idaho. Here are a few unwritten rules that soakers live by to keep the vibes high. Also, make sure to read our full guide to hot springs etiquette here before visiting, so you don’t look like a noob.
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.
Leave it better than you found it. The most important thing you can do it to pack out all your trash with you. This is true (and probably even MORE true) when there are trash cans available. With budget cuts to forest service staff, these trash cans get emptied infrequently and can fill us fast. When visit backcountry springs, Berty and I actually pack an extra bag to pick up trash that others may have left behind.
Don’t put anything in the pools. This includes shampoo, biodegradable soap, and even poop or pee! (Yes, we had to say it because we’ve seen it!)
Leave the glass at home. Glass is extremely had to pick up when shattered and is a danger for everyone around it. If yo must bring drinks, use cans, plastic, or reusable containers.
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.
Pro Tip: Read our hot springs packing list here, and grab the full printable download to save time!
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. We like Tevas or Chacos.
Drinking water
The hot springs live up to their name – the water is HOT! To many people’s surprise, 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
We always carry snacks with us, (especially now traveling with a toddler), and especially if we don’t know how long we’re 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.
Pro Tip: The best kinds of sunscreen for natural how springs are mineral-based formulas that do not contain nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These active ingredients are considered less harmful to aquatic ecosystems than chemical sunscreens. This is especially important when pools have less freshwater flow to dilute any chemicals. We recommend the Badger Sport mineral sunscreen line.
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.
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 are 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.
Author Bio
Emily and Berty Mandagie are a Pacific Northwest travel writer and photographer duo who specialize in PNW travel, outdoor adventure, and attainable experiences. Together, they’ve explored more than 20 Idaho hot springs and have spent years documenting the region’s landscapes, scenic drives, and hidden soaking spots. Their work has been featured by Idaho’s regional and state tourism boards, outdoor brands, and travel publications, with a focus on responsible recreation and immersive, place-based experiences. When they’re not on the road, they’re adventuring throughout the Pacific Northwest with their young son.