Jump to a Spring
Montana sits atop one of the most geothermally active regions in North America. With 32 publicly accessible hot springs ranging from full-service resorts to primitive backcountry pools reached only by trail, there is a soak for every type of traveler. This directory covers every spring you can visit, including three popular springs just across the Idaho border that Montana locals consider part of their backyard.
♨️ Hot Spring Resorts (14)
Developed facilities with pools, lodging, dining, and amenities. Admission fees apply.
Chico Hot Springs
★★★★★4.6 (3,054)Historic resort in Paradise Valley with two open-air pools, lodging, fine dining, and spa. 30 miles from Yellowstone's north entrance.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
★★★★★4.6 (887)Modern facility 8 miles north of Yellowstone's North Entrance. No reservations needed. Multi-visit passes available.
Bozeman Hot Springs
★★★★★4.4 (2,614)Full-service fitness and soaking facility in Bozeman with 12 pools at varying temperatures, fitness center, and sauna.
Quinn's Hot Springs
★★★★★4.5 (2,390)Seven mineral pools ranging from hot soaking to a 55°F cold plunge. Resort with dining, lodging, and spa. Reservations required for day-use.
Fairmont Hot Springs
★★★★★4.2 (2,846)Full resort with two Olympic pools, mineral soaking pools, 350-foot waterslide, golf, and lodging. Pools reserved for overnight guests.
Lolo Hot Springs
★★★★★4.0 (1,004)Historic lodge and hot springs at the base of Lolo Pass on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Pool, bar, restaurant, and lodging.
Jackson Hot Springs
★★★★★4.7 (16)Historic lodge in the Big Hole Valley with a large outdoor pool, cabins, restaurant, and bar. Surrounded by ranch country.
Elkhorn Hot Springs
★★★★★4.5 (4)Rustic 1918 lodge in the Pioneer Mountains with two outdoor pools, indoor sauna, and historic cabins. 100% natural mineral water, no chlorine.
Symes Hot Springs
★★★★★4.0 (1,133)Historic hotel and mineral baths in the town of Hot Springs on the Flathead Reservation. Multiple soaking options and lodging.
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
★★★★★4.5 (248)Northeastern Montana's only hot springs, on the Hi-Line near the Canadian border. Main pool, hot tub, sauna. Pools drained and cleaned nightly.
Boulder Hot Springs
★★★★★4.4 (438)274-acre historic inn with four geothermal pools (indoor and outdoor), steam rooms, spa services. 30 miles from Helena.
Lost Trail Hot Springs
★★★★★3.7 (181)Historic resort dating to 1892 in Sula. Pool, hot tub, lodge, cabins, and restaurant. Near Lost Trail Ski Area.
Sleeping Child Hot Springs
★★★★★4.0 (25)Exclusive 40-acre private estate in the Bitterroot National Forest. Natural 130°F springs feed a large pool and two hot tubs. 5-story lodge, 9 bedrooms. Clothing-optional. VRBO rental.
K Bar L Ranch / Medicine Springs
Remote guest ranch at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Sun River, surrounded by Bob Marshall Wilderness. Geothermal pool at a constant 86°F. Access by boat from Gibson Reservoir or 7-mile Sun River Trail.
🏘️ Community Hot Springs (7)
Locally operated pools with basic facilities, changing rooms, and affordable admission.
Norris Hot Springs
★★★★★4.5 (758)Known as the 'Water of the Gods.' Chemical-free 38,000-gallon wooden pool, live music on weekends, farm-to-table food. Pool drained and refilled nightly.
Broadwater Hot Springs
★★★★★4.3 (1,646)Community hot springs and fitness center in Helena with multiple pools, a lap pool, and sauna. Locker rooms and towel service.
Alameda Hot Springs
Private mineral tubs and sauna in the town of Hot Springs. Seasonal operation with reservation-based private soaking.
Wild Horse Hot Springs
★★★★★4.5 (459)Private mineral plunges near the town of Hot Springs. Individual tubs for private soaking in a natural setting.
Big Medicine Hot Springs
★★★★★4.6 (100)Thermal baths in the town of Hot Springs on the Flathead Reservation. Natural mineral water pools in a low-key, locally run setting.
Spa Hot Springs (White Sulphur Springs)
★★★★★4.4 (750)Community mineral pools in the heart of White Sulphur Springs. Multiple temperature pools, motel rooms available.
Alhambra Hot Springs
Historic hot springs south of Helena near Clancy. One of the oldest developed springs in Montana.
🏔️ Primitive & Backcountry Springs (8)
⚠️ Important: Directions Are General
We intentionally keep primitive spring directions vague to protect fragile sites and because access changes constantly. Trails wash out, roads close for fire or flood, and private land boundaries shift. Do not rely on this guide alone. Before visiting any primitive spring, consult current trail reports (AllTrails, Gaia, etc.), the local USFS or BLM ranger district, and recent trip reports. Conditions can be dangerous—source water often exceeds 140°F, and backcountry travel carries inherent risk.
Undeveloped natural pools: free, no facilities, and often requiring a hike to reach. Bring bear spray and pack out all trash.
Potosi Hot Springs
★★★★★3.9 (23)Natural rock pools along a creek in the Tobacco Root Mountains. Source water is extremely hot; mix with creek water to cool. Multiple soaking pools at varying temperatures.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult trail info or USFS/BLM, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Nimrod Hot Springs
★★★★★4.2 (56)Large, crystal-clear natural warm pool with a cliffside waterfall. Only 70°F (warm, not hot), but a beautiful swimming hole. Free, year-round access. Popular with locals.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult trail info or USFS/BLM, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Boiling River (Yellowstone)
Hot spring water flows into the Gardner River, creating natural soaking spots where hot and cold water mix. Currently closed due to 2022 flood damage. Check NPS conditions before visiting.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Gigantic Warm Spring
The world's largest freshwater spring at 50,000 gallons per minute. A cool 68°F natural swimming hole. Seasonal, day-use only.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
The Landusky Plunge
Remote primitive spring in the Little Rocky Mountains of eastern Montana. One of the most isolated soaking spots in the state. Rough road access.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Blue Joint Hot Springs
Backcountry hot springs in the Bitterroot Mountains accessible via forest trails. Remote and primitive with natural rock pools.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Renova Hot Springs
★★★★★4.2 (98)Primitive natural hot springs along the Jefferson River. Multiple soaking pools at varying temperatures. Popular local spot.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Biltmore Hot Springs
Small primitive hot springs near Helena. Natural rock pools in a creekside setting.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult AllTrails, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
🗺️ Near-Border Springs (Idaho) (3)
⚠️ Same Caveats Apply
These springs are in Idaho but popular with Montana visitors. Directions are general—verify trailhead locations, road conditions, and closures (e.g., Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek enforce 6am–8pm hours) before you go.
These popular backcountry springs are just across the Idaho border, easily accessible from western Montana towns via Highway 12 or Highway 93.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Three hot spring sources with natural rock pools along Warm Springs Creek. Crosses a pack bridge over the Lochsa River. Just across the Montana border in Idaho on Hwy 12. Clothing-optional. Nighttime closure enforced.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult trail info or USFS/BLM, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
Small natural hot springs along Weir Creek near Lolo Pass, just across the Montana border in Idaho. Steep trail access. Nighttime closure enforced.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult trail info or USFS/BLM, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Waterfall-fed canyon pools reached by a steep 2-mile hike. Source temperature 113°F. One of the most scenic backcountry soaks in the region. Clothing-optional. Heavily visited in summer.
Verify before visiting. Directions here are intentionally general. Trails, road conditions, and access change with fires, floods, and seasons. Consult trail info or USFS/BLM, local ranger districts, or recent trip reports before you go.
Hot Springs Safety & Etiquette
- Hydrate: Geothermal water and high altitudes cause rapid dehydration. Bring plenty of drinking water.
- Bear country: Backcountry springs are in bear habitat. Carry bear spray and make noise on trails.
- Leave no trace: Pack out all trash. Never bring glass containers to primitive springs.
- No soap or shampoo: Chemicals contaminate natural pools and harm aquatic life.
- Check conditions: Springs close for fires, floods, and high water. Verify access before traveling.
- Test temperature: Source water can exceed 140°F. Always test before entering and mix with cool water.
- Respect closures: Nighttime closures at some primitive springs are enforced with citations.
Hours, prices, and seasonal availability may change. Contact individual springs to confirm before visiting. All photography original and locally captured.
