Hot Springs in Idaho

7 Best Idaho Hot Springs Near Boise   Winters can be a time to hole up indoors and avoid outdoor activities altogether, but not for Idahoans. One of Idaho’s signature outdoor winter activities is soaking in hot springs, and lucky for Boiseans, there are dozens within a 3-hour drive or less of Boise (and most of them are free!). Take a look at our list of the Top 7 Best Idaho Hot Springs Near Boise for your next winter adventure.    1) Pine Flats Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: Wandering Van Creative Blink and you’d miss it, these hot springs are nestled into the hillside between the Banks/Lowman Highway and South Fork of the Payette River. The 0.6 mile out & back trail from the parking area is regularly trafficked, and best experienced in the early morning. Various pools dotted along the rocky hillside have different degrees of warmth, and the cold river is a nice reprieve. Keep climbing around the rocky terrain and you might find yourself under a remarkable waterfall and geothermal pool with picturesque views of the river. Cost: Free Amenities: Campground nearby Drivetime from Boise: 1 hour 32 minutes   2) Bonneville Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: Jenn Jackson Bonneville Hot Springs are a sweet treasure in the gorgeous mountain scenery of the Boise National Forest just outside of Lowman. Situated along the Warm Springs Creek and surrounded by blissful mountain tops, you’ll find the 0.25 mile (mostly flat) trail to be a leisurely walk from the parking lot. A charming rustic bath house sits atop a grassy knoll where the warm water begins its descent towards the creek, but don’t be fooled, this tub is a scorcher. The pools down below have been reconfigured using river rock for optimal cold/hot water flow, but are fairly established. Take this experience to the next level and bring your headlamps for a night soak. There is nothing like soaking beneath a blanket of stars in Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve. Cost: $5 fee for parking  Amenities: Campground nearby Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 9 minutes   3) Kirkham Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: ultimatehotspringsguide.com Likely the most popular hot springs on this list is Kirkham. These springs flow into the South Fork of the Payette River just outside of Lowman and are a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. The pools are spacious for big groups and the trail is a 0.2 mile stroll from the parking area. Established stairs lead down to the pools and steaming waterfalls for easier access. Cost: $5 fee for day use Amenities: Vault toilets Drivetime from Boise: 1 hour 45 minutes   4) Boat Box Hot Springs in Stanley Photo: redfishlake.com One of the more unique destinations for a soak is riverside along the Salmon River just outside of Idaho’s pride and joy, Stanley. The highlight of these springs is the above ground wooden tub, fitting 3-4 people. The water in the tub is scalding, so in true Idaho fashion, there is a bucket around to add cold river water in for the perfect temperature. Due to the small size of the parking area and tub itself, this one is best experienced on a shoulder season to avoid crowding. Cost: Free Amenities: N/A Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 44 minutes 5) Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley Photo: mountainvillage.com If you do a search on Stanley, Idaho, chances are you’ve seen a picture of this spring. Imagine a rustic log building with a soaking pool inside, and double doors opening to an iconic view of the Sawtooth Mountains. Located a short walk from the lodge, guests can enjoy their own private soaking sanctuary. This spring is well-maintained and temperature-regulated for optimal comfort. It’s in high demand, and for good reason. Book your stay and make sure to reserve your time in this heavenly slice of the Sawtooths.  Cost: Complimentary for lodge guests. Reservation only. Amenities: Covered spring, lodging nearby Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 44 minutes   6) The Springs in Idaho City Photo: thisisboise.com The Springs is an established resort featuring a massive communal hot pool and private tubs centered in rolling mountains and dense pines. We recommend this experience for those who are looking for a more luxurious hot spring experience very close to Boise. The communal pool is perfectly warm for all soakers and has a beautiful building with bathrooms.The private tubs are wonderful for romantic dates with poolside food service available.  Cost: $20-$50 timed soak. Reservation only. Amenities: Large public pool. Private tubs with food service. Bathrooms. Drivetime from Boise: 53 minutes   7) Burgdorf Hot Springs and Resort in McCall Photo: visitidaho.org Another popular destination for the adventurous, Burgdorf Hot Springs is only accessible by snowmobile between November-April due to high snow conditions. The resort consists of multiple log-lined pools with graveled bottoms and lodging for overnight stays. This well-maintained and established location is quite busy, so reservations are required. Come for the rustic ambiance, and stay for the remarkable scenery. Cost: $15-20 timed soak. Reservation only. Amenities: Communal pools. Lodging nearby. Drivetime from Boise: 3 hours 6 minutes

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Winter Activities to Do in and Around Boise

Winter in Boise is a magical time. Pillowy snow-capped mountains are a picturesque sight behind the downtown skyline. Even with colder temperatures, Boise’s dormant season is anything but still. Half of Idaho’s outdoor recreation happens when the snow falls, drawing in thousands of visitors and locals to prized ski resorts like Sun Valley and ones closer to home like Bogus Basin for winter sports. Whether you’re already living in the area and looking for something new to try or planning a trip to Boise, there are many activities to enjoy alone or with the whole family. Outdoor Activities: Ski Resorts - Idaho has a long history with skiing, as one of its resorts is world-famous for having the first chairlift in 1936. Boise is conveniently positioned with multiple ski resorts located within a 3 hour drive, including the local resort, Bogus Basin.  (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho): Less than 45 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, winter tubing, snowshoe trails, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, convenient up and down access for quick day trips Average snowfall: 200” plus snowmaking on site Website Sun Valley (Ketchum, Idaho): About 3 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 196” plus snowmaking on site Website Tamarack (Donnelly, Idaho): About 2 hours 14 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, charming village atmosphere Average snowfall: 300”  Website Brundage: About 2.5 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 320” Website   Ice Fishing - The bold are aptly rewarded with a bounty when brave (and prepared) enough to go ice fishing. With several large lakes and reservoirs surrounding the area, there is plenty of opportunity to cast a line and reel them in. Lake Cascade Horsethief Resevoir    Sledding - Boise averages 20” of snowfall per year. Not a lot, but enough to have fun. Here are a few spots that locals go to for sledding on big snow days. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Simplot’s Hill Camel’s Back Park Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve Bogus Basin Resort tubing hill ($) Eagle Island State Park tubing hill ($) Steamboat Gulch near Idaho City ($)   Hiking/Snowshoeing/Fat Tire Mountain Biking - The Boise foothills offer hundreds of acres of unspoiled land with maintained trails in the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system that are used year round. These trails meander through gulches, ridges, and right next to the downtown core for a beautiful perspective of the area in winter. Know before you go, check trail conditions on the Ridge-to-Rivers Facebook page for daily updates. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson)     Boise Greenbelt: The 25-mile paved pedestrian/bike trail along both sides of the Boise River is shoveled and de-iced during the winter months for year-round use. The bare trees allow for better views of the river and with less overall traffic, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a calm and peaceful sunny winter day stroll.   McCall Winter Carnival: A beloved tradition, this multi-day carnival draws in thousands of people to McCall, a small mountain town about 2.5 hours from Boise. Featuring world-famous ice sculptures, the carnival also includes parades, dog sled racing, pancake breakfasts, live music, wine dinners, and more. Dates: January 27-February 5 Website   Take a Dip in Hot Springs: There’s nothing quite like soaking in a warm pool of geothermal water on a chilly winter day. Idaho is home to dozens of natural and man-made hot springs in beautiful mountain settings. Some are an easy drive and park, while a few of the best ones require a little work for the reward. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Man-Made Pools The Springs Resort in Idaho City ($) Large man-made geothermal pools with reservable private pools. Better to book ahead of time as this is a popular spot for locals. Burgdorf Resort in McCall ($) Another popular getaway for locals in the Treasure Valley, this majestic and rustic resort has man-made geothermal pools and is only accessible by snowmobile in the winter months. Boatbox Hot Springs in Stanley A quintessential “Idaho” experience, this spring is just an above-ground tub nestled along the Salmon River that has a little bucket to add in cold river water to temper the piping hot water.  Natural Hot Springs Pine Flats near Garden Valley ($) Various pools are scattered along a rocky hillside overlooking the Payette River. Keep exploring and you’ll find an incredible pool with a waterfall. It’s like a warm outdoor shower. Kirkham in Lowman ($) One of the closest hot springs to Boise, this area is very popular and can get busy in peak months. Early fall and winter are great times to enjoy these springs without the crowds. Bonneville in Lowman ($) Various pools are situated where hot natural spring water flows into the Warm Springs creek, creating a unique hot/cool sensation. These pools are a short and relatively flat hike from the parking lot. Stay at the campground overnight and bring a headlamp, it's another world soaking in the springs underneath a canopy of stars. This area is next to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is mitigated offering an extraordinarily clear sky to view the cosmos. Goldbug near Salmon  These steamy pools are an epic reward after hiking 2-miles and up 1,350 feet. The trek may be difficult, but the views are easy to enjoy. Overlooking rolling hills and massive rock cliffs, these pools are one of Idaho’s most treasured (and Instagrammable) spots. See our favorites here!   See Christmas Light Displays: The holidays are just around the corner and many neighborhoods come alive after dark with vibrant colors and light.  Check out a handy map of the area’s best displays here Idaho Botanical Garden Winter Garden Aglow     Indoor Activities: Go to a Steelheads Hockey Game: Boise is home to the Idaho Steelheads, a semi-pro hockey team that hits the rink at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in the Grove. Fun for the whole family, games are full of energy with many traditions to partake in (including flying fish!). Get tickets here.   Visit a Museum: There are several museums that tell the story of Idaho’s History, display fine arts, and even let you play scientist and get a little messy. Here’s a list of Boise and nearby places to learn a thing or two while getting out of the cold. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Boise Art Museum Idaho State Museum Discovery Center of Idaho Warhawk Air Museum Boise Train Depot Museum of Mining and Geology Children’s Museum of Idaho   Go to the Aquarium: It may be smaller than other big city waterworlds, but packs a big punch. The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and unexpectedly rich experience with touch pools, birds, and reptiles. Website   Shop at a Holiday Market: Various pop-up holiday markets throughout town offer unique and beautiful gifts for those on your shopping list that support local merchants and craft makers.  Wintry Market (November 18-19) Merry Makers Market (November 27-December 23) El Korah Holiday Show (November 19-20) Eagle Holiday Bazaar (November 5-6) Canyon County Christmas Show (November 18-20) Boise Christmas Show (December 1-4)   Pop Up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse: Nothing beats the winter blues like a little (or a lot) of greenery. Located in Boise’s North End, Edward’s Greenhouse hosts indoor pop-up parks and yoga in their greenhouses for families to enjoy an indoor warm park-like atmosphere in the colder winter months. Website    Go to a Boise State Basketball Game: Boise State Athletics are not just about football. The men’s basketball team has a winning record in the Mountain West Conference and take the court at Extramile Arena.  Get tickets here   Watch the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center: A Christmas pastime, the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center is an elegant display of artistry and wonder. A great activity that is full of the holiday spirit and magic. Buy tickets here   Watch a Classic Movie at the Egyptian Theater:  One of Boise’s most cherished landmarks, the Egyptian Theater sits at the heart of downtown a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building. Established in 1927, the theater is a warm, welcoming, and beautifully restored space to enjoy a calm evening out of the elements. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Movie Schedule   Want more information on life in Boise? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Guide!

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