Stanley, Idaho Hot Springs: Map, Itinerary, and Must-See Hot Springs

Mar 18

Idaho is truly the mecca when it comes to natural hot springs – with 130 of them dotting the state, it’s easy to see why the area has become famous for it’s warm water prime for soaking. While hot springs can be found throughout the Western US, it’s rare for a town to have as high a concentration of hot springs as Stanley, Idaho.

This tiny mountain town is located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, and boasts over a dozen hot springs within an hour radius from town. A Stanley, Idaho Hot Springs Road Trip has been high on my bucket list for more than a few years, and I was thrilled to finally make the trek in November for my 30th birthday. I’m happy to report that it’s well worth the trip – the hot springs we visited rank in some of my favorite of all time, and visiting in the early winter made the trip all the more memorable.

We did have single digit temperatures, but the hot springs offered the perfect contrast of warm water with icy air.

So, let’s dive in and talk all things hot springs, road trips, and the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho.

stanley, idaho hot springs faq

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Fall and winter! The temperatures in the summer aren’t ideal for soaking in hot springs, and in spring many hot springs will get flooded out by melting snowpack.
There are many US Forest Service campgrounds along the Salmon River right outside of town. There are also a few Airbnbs and the Mountain Village Hotel in Stanley.
In addition to following Leave No Trace, please follow these house keeping guidelines –
Limit Your Time: During busier times, be mindful of how long you spend in the hot springs – or make room for others – so other visitors can also enjoy them.
Be Respectful: Many hot springs have a clothing-optional policy – please be polite and respect the choices of others by not staring or making inappropriate comments.
Pets: Pets are typically not allowed in or near the springs. If they are allowed in the vicinity, keep them under control and please clean up after them.
Avoid Glass Containers: Glass containers can break and cause injuries, please refrain from using them near the pools.
In addition to general camping, travel, and road trip supplies, remember to grab the following:
- Bathing suits
- Towels
- Water Shoes
- Extra dry towels, along with extra dry bathing suits
The state of Idaho has over 130 natural, soakable pools. Some of these pools remain primitive and free to the public. Other’s have been commercialized and require a fee

the details

Stanley, Idaho is a small town with only about 120 year-round residents, and the surrounding area is definitely remote. If choosing to tackle all of Stanley’s Hot Springs in a road trip, be sure to take proper precautions like having a full tank of gas and keeping tabs on the latest winter road conditions on Idaho Transportation Department’s website.

It’s also worth noting that although all of Stanley is open for tourists in the summer, winter can be a different story. Many restaurants, shops, and hotels will be closed during the winter months. Plan accordingly!

must-see hot springs in stanley, idaho

Boat Box Hot Springs

Sunbeam Hot Springs

Valley Creek Hot Springs

Mountain Village Hot Spring

Cove Creek Hot Springs

must-see hot springs outside of stanley, idaho

Miner’s Box (aka Slate Creek) Hot Springs

Goldbug Hot Springs

Frenchman Hot Springs

stanley, idaho hot springs map & itinerary

– Travel day, with a late afternoon soak at Sunbeam Hot Spring
– After your soak, camp at one of the dozens of campgrounds along Highway 75
– Cove Creek Hot Spring
– Valley View Hot Spring
– Pit stop for snacks and gas in Stanley, ID
– Frenchman Hot Spring
– Dinner in Ketchum, ID
– Head back to Stanley to stay at the Mountain View Lodge
– Sunrise at Stanley Lake
– Morning soak at Mountain View Lodge’s iconic hot spring before heading back out of town
– Boat Box Hot Spring
– Miner’s Box Hot Spring
– Begin the journey home!

stanley, idaho hot springs

sunbeam hot springs

Hike Mileage: None! This is a roadside hot spring.

Elevation Gain: Short ascent down to hot springs.

Temperature: 103°-105° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes! Small roadside pull off

Starting off strong, Sunbeam Hot Springs is my favorite hot spring in the Stanley area. The water is warm and relaxing, the scenery is stunning, and the springs are huge which allows ample room for everyone to spread out. Sunbeam Hot Springs has a west and east side, both of which are right next to the road and can be easily accessed. The west-side will be to your right once parking and facing the river – the springs on this side are exceptionally hot, and there are a multiple of rock pools to soak in.

The eastern side has both a natural rock pool and two “soaking tubs” with pipes to regulate the temperature. These springs get hot – especially in the metal cauldron. There is a plastic bucket by the springs which can be used to regulate the temperature with river water as needed. Before getting in the soaking tub, test out the water beforehand. Chase and I felt the water was dangerously hot when we first arrived, and we took some time to regulate the temperature with river water before we got in.

Fun fact: the famous soaking cauldron from Boat Box Hot Springs was relocated to the east side of Sunbeam Hot Springs in late 2023.

valley creek hot springs

Hike Mileage: .25 miles to spring

Elevation Gain: None

Temperature: 95° - 100°F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes! Small parking lot

Another favorite, Valley View Hot Springs has unrivaled views and a huge soaking pool compared to other hot springs. If you are wanting to experience a similar view to Mountain Village Hot Springs but don’t want to splurge for the entrance fee, this is the hot spring for you.

Although the temperature is lower than other local hot springs, Valley View Hot Springs offers tons of space to spread out. There are a few deeper sections towards the right side of the pool. To find this hot spring, follow the road behind the Stanley Museum in town. From there, park in the gravel pull off, cross the wooden bridge, and the hot springs will be on your left.

mountain village hot springs

Hike Mileage: .25 miles to spring

Elevation Gain: 50 feet

Temperature: 105°-108° F

Entrance Fees: Yes! Included in hotel stay, or $35 for 1 hour soak for 2 people.

Restrooms: Yes!

Parking: Yes! Parking available at hotel and restaurant

Mountain Village Hot Springs is possibility the most well known hot spring in the area. The spring sits in a rustic wooden shed and is considered developed, but still has a rugged feel to it. Owned by the Mountain Village hotel, the spring is about 4.5 feet deep with crystal clear water and a sandy bottom. From the shed, the spring features unmatched views of the Sawtooth mountains.

Reservations last for one-hour and do sell out, so it’s recommended to call ahead. The hotel allows groups up to 8 in the spring during each reservation slot, however booking an earlier slot gives guests better odds of having the spring to themselves. I am personally not a fan of developed hot springs, but I absolutely loved this spot! Definitely worth the fee for such a unique experience.

boat box hot springs

Hike Mileage: None! This is a roadside hot spring.

Elevation Gain: Short incline to reach spring

Temperature: 103°-105° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes, very small roadside pull off for 1-2 cars

Boat Box Hot Springs is a small roadside spring that previously featured a famous soaking cauldron along the banks of the Salmon River. The cauldron was relocated to Sunbeam Hot Springs in late 2023 after regular flooding along the Salmon River threatened to wash it away. Boat Box Hot Springs is still worth the visit though! A relaxing rock pool has taken the place of the cauldron, and the spring receives way less crowds after the relocation. The water here is perfectly warm and the rock pool can fit around 4-5 people.

Be careful parking as the pull off for this hot spring is incredibly small. Do not block the highway and – if necessary – come back later if the pull off is full.

cove creek hot springs

Hike Mileage: .25 miles, next to road side.

Elevation Gain: Short incline to reach spring

Temperature: 95°-105° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: Yes!

Parking: Yes!

Cove Creek Hot Springs – also known as Basin Creek Hot Springs – is a small hot spring located along highway 75 near Salmon, Idaho. This hot spring features multiple pools, a picnic area, and a few areas perfect for cold plunging in the river.

These springs are nice and hot, but also a bit shallow. The river will flood these springs in warmer months, and even during winter the springs will be on the shallow side. The springs are secluded and great for spending an afternoon soaking.

hot springs outside of stanley, idaho

miner’s box (slate creek)
hot springs

Hike Mileage: 0.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 40 feet

Temperature: 103°-105° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes!

Miner’s Box Hot Springs is a super unique spring tucked way back in the mountains. We heard about these springs from a few locals, and instantly added them to our itinerary. Miner’s Box Hot Springs features an old wooden box left behind from a previous mining operation. There is also a natural pool with hot water. Both the box and pool are exceptionally hot, and make for a great spot to warm up for a few hours. The “miner’s box” can fit 2-3 people, and the pool can fit about 8.

After following a well maintained dirt road for a few miles off highway 75, you will be greeted to a small trailhead parking lot. Follow the trail for about .3 miles until you see the springs.

goldbug hot springs

Hike Mileage: 3.6 Miles (round trip)

Elevation Gain: 896 feet

Temperature: 110°-115° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes!

Gold Bug Hot Springs are towards the top of my list of all-time favorite hot springs. Located near the town of Salmon, these springs feature unmatched views and some of the most beautiful water I’ve ever soaked in. After hiking 1.8 miles, hikers are greeted with many pools to soak in along a cascading creek of warm water. The higher you climb, the warmer the water.

The views are unmatched, and there are a few primitive campsites towards the end of the trail. These springs are exceptionally hot, and it takes a little bit of time to get used to the water temperature. The reward is a soak in stunningly clear, blue water with views over looking the valley.

If hiking in the warmer months, be aware that this trail receives very little shade. In the winter, snowshoes and micro-spikes are recommended.

frenchman hot springs

Hike Mileage: 0.1 miles

Elevation Gain: None

Temperature: 108°-124° F

Entrance Fees: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Yes! Small roadside pull off

Frenchman Hot Springs are located near the town of Ketchum and are a popular apres ski spot for people visiting Sun Valley Resort. The springs feature a few small pools – one is easy to access from the neighboring dirt road, the other two involve crossing the cold waters of Warm Springs Creek. All 3 pools can comfortably fit about 4-5 people.

The water towards the main hot spring is dangerously hot at 124° F – be careful when choosing your location to soak.

Park in the small pull-out located on the dirt road. From there, walk over to the creek and pick your pool. This pull out does fill up – please do not block the dirt road when you park.