Bozeman Hot Springs (Bozeman)
The Bozeman Hot Springs has 12 pools ranging from 57 to 106 degrees. In addition to the eight pools inside, there is a steam room and dry sauna. The four pools located outside feature amazing rock fixtures and colorful lights. Visit www.bozemanhotsprings. com.
At the time of publication, many hot springs resorts were open to the public on a limited basis, some requiring reservations, membership or room rental. PLEASE, call before you go for the most current COVID restrictions and specific resort policies.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
(Gardiner)
Yellowstone Hot Springs is located just 10 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by wild Montana countryside in a picturesque setting, nestled along the banks of the Yellowstone River. They boast 4,000 square feet of mineral hot springs in an alcohol-free environment. Visit www.yellowstonehotsprings. com.
Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness (Helena)
Helena’s only natural hot springs, Broadwater has it all: a springs pool, hot tub and cold plunge, soaking pool, recreation pool, beautiful locker rooms, steam and sauna rooms, the Springs Taproom & Grill and a fitness center. Visit www.broadwatermt.com.
Chico (Paradise Valley)
Chico has two open-air natural mineral hot springs pools in addition to the Saloon and Poolside Grille. Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Visit www.chicohotsprings.com.
Boiling River
(Yellowstone National Park/opens mid-July)
Located approximately two miles north of Mammoth, on the border of Montana and Wyoming (there is a very small sign denoting this; you’ll probably miss it), the Boiling River is just south of the 45th Parallel Bridge (again, there’s a small sign marking the 45th Parallel of Latitude halfway between the Equator and North Pole). You’ll cross the Gardner River and find the main parking area on your left.
Elkhorn Hot Springs (Polaris)
Swim in two outdoor hot spring pools ranging in temperature from 85-102 degrees and then relax in the Grecian/ wet sauna that ranges from 98-102 degrees. Visit www.elkhornhotsprings. com.
The Boiling River is about a half-mile walk down a footpath. Local tips:
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
» Put your bathing suit on at home or in the car; there’s no locker room,
(Located just outside of Butte)
only a pit toilet.
Fairmont has two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two mineral soaking pools, (one indoors and one outdoors). There is a bar and restaurant on-site, ample poolside lounging and a 350-foot enclosed waterslide. Visit www. fairmontmontana.com.
» Leave your dry clothes in the car and cover up with a towel for the walk.
» Wear water shoes. The temperature of the river changes from
lukewarm where you get in, to scorching hot farther downstream, and the river rocks are slippery!
Boulder Hot Springs Inn and Spa (Between Butte and Helena)
The outdoor swimming pool features a deck for sunbathing and a heated sidewalk to the bathhouse. Indoors, there is a women’s hot plunge pool and a cool pool. A separate men’s side has a hot pool (no cool pool). Both the men’s and women’s sides offer steam rooms as well. The restaurant on-site specializes in healthy, home-cooked gourmet food featuring organic meats, fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Visit www.boulderhotsprings. com. 22
summer 2021
ELKHORN HOTSPRINGS
Norris Hot Springs (Norris)
This is one of the smaller ones…but it’s really fun. With just one pool, Norris keeps people happy with local draft beer on tap and good eats from their 50 Mile Grill where the offerings are made from organic, sustainable products mostly grown onsite. Bonus: Live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Visit www. norrishotsprings.com.