Before visiting, we had no idea that Central Idaho has so many hot springs, many of them located in or near the quaint mountain town of Stanley. Since we were planning to spend some time in Stanley, we couldn’t help but spend a day hot springs hunting. Besides the fact that these hot springs are beautiful and unique, they are also free! Below is the list of the 5 awesome hot springs that we got to visit near and on the way to Stanley, Idaho. The list order is based on the distance of the hot springs to Stanley.
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Hot Springs Etiquette
Before visiting these hot springs, there are a few etiquettes and unspoken rules that you should pay attention to:
- Public hot springs are not bathing facilities, therefore, please DO NOT use soap, shampoo, or solvents in the hot springs. This includes biodegradable soap and shampoo. It is also illegal in most wilderness and public land areas.
- It should be a given, but we’ve heard of it happening before. PLEASE DO NOT urinate or defecate in the water. Use the restrooms or go far away from the water sources.
- Most of the hot springs below ARE NOT clothing-optional, since they are either not allowed or located in a very busy location. Make sure to wear your bathing suit.
- Please don’t bring any glass or other sharp items.
- Make sure to take all your trash out. Always carry out EVERYTHING that you brought in.
- Please keep your pets in the car. Pets are not allowed in the pools or the swim areas.
- Always be courteous to other visitors. It is a public space, it won’t hurt you to be nice and share.
5 Awesome Hot Springs Near Stanley, Idaho
1. Valley Creek Hot Springs
Valley Creek Hot Springs is the closest to the town of Stanley, actually right on the outskirt of it. It is also the most secluded, and in our opinion, the most beautiful one out of all the hot springs around the area. The decent size pool is surrounded by gorgeous views of majestic mountains, lush green hills, and a babbling creek. It’s a perfect place to spend a whole afternoon relaxing
2. Boat Box Hot Springs
About 4 miles from Stanley, Boat Box Hot Springs is an adorable, little metal tub, just big enough to fit about 2-3 people. Instead of the metal tub, a wooden box tube was once sat here, hence the name. However, after a river flooding, it was replaced by the metal tub that you see now. Hopefully, it won’t go anywhere since it’s secured nicely by metal cables. It’s pretty cool to know that these hot springs are maintained by the community of Stanley.
3. Cove (Creek) Hot Springs
Cove Creek Hot Springs is about 8.3 miles from Stanley and 5 miles past Boat Box Hot Springs. There is a wide extended shoulder on side of the road where you can park your car. You’ll know that you’re at the right place because there is a big wooden sign that said “Cove Hot Springs”. To get down to the hot springs, follow a small dirt trail, down the hill to the side of the river. Make sure to keep left at the fork to go toward the rocky area. This is one of the spots where you can build your own little pools with river rock by mixing the hot geothermal water with the cool river water. To be honest, this spot is our least favorite. However, you’ll most likely have the place to yourself. And it’s a pretty awesome spot, camping right next to the river.
4. Sunbeam Hot Springs
To get to Sunbeam Hot Springs, you’ll need to go past Boat Box and Cove Hot Springs. It is about 12.1 miles from Stanley and 8.8 miles past Boat Box Hot Springs. This place is awesome because you’ll have the super cool network of pools that you can build yourself on one side, and the interesting tubs on the other side. It can get quite busy in the peak seasons, however, the place is quite big so it doesn’t feel that bad. This place is also full of history so make sure you read up on it when you get there.
5. Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is not in Stanley, Idaho. In fact, it is about 1-hour drive from Stanley, toward Boise. However, this place is hands down our favorite, out of the 5 awesome hot springs we got to experience near Stanley. It has beautiful hot waterfalls (yes, hot, steamy waterfalls!), perfect hot springs pools, clear, turquoise water, gorgeous backdrops AND you get to climb jump into the river, and float downstream!! It is so much fun!
Apparently, there are tons more hot springs in this area. We wish we have more time to visit every single one of them. We how our list of the 5 awesome hot springs near Stanley helps with your planning. Do you have any other hot springs that you love? We would love to check it out. Don’t forget to comment below.
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These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
- You’ll get dehydrated quickly in the hot springs, make sure to bring plenty of water
- Swimsuits
- Towel and change of clothes
- Lunch and snacks. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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