The Ultimate Weekend Idaho Hot Springs Road Trip Itinerary
What’s better than a road trip? A road trip that includes soaking in steaming natural hot springs while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
If you’ve been dreaming about taking the best Idaho hot springs road trip, you’re in the right place.
My husband and I took this exact trip in winter, traveling from Montana (where we live) in our trusty truck camper,Seymour. Over three days, we hopped between Idaho’s most epic hot springs, learned what to do (and not do), and figured out how to make the most of a short weekend getaway.
In this guide, I’ll cover how to get here, the best hot springs to visit, and all the tips we learned to make your trip unforgettable.
Whether you want to camp like we did or stay in a cozy cabin, this road trip will be one for the books.
Quick Overview of the Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Sunbeam & Cove Hot Springs
Day 2: Boat Box + Kirkham & Pine Flats Hot Springs
Day 3: Bonneville Hot Springs + Head Home
Map of This Idaho Road Trip
3 Day Winter Idaho Hot Springs Road Trip Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary follows the exact route we took—hot spring hopping through Idaho in the winter. We traveled from Montana and camped in our truck camper, Seymour, but you can follow this plan no matter where you’re coming from or how you’re traveling.
Day 1: Arrive + Sunbeam & Cove Hot Springs
Morning – Arrive
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll arrive in Idaho and pick up your rental car (if needed). Make your way toward Stanley, Idaho, the heart of this road trip.
If you’re coming from Boise, it’s about a 3-hour drive—but if you’re like us, coming from Missoula, Montana, you’re in for a longer (but absolutely stunning) drive.
📌 Top Tip: If you’re arriving late in the day, stock up on supplies in Boise or Ketchum before heading to Stanley—options in town are very limited, especially in the winter.
Afternoon – Check-in
Once you get to Stanley, check into your hotel or cabin. If you’re wondering where to stay, I cover that in a lower section, but my top pick is Triangle C Cabins—cozy, convenient, and perfect for winter stays.
Evening – Soak
After settling in, it’s time for your first hot springs adventure!
Tonight, you’ll soak in Sunbeam Hot Springs and Cove Hot Springs—two stunning, super easy-to-access springs along the Salmon River about 15 minutes from town.
Sunbeam Hot Springs
This is one of the easiest hot springs to reach—just pull off Highway 75 and walk a minute to the river.
It normally has a couple of different soaking options for you.
To the left of the picnic area, there are usually a couple of man-made tubs you can fill with hot water from PVC pipes, but when we visited in January 2025, they were missing.
Instead, we found five or six natural pools formed by river rocks along the riverbank.
Make sure you test the water before getting in. Some are scorching hot! I learned that the hard way when I dipped my foot in one and yanked it right back out.
In the winter, the rocks get super slippery, so bring water shoes to protect your feet, and so you don’t get hurt.
📌 Top Tip: If the water is too hot in one of the pools, just throw some snow in it or scoop water from the river to cool it down.
The Details:
Directions: Right off Highway 75, near the Salmon River
Open: Year-round (but river levels can be too high in spring)
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: Large lot right off the highway
Amenities: Year-round outhouse, covered picnic area
Temperature: Varies—some pools are HOT, others cooler
Cove Hot Springs
This was hands down our favorite hot spring near Stanley.
At first glance, it’s just one big pool by the river, nothing fancy—but trust me, you’ll love it.
It’s the deepest and largest natural hot spring on this list, which means you can really sink in and and relax instead of cramming into a tiny rock-lined pool. The soft sandy bottom makes it even more comfortable and the temp was perfect.
What really made this spot unforgettable was soaking after dark under the stars!
The Details:
Directions: A short drive from Sunbeam Hot Springs
Open: Year-round (river levels rise in spring)
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: Large lot available
Amenities: Year-round outhouse, covered picnic area
Temperature: Hot
We camped right in the parking lot, but you’ll probably head back to Triangle C Cabins or another lodge in Stanley.
Day 2: Boat Box + Kirkham & Pine Flats Hot Springs
Morning – Boat Box Hot Springs
In the morning, we grabbed our thermos of coffee and slipped back into Cove Hot Springs to watch the sunrise over the snow-covered landscape—it felt like something out of a winter fairytale.
If you’re camping, then you can’t miss this experience. If not, grab a coffee in Stanley and head straight to Boat Box Hot Springs for an early soak all to yourself. About 5 minutes from town.
Boat Box Hot Springs
This hot spring was really popular for it’s big metal cauldron that sat next to the river, filled with steaming hot water. But after a spring flash flood swept it away in 2023, no one has replaced it.
Even without the cauldron, it’s still worth a visit. There are four or five small rock-lined pools along the river, fed by a PVC pipe that brings in scalding hot water from across the highway.
The upper pool is dangerously hot, but the lower ones range from perfect temperature to lukewarm.
If the one you want to soak in is too hot, add snow or cold river water to make it more comfortable. There’s usually a bucket left to do this, but we couldn’t find it. It was probably buried under the snow.
The Details:
Directions: A short drive from Stanley
Open: Year-round (river levels can be too high in spring)
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: On the shoulder of the road, barely big enough for two cars.
Amenities: None
Temperature: Very hot to lukewarm
Afternoon – Lunch + Kirkham Hot Springs
After Boat Box, head back into Stanley and grab breakfast or an early lunch at the Mountain Village Restaurant (get the chicken sandwich with jalapeño jam—trust me, it’s delicious). Then, drive west along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway to Kirkham Hot Springs.
It’ll take you about 1 hour to get to Kirkham.
Kirkham Hot Springs
This is the most popular hot spring in the area, which means you’ll most definitely be sharing it with other people.
There are pools everywhere. Some right after the bridge, a few up the hillside near the wooden viewing deck, and several more along the river where waterfalls flow into the pools.
This hot spring is very pretty and unique, but honestly, we were a little disappointed.
The water was barely bathtub warm, maybe 80 degrees at best, and to top it off, there were beer cans littered around, which was frustrating to see.
We ended up soaking in a smaller pool near the bridge, which was less crowded, but we only stayed about 30 minutes before deciding to move on.
If you’re in the area, it’s worth a quick stop to check out the waterfalls but keep your expectations in check. This is more of a warm spring than a hot spring.
📌 Top Tip: If you’re visiting Kirkham, get there really early or late in the day—this is one of Idaho’s most crowded hot springs. Winter is quieter, but expect company.
The Details:
Directions: Just off Highway 21
Open: Year-round (but spring floods can make access tricky)
Entrance Fee: $5 in summer, free in winter
Parking: Large lot available
Amenities: Picnic tables, year-round outhouse
Temperature: Lukewarm
Evening – Pine Flats Hot Springs
After checking out Kirkham hop back in your vehicle for a short 15-minute drive down the road to Pine Flats Hot Spring.
During the winter, the campground will be closed, so you’ll park at the turnoff, next to the gate.
Then, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the springs from there. Just follow the paved road straight down into the campground. At the first bend in the road, you’ll find a dirt path that leads to the river and to the springs.
Pine Flats Hot Springs
This hot spring is very unique with several small pools built right into the cliffs over the river below.
There’s also a lower pool along the river with a waterfall, but getting to it requires wading through the freezing river. That was a hard pass for us! If you’re braver than us, I hear it’s worth checking out, but we stuck to the upper pools, which were just as scenic.
The pools are all different sizes and temps. Some are just big enough for one person and the high you go the hotter they get. We climbed to the one on the very top and could barely handle the heat while some of the lower pools were just lukewarm.
Go early or near sunset for the best chance at snagging a good one.
📌 Pro Tip: The trail was very icy from all the foot traffic, and my husband totally wiped out, and I almost fell, so wear crampons or ice cleats to get to this one!
The Details:
Directions: A short drive from Kirkham Hot Springs
Open: Year-round
Entrance Fee: $5 in summer, free in winter
Parking: Limited roadside parking in winter
Amenities: Campground (closed in winter)
Temperature: Very hot to lukewarm
That wraps up Day 2!
If you’re camping, you can stay overnight at the winter parking lot for Bonneville Hot Springs. Only 35 minutes from Pine Flats.
Or head back to Stanley to your cozy cabin.
Either way, you’ll get in one last early morning soak tomorrow at Bonneville Hot Spring to wrap up your trip! So, get some rest because the last one requires a short hike.
Day 3: Bonneville Hot Springs + Head Home
Morning – Hike into Bonneville
Wake up early and head straight to Bonneville Hot Springs to get there before the crowds. If you camped overnight near the trailhead, you’ll have an easy start. Otherwise, it’s about a 50-minute drive from Stanley and a 2.6-mile hike round-trip.
In the winter, since the campground is closed, you’ll park in a large parking lot just west of the turn-off to the Bonneville campground. You can’t miss it.
The trail is flat and easy, but depending on the snow conditions, it can take 20–30 minutes to hike each way.
It may take a bit more effort to reach this one, but if you visit early in the morning, you’ll likely have it all to yourself—which made it totally worth it.
🚨 Top Tip: In winter, the hike to Bonneville Hot Springs can be through deep snow or icy—bring snowshoes or wear crampons if you don’t want to slip and slide your way there.
Bonneville Hot Springs
This was our second favorite hot spring of the trip and one of the most unique.
Once you arrive, you’ll find steaming hot springs cascading down the hillside and a small wooden shack at the top. Inside the shack, there’s a built-in bathtub, a bench, and hooks for your stuff. Perfect spot to soak in private and keep your stuff dry.
Below the shack, several natural pools sit along the creek, with small waterfalls flowing into them. They were beautiful, but when we tested them, the lower pools were way too hot to soak in. We ended up sticking with the bathtub in the shack, which was just right.
When you visit, be sure to check all the pools before stripping down!
The Details:
Directions: About 25 minutes from Stanley
Open: Year-round
Entrance Fee: $5 in summer, free in winter
Parking: Winter parking is along the highway
Amenities: Campground with bathrooms (closed in winter)
Temperature: Very hot to lukewarm
Afternoon – Head Home
After a relaxing morning soak, you can stop back in Stanley for a late breakfast or early lunch before heading home—if it’s on your route. But if you’re traveling toward Boise, you won’t want to backtrack, so just continue straight toward the city.
And, that concludes the itinerary for your hot springs hopping road trip.
Other Hot Springs Near Stanley Idaho
We packed as many hot springs into our trip as we could, but there were still a couple we didn’t get to this time. If you have extra time, here are two more hot springs near Stanley that are worth checking out.
Mountain Village Hot Springs
Located at Mountain Village Resort right in Stanley, this is a developed hot spring inside a cabin-style structure with stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s private and cozy, making it a great option if you prefer a more controlled environment over the wild, natural pools. The resort has two private tubs, each accommodating up to 10 people. You’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time by calling 800-843-5475.
Goldbug Hot Springs
If you’re coming from Missoula, Montana, this is a must-visit hot spring near Salmon, Idaho. It’s one of the most scenic hot springs in Idaho, featuring steaming waterfalls flowing into natural rock pools. But getting there requires some effort—it’s a 4-mile round-trip hike that’s mostly uphill. Plan for about two hours, but trust me, the views are worth it!
How to Get to Idaho’s Hot Springs
Stanley, Idaho, is the heart of this hot springs road trip, but you can’t fly directly there. Instead, you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport and drive in. Here are the best options:
- Boise, Idaho (BOI): The most popular choice. A 3-hour drive from Stanley, but winter road conditions can slow things down.
- Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN): The closest airport, just 1 hour away. Flights are limited, but if you can snag a good deal, this is the fastest route.
- Missoula, Montana (MSO): A 5-hour drive to Stanley, but hands down one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take. Since we live in Montana, this is the way we came.
Regardless of where you fly in, you’ll need a rental car. For winter, I highly recommend AWD or 4WD, since road conditions can be unpredictable.
🚨 Top Tip: Highway 21 frequently closes due to avalanches in the winter. Always check for road closures before heading out!
Where to Stay
Although we camped in our truck camper in winter, you might not want to do that, so here are the best places to stay in Stanley. The town is tiny, and there aren’t too many accommodation options, especially during the winter, some close up for the season.
But, no matter when you decide to visit, below are the best lodging options, along with where you can free camp like we did.
Hotels:
Stanley may be small, but it has a few great places to stay. Most options are cozy cabins and lodges, which fit perfectly with the mountain-town vibe. If you’re visiting in peak season, book early—these spots fill up fast!
📍Triangle C Cabins – Right in the middle of town, near Mountain Village Hot Springs. There are 10-12 cozy cabins, and they book up quickly, so if you want to stay here, reserve in advance.
📍Mountain Village Lodge – Also centrally located, making it a great home base for hot springs hopping. Bonus: it has its own private hot spring, so you don’t even have to leave the lodge for a soak.
📍Redwood Cabins – Just outside of town, right along the Salmon River. In winter, the views of the Sawtooth Mountains with steam rising from the river are unreal. This spot has the best views, in my opinion.
Dispersed Camping
In the winter, you won’t have access to the regular campgrounds because they’ll be closed for the season—but you can still camp for free.
We dispersed camped in the hot springs parking areas during our January trip and had no issues at all. Even the game warden drove by and waved.
Best Free Camping Spots in Winter:
- Cove Hot Springs Parking Lot – Perfect for rolling out of bed and straight into a soak!
- Bonneville Hot Springs Winter Parking – You’ll have to hike into the springs in the morning, but this is a great option if you want to wake up near the trailhead.
If you’re up for it, winter camping near Stanley is an adventure. We did it with our truck camper in negative seven degrees!
But if you’d rather stay warm, one of the cabins above might be a better call!
🚨 Top Tip: In summer, you cannot camp in hot spring parking lots. If you’re visiting in peak season, check The Dyrt or the US Forest Service website for legal dispersed camping spots nearby.
Tips for Your Idaho Hot Springs Road Trip
A little planning goes a long way. These tips will help you stay safe, pack smart, and get the best hot springs experience possible.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from late fall to early spring (November to March), but if you ask me, winter is hands down the best.
We visited in January, which meant we had most of the hot springs completely to ourselves.
Stanley is tiny, with only about 75 people in the winter and 200 in the summer, but despite its size, over 3 million visitors pass through during peak season. That means summer brings crowds, fully booked hotels, and way higher prices.
In winter, everything is quieter, cheaper, and more magical. Just be prepared for cold temperaturesand icy roads—but that’s part of the adventure!
Packing list
Some of these hot springs require a short hike in icy conditions, and most have zero amenities, so comeprepared. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
- Crampons or Ice Cleats – Trails and rocks can get insanely slippery in winter.
- Insulated Thermos – Keep your coffee piping hot while you soak.
- Travel Towel – A lightweight, quick-dry towel is necessary for drying off fast.
- Warm Layers – You’ll want cozy clothes to throw on immediately after soaking. A bathrobe is a good idea.
- Beanie & Gloves – Wet hair + cold air = instant popsicle.
- Warm Socks – Your feet will thank you after stepping out into the snow.
- Water Shoes – Some hot springs have sharp or slippery rocks.
- Waterproof Dry Bag – So helpful to keep your towel and clothes dry while you soak—especially if it’s snowing!
- Rechargeable Hand Warmers – These are so handy to have in your pockets for your walk or hike back to the car!
Hot springs etiquette
Before you soak, keep in mind that these hot springs are shared spaces, and a little etiquette goes a long way in making sure you and everyone else can enjoy them.
Here are a few things you should know:
- Clothing is optional. If you’re not comfortable with nudity, I’d go really early or try to go late in the day to try and get the springs to yourself. The middle of the day is the busiest time.
- Don’t pee in the hot springs. If nature calls, hike up a bit onto the river banks away from the water source or pee downstream, but not in the pools!
- Don’t hog the tubs or pools. Some have private tubs like the one at the Bonneville Hot Springs. Try to limit your time to maybe 45 minutes to an hour, especially if it gets really busy, so others can enjoy.
- No glass at the hot springs. Dropping a beer bottle or glass container could mean broken glass in the pools, and no one wants to step on that. Bring drinks in a thermos or cans instead.
- Respect the locals. Many of these hot springs are maintained by locals who spend time building and fixing the rock pools. Be respectful and leave them better than you found them.
Visit Hot Springs Early or Late
If you want a quiet soak all to yourself, your best bet is to arrive early or close to sunset. This is especially true in summer at the popular hot springs like Kirkham and Pine Flats.
One of my favorite moments of this trip was drinking my coffee in a steaming pool at sunrise. But the absolute best soak was under the stars—nothing beats floatingunder a crystal-clear winter sky.
If you can swing it, make this happen. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Road conditions & safety tips
Winter Driving: If you’re visiting in winter, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is a must. Roads can be icy, snow-covered, and sketchy in spots. If conditions are really bad, bring chains—better safe than sorry.
Highway 21 Closures: This highway often closes due to avalanches in winter, which can cut off access to some hot springs. Check road conditions before you go! When we planned our trip, the pass was closed for over a week, and the most accurate updates were on Stanley’s local Facebook page—way more reliable than the DOT website.
Download Maps Before You Go: Cell service is almost nonexistent outside of Stanley. We learned this the hard way when we couldn’t find one of the hot springs and had to drive all the way back into town just to get service. Download offline maps before you head out!
That’s a Wrap
That wraps up this Idaho hot springs road trip!
If you’re looking for one of the best weekend adventures that includes stunning scenery and epic hot springs, this itinerary is a must for your winter bucket list.
There’s nothing like sitting in a steaming pool while snow falls around you, and Idaho has some of the best ones.
So pack your swimsuit, hit the road, and go find your perfect soak!
Catch ya later.