6 Best Stanley Idaho Hot Springs You Can’t Miss (+ Tips & Map!)

If you’re looking for the best hot springs near Stanley, Idaho, put on your swimsuit, my friend—you’re in for a treat.

My husband and I spent three awesome days hot spring hopping along the Salmon River in the dead of winter.

Let me just say—there’s nothing like soaking in steamy, natural pools while surrounded by snow-covered peaks and a frozen river. Absolutely magical!

We definitely found our favorites, learned a few things the hard way, and picked up some useful tips to help you have the best trip.

Also, fun fact—Idaho has more natural hot springs than any other state in the U.S., and Stanley is one of the best places to experience them. Once I found this out, I immediately added this place to my winter bucket list!

Some springs are easy to access with roadside parking, while others require a short hike into the forest.

No matter if you want the most beautiful pools, hidden gems, or the best spot for a secluded nighttime soak, this guide has you covered.

So grab your towel and get ready to relax in nature’s hot tubs.

Map of Stanley Idaho’s Hot Springs

The 6 Best Hot Springs Near Stanley Idaho

Stanley, Idaho, is a hot spring lover’s dream, and after spending three days soaking in these natural pools, I can confirm—they live up to the hype. Here are six of the best natural hot springs near Stanley—including my favorite.

1. Sun Beam Hot Springs

This hot spring is just a short scenic 18-minute drive from downtown Stanley and is located right along the river bank.

It normally has a couple of different soaking options for you.

From the parking lot, you can go right of the picnic area, where there is normally a tub or two on the shore of the river, placed by the locals. You can fill up these tubs with hot water from PVC pipes that pipe the hot water from the other side of the road. But, when we visited in January 2025, the tubs were missing.

If you go to the right of the picnic area, there is a path that leads to about 5 or 6 natural shallow pools formed with the river rocks.

These pools sit right in the river and have a gravel bottom that can hurt the feet, so be sure to wear water shoes.

The water temperature varies greatly from one pool to the next. One pool I tested was so freaking hot it almost burned me, so be very careful before jumping in. We found the perfect temperature in the one in the middle.

Or you can arrange the rocks to add more river water to adjust the temperature.

Also, be careful when getting down to the springs because the rocks are a little slippery in the winter.

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2. Cove Hot Springs

This was, without a doubt, our favorite hot spring near Stanley. At first, you might wonder why—there’s just one big pool right by the river, nothing fancy.

Let me tell you why.

It’s the biggest and deepest of all the natural hot springs we visited, which means you can actually sink in, stretch out, and fully relax without having to squeeze into a tiny rock-lined pool.

The bottom was super soft sand, and the water temperature was just perfect—hot but not scalding, with a little variation depending on where you sit.

But what really made Cove Hot Springs our favorite was soaking here at night. We camped in the parking lot in our truck camper (yes, in the winter, they don’t mind) and had it completely to ourselves.

Floating under a clear sky full of stars with just the sound of the river flowing nearby was so peaceful and magical.

Then, in the morning, we grabbed our thermos of hot coffee and slipped back into the warm water while watching the sunrise over the snow-covered landscape. It felt like something straight out of a winter fairy tale.

The walk from the parking area is maybe three minutes, but in the winter, it can be slippery, so take your time getting down there.

If you want to experience this place at its best, go early in the morning or late at night or camp like we did—it’s worth it.

3. Boat Box Hot Springs

This hot spring has really lost its favorability with visitors now.

You see, there used to be a cool big metal cauldron filled with steaming hot water that it was famous for. But apparently, a flash flood swept it away in the spring, and no one has replaced it yet.

Even without the cauldron, it’s still worth a visit. There are 4 or 5 small pools along the riverbank, built up with rocks by the locals.

A PVC pipe brings piping hot water from the other side of the highway, and fills the pools. The upper pool that the pipe flows directly into will burn you, so be careful! We tested the others, and some were perfect, while others closer to the river were lukewarm.

If you’re visiting during the winter like we did, you can add snow to adjust the temperature. Or sometimes, there’s a bucket that’s usually left there to scoop cold water into the pools. We couldn’t find the bucket. It was probably buried under the snow.

With steaming water, the Salmon River, and the mountains around you, it’s not a bad place to soak.

4. Kirkham Hot Springs

This is the most popular hot spring in the area, which means it’s almost always crowded.

There are pools everywhere! A few right after the bridge, along the hillside. A couple up the trail near the wooden viewing deck above the river and several more along the riverbank.

The most popular and crowded pools are along the river, where waterfalls flow into the pools. They look beautiful, but honestly, we were a little disappointed.

The water was barely bathtub warm, maybe 80 degrees at best. And on top of that, beer cans were scattered all over the place, which was frustrating to see.

We ended up soaking in one of the smaller pools up top 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 stop just to see the waterfalls, but keep your expectations in check—this isn’t the peaceful, hot soak you might be imagining.

It’s probably better for the summer since it’s more of a warm spring and not a hot spring!

5. Pine Flats Hot Springs

This one is really interesting and beautiful because it has several small pools built right into the cliffs overlooking the river below.

There’s also a lower pool right along the river that has a waterfall, but to get to it, you have to walk through the freezing river. Which in winter was a hard no for us.

I have seen pictures of that pool and hear it’s really cool, so if you’re braver than us, check it out. We just stuck to the upper pools, which also had amazing views.

The individual pools on the cliffs aren’t very big. Some are only big enough for one person to soak. And the higher up you go, the hotter the pools get.

We climbed to one of the pools on the very tippy top and could barely handle the heat—it was that hot. And some of the lower pools were only lukewarm.

So I recommend you visit early in the morning or right before sunset so you’ll have a better chance of snagging one of the best ones.

Getting there was a bit of a trek since the campground was closed for the season. In the summer, it’s a short 0.6-mile hike, but in the winter, we had to park along the highway and walk about 15 minutes down an icy trail.

My husband, who’s surefooted, totally wiped out, so if you’re going in winter like us, crampons will save your life. And note that it’s all downhill, so that means the walk back is all uphill. Be prepared for a bit of a climb.

6. Bonneville Hot Springs

This one was our second favorite hot spring and the most unique on this trip.

It takes a little more effort to get to, but it’s totally worth it—especially if you visit in the winter, where you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

During the summer, it’s an easy 0.6-mile round-trip hike from the Bonneville Campground, but in the winter, when the campground is closed, so you’ll have to walk about 2.6 miles round trip from the parking lot along the highway.

The trail is flat and easy, but depending on snow conditions, it can take 20-30 minutes each way.

Once you arrive, you’ll see several hot springs cascading down from the hillside and a small wooden shack.

In the little shack at the top, there’s a built-in bathtub, a bench, and some hooks for your stuff. This is a great place to keep your stuff dry during the winter while you soak. We were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves!

Downhill, below the shack, there are several natural pools with small waterfalls cascading into them.

They are really beautiful, but when we visited, the lower pools were way too hot to soak in. We tested all of them, but none were cool enough, so we stuck with the tub up top.

After soaking for an hour, we started heading back around 10 AM and finally saw another couple making their way in. If you want solitude, get there early!

Other Hot Springs Near Stanley Idaho Worth a Visit

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

This one’s at Mountain Village Resort right in Stanley. It’s a developed hot spring with two private tubs inside a cabin-like structure with gorgeous views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Each tub fits up to 10 people, and you have to make a reservation by calling 800-843-5475.

It’s $50 for two people, then $5 for each extra guest.

If you’re staying at the lodge, there’s also a free hot tub for guests, but it’s first come, first served, so you might have to share.

Location: (44.221296, -114.931369) In the town of Stanley, Idaho.

Gold Bug Hot Springs

If you’re coming from Missoula, Montana, check out Gold Bug Hot Springs near Salmon, Idaho. It’s one of the most beautiful hot springs in the state, with natural pools fed by a steaming waterfall and killer views.

But getting there takes effort! It’s a four-mile round-trip hike, all uphill. Plan for about two hours round trip.

Location: (44.905368, -113.929632) 30 minutes outside Stanley, Idaho.

How to Get to Stanley, Idaho

You can’t fly directly into Stanley, so you’ll need to fly into a nearby city and drive in. Here are your best options:

• Boise, Idaho (BOI): The most common choice. It’s about a 3-hour drive to Stanley, but winter road conditions can slow things down.
• Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN): The closest airport, just an hour away. Flights here are limited, but if you can find a good deal, it’s the quickest route.
• Missoula, Montana (MSO): A 5-hour drive to Stanley, but it’s one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take. Since I live in Montana, this is my personal favorite.

Which airport you choose really depends on your preference and the flight deals you can find. But no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need a rental car.

Sometimes, it can be faster or slower, depending on your road conditions.

Best Time to Visit Idaho’s Hot Springs

The best time to visit is from late fall to early spring (November to March), but if you ask me, winter is the absolute best.

We visited in January—dead of winter—and had most of the hot springs completely to ourselves. Soaking in steaming hot water while surrounded by snow-covered mountains and frozen rivers is so magical.

Stanley is tiny, with only about 75 people living there in the winter and around 200 in the summer. But despite its small size, over 3 million visitors pass through in the summer. That means the hot springs get really crowded, lodging and campgrounds are hard to come by, and prices go way up.

In the winter, there are way fewer people, more vacancies, and a better chance of having a hot spring all to yourself. Just be ready for cold temps and icy roads—but that’s all part of the adventure!

Where to Stay Near Stanley

The town is tiny, so 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 campgrounds, and I’ve even included info on where you can free camp.

Accommodations

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.

Camp Sites

If you’re visiting in summer, camping is a great option. Just keep in mind that most campgrounds close for the winter, so if you’re coming in the colder months, scroll down to the dispersed camping section.

Cove Creek Campground – A great riverfront campsite with beautiful views. Super close to the first three hot springs on this list.
Salmon River Campground – Close to town and a good option if you want to be minutes from Stanley.
Bonneville Campground – Right at Bonneville Hot Springs, so you can wake up and head straight for a soak.
Pine Flats Campground – Close to Pine Flats Hot Springs, with sites tucked into the trees.

Dispersed Camping

If you’re visiting in winter, you won’t have access to the regular campgrounds—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.

If you’re visiting in summer and want to disperse camp, you won’t get away with this! You’ll need to do a little research. My go-to resources for finding free camping spots are The Dyrt and the US Forest Service website. These will help you find legal spots where you can camp without hassle.

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!

Tips For Visiting Stanley Idaho’s Hot Springs

Before you head out, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Idaho’s hot springs are incredible, but the experience can vary a lot depending on the season, road conditions, and timing. Here are some tips to help you have the best soak possible.

⚠️ Consider the Season

Seasons can make or break your hot springs trip.

In the spring, river levels rise, and some pools get completely washed out.

Since the 2024 wildfire, there’s less vegetation holding the soil in place, so flash floods have become a real issue—sometimes even wiping out roads.

In winter, avalanches are the biggest concern, especially on Highway 21.

If you’re visiting in winter, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended. The roads can really get packed with ice and snow, and you don’t want to be the person sliding off into a ditch. If conditions are rough, bring chains—better safe than sorry.

⚠️ Make Sure Highway 21 is Open

Highway 21 has a habit of closing due to avalanches and flash floods, cutting off access to half of the hot springs in this post. Always check ahead before making the drive.

When we were planning our trip, the pass was closed for over a week due to avalanches. We called the Stanley Lodge, and the front desk lady gave us a great tip—the local Facebook page has the most accurate info, more than the DOT website.

Definitely worth keeping an eye on before you go!

⚠️ Download Good Maps

Cell service is almost nonexistent outside of Stanley.

We learned this the hard way when we couldn’t find one of the hot springs because we didn’t have the map downloaded. We had to drive all the way back into town just to get service and download directions.

Don’t make the same mistake, and download the map before you get there.

⚠️ Visit Hot Springs Early or Late

If you want a quiet soak all to yourself, your best bet is to get to the hot springs really early or right close to sunset. This is especially true in the summer when visiting the popular Kirkham and Pine Flats.

One of my favorite moments from our trip was drinking hot coffee in a steaming pool and watching the sunrise. But the absolute best soak was under the stars. I can’t even describe how magical it was.

If you can make this happen, do it! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

⚠️ Hot Springs Etiquette

Before you soak, keep in mind that natural hot springs are shared spaces, and a little etiquette goes a long way in making sure you and everyone else can enjoy. 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.

⚠️ Follow Leave No Trace Principles

These hot springs are pretty incredible, and it’s up to all of us to keep them that way. Pack out everything you bring in, stick to designated trails, and don’t leave trash behind.

When we visited Kirkham Hot Springs, we were pretty bummed to see beer cans and garbage scattered everywhere. It’s frustrating because a lot of these spots are free to enjoy—but only if we take care of them.

Be a good visitor and leave it better than you found it. If you see trash, please pick it up. Respect the springs, respect nature, and let’s keep these places beautiful for the next person who comes to soak.

What to Pack for Natural Hot Springs in Idaho

Some of these springs have sharp rocks, are slippery, are a bit of a walk-in, and have zero amenities, so a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what you’ll want to bring.

Year-Round Essentials

• Water Shoes – Protect your feet from sharp rocks and slippery algae.
• Quick-Dry Towel – A compact, absorbent towel makes drying off easier.
• Headlamp – Essential if you plan to soak at night.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated, especially in hot water.
• Dry Bag – Keeps your phone and clothes dry while you soak.

Winter Must-Haves

• Crampons or Ice Cleats – Trails and rocks can get icy—these help prevent slipping.
• Insulated Thermos – Perfect for keeping coffee or tea hot while you soak.
• Warm Layers – You’ll want cozy clothes to throw on after getting out.
• Beanie & Gloves – Your head and hands will get cold fast when wet.
• Warm Socks – Your feet will thank you after stepping out of a hot spring into the snow.

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That’s a Wrap

If you’re looking for an awesome weekend adventure, Stanley Idaho’s Hot Springs should be at the top of your US bucket list.

Between the natural pools and mountain views, this place is really special.

Just plan ahead, check road conditions, and pack the right gear so you can actually enjoy the experience and not freeze your butt off or slip on an icy rock.

We had an incredible time hopping from spring to spring, and I already know we’ll be back.

Hope you get to experience it too!

Catch ya later!