No trip to the Sawtooth Mountains would be complete without a day of soaking in some of the downright awesome hot springs near Stanley, Idaho. After all, what better way to soothe your aching muscles and relax after days of exploring? Did you know that Idaho actually has more soakable hot springs than any other state? It boasts an estimated 130! With that being said, there’s no shortage of options. However, this could lead to overwhelmingness – “where do I begin?” In this post, I will list and discuss some of my personal favorites and lump them into one full day’s itinerary!

ᑭOᔕT ᑕOᑎTEᑎTᔕ:

• What to bring for your day of soaking
• Kirkham Hot Springs
• Bonneville Hot Springs
• Boat Box Hot Springs
• Sunbeam Hot Springs
• Additional hot spring stops
• My Hot Spring video near Stanley, Idaho
• Where to camp (for FREE)

DISCLOSURE:

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU VISIT A LINK AND BUY SOMETHING ON MY RECOMMENDATION. PURCHASING VIA AN AFFILIATE LINK DOESN’T COST YOU ANY EXTRA, AND I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES I TRUST. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE MY DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY POLICY.

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

What to bring along for your day of soaking

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Kirkham Hot Springs

Cost: $5 parking fee (free if you have a national park annual pass)

Distance from Stanley: ~55 minutes

Coordinates: 44.0722538, -115.5430570

Pros: Boasts several areas to soak in with varying temperatures and there are even hot waterfalls!

Cons: Kirkham tends to be very busy.

I highly recommend beginning your day, preferably at sunrise, basking in the morning rays at this stunning hot spring location! It’s the furthest away from Stanley (still only under an hour), and it tends to get crowded and fast! Be the first to arrive to snag your favorite soaking spot. Believe me, there are plenty to choose from: next to the Payette River, underneath a flowing and warm waterfall or in a secluded pool among the hillside. Each spot has its own unique temperature so, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be like Goldilocks when testing them all out: “ouch this one is too hot!”, “brrr, this one is cold!”, “ahh, this one is PERFECT”. haha! I found the ones closer to the river to be the most ideal for my liking.

The drive along the Ponderosa Scenic Byway to the Kirkham Hot Springs from Stanley, Idaho is a delight in itself! There are multiple overlooks to pull over at and so much mountain scenery to relish! Of course, the hot springs, themselves, are situated in such a beautiful and cozy spot among the South Fork of the Payette River. It was utterly fascinating to look upon the hillside and see the streams of steam pouring into the mountain air overhead. If you’re able to beat the crowds, you’ll also enjoy the peaceful ambience of the rushing river, chirping birds and burbling waterfalls all around!

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Bonneville Hot Springs

Cost: $5 day use fee (free if you have a national park annual pass)

Distance from Stanley: ~45 minutes

Coordinates: 44.1565396, -115.3139883

Pros: Most secluded and even has a little rustic hut with a private hot spring tub inside!

Cons: HOT! These were the HOTTEST springs that I encountered near Stanley, Idaho.

Bonneville Hot Springs surprised me! Prior to my Idaho journey, I hadn’t read much about them and no one (not even locals) recommended them to us. However, I found them to be one of the most charming hot springs in the area thanks to their seclusion and uniqueness. Once you arrive to the parking lot/trailhead, hike back the Bonneville Hot Spring trail for roughly 0.3 mile to get to the springs. At the bottom of the hillside, below the trail, rests several springs along Warm Spring Creek. Above the trail, you’ll see an old, wooden shack-like structure where you’ll find a bath tub full of circulating hot water inside (photo’d above).

The shack provides a privacy not afforded by the other natural hot springs on this list! Take advantage of this feature before or after your soak in the creekside springs below. Aside from the small hike back to the springs, the trailhead for the springs sits a decent drive back a gravel/dirt road (off of the byway) which equates to this spring’s extended solitude. Like I mentioned above, other than the fact that I found these springs to be uber hot (took me quite awhile to fully immerse), they’re definitely one of my top favorites and a must-visit among your time in Stanley.

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Boat Box Hot Spring

Cost: Free

Distance from Stanley: ~7 minutes

Coordinates: 44.2448241, -114.8861327

Pros: Perfect temperature, ideal soaking depth and very aesthetically pleasing for some sweet photos! Very cozy for you and your significant other.

Cons: It’s right below the road and there’s only one boat box so you have to wait your turn (though, we didn’t encounter any one else when we went).

I found Boat Box Hot Spring to be just darling! I loved how comfortable it was to sit in the spacious boat box with my personal best-rated water. There are a few more springs below the box, along the Salmon River, where a couple other people relaxed. But, my husband and I felt hidden away from them inside this super original hot spring tub. We were warned that this is an “Instragrammer hot-spot” and that we may have to wait in line to get our turn. However, this was not the case for our visit – we must’ve lucked out when we ventured here amid this gorgeous August evening. We had it all to ourselves for as long as we fancied.

If it wasn’t for the spring’s proximity to the road, it would’ve been my absolute favorite (though it still remains in the top). Its closeness to Stanley, Idaho makes it a fantastic late evening/sunset soaking spot before heading back to camp for the night. OR, it’s even a perfect location to soak while staring up at the mesmerizing starry night sky! Pretty romantic setting, If I do say so myself! 😉

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Sunbeam Hot Springs

Cost: Free

Distance from Stanley: ~18 minutes

Coordinates: 44.2674836, -114.7478648

Pros: Very natural setting right along the Salmon River with some larger pools for bigger groups.

Cons: Extremely crowded! This was the most crowded spot during our visit. Perhaps because we went during prime time (sunset).

If your luck is better than mine, perhaps your journey to Sunbeam Hot Springs will be far less crowded (I was actually shocked by the crowds because I read from other reviews that it’s a more secluded spring?). Regardless, if you prefer a more natural setting (opposite from the rustic shack and boat box), then Sun Beam is right up your alley! With very warm yet manageable temperatures, I can see why it’s a popular spot at sunset! One can’t help but wonder: did it get its name because the sun did, indeed, beam on the springs at sun set? Hmm….

Regardless, it’s very appropriately named and resulted in an enchanting scene during my short but rewarding soak. I will say… at least the gushing river drowned out the noises from the masses further upstream. And, I’m fairly certain had we arrived a touch later or first thing in the morning, we would’ve beat the crowds! For that reason, I recommend ending your soaking day here at dusk (right after sunset) OR begin here and work your way backwards from my route mentioned above.

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Additional Hot Spring Stops

Stanley Mountain Village Hot Springs

This is a local resort and spa that features beautiful soaking rooms with stunning mountain views through its wide-open barn doors! Guests at the resort have free access to the hot springs (included in their rate). However, if you’re not a guest, you still may utilize their hot springs but you must reserve your one-hour visit ahead of time (costs $25 per non guest and there’s a 3-person limit).

Basin Creek Campground Hot Springs

Though this hot spring is located between Boat Box and Sunbeam, we did not see it as we drove by and thus, we did not visit. Furthermore, from what I’ve gathered via my online research, it seems this particular campground (where the springs are located) has been flooded out and perhaps no longer exists? I suggest doing further research before attempting to head there yourself (even though it is listed on the map I was provided – photo’d above). Maybe, just maybe, it will be a grand little treasure hunt for you!

Pine Flats Hot Springs

For those who have more time and/or do not mind venturing a little bit further, Pine Flats Hot Spring is a beautiful and peaceful soaking place located a short hike down a 0.5 mile (out and back) trail. It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes from Stanley, but I’ve been told it’s absolutely lovely!

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Hot Springs Near Stanley, Idaho Short Video

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HOT SPRINGS NEAR STANLEY IDAHO:

Where to Camp for FREE

Salmon River #3 (National Forest)

Cost: free

Type: Dispersed Camping for RVs and tents (no hookups or restrooms).

Note: There are fire rings provided so that you may have a campfire but, be sure your fires are dead out before bed!

This campground sits along the Salmon River, surrounded by pine forests and provides a glimpse of the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance. It was very peaceful and quiet and we really enjoyed our stay here! Tip: when you pull in off of the main rain, continue down the dirt road to the very last site to the right of the cul-de-sac/turnaround area. It’s more remote than the other sites and there’s a [steep] trail that leads down to the river.

Better yet? No reservations are required (they’re not allowed). These sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Don’t fret, though, because we got in around sunset the one evening and still found the best spot available here!

For more free & dispersed camping, check out ALL the options near Stanley Idaho via the Campendium App here.

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The Sawtooth Mountains (near Stanley, Idaho) are best explored via backpacking and backcountry camping! They’re unbelievably beautiful and I couldn’t suggest exploring them this way more! It was one of my greatest highlights out west this summer. With that being said, if you’re a beginner to backpacking and still a tad nervous – but also really want to learn and be prepared – check out my post:

Beginner’s Guide to Backcountry Camping

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Do you love soaking in hot springs? If so, what was your favorite hot spring you’ve ever visited? I’d love to hear in the comments below – I’m always eager to explore more!

As always….

Thank you so much for reading and happy travels!

-Mindy

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