SOAK UP EVERY MOMENT AT MONTANA’S HOT SPRINGS
Montana’s hot springs emerge as natural sanctuaries, inviting visitors to unwind in mineralrich waters surrounded by the beauty of Big Sky Country. For thousands of years and throughout many cultures, individuals have embraced the therapeutic benefits of soaking in these waters. Today, these geothermal gems provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking to escape and relax. And when the sun sets, Montana’s star-studded night sky offers a completely sublime soaking experience.
For a hot springs adventure in the landscapes between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, head to the regions called Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country.
WESTERN MONTANA’S GLACIER COUNTRY
LOLO HOT SPRINGS
Soak in the soothing mineral waters that bathed the weary members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition over 200 years ago. Lolo Hot Springs features indoor and outdoor pools (depending on the season), a saloon with live entertainment, restaurant, casino, lodging and special events throughout the year. Stay on-site in a cabin and enjoy nearby cross-country skiing and 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails with onsite rental options. Surrounded by the Lolo National Forest and 37 miles southwest of Missoula, Lolo Hot Springs is in a prime location for recreation and relaxation.
38500 U.S. Highway 12 W. Temperature Range: 102 – 106 F Lolo, MT 59847 Cold Plunge: No
406.273.2290
Day-Use Soaking: Yes lolohotsprings.com
LOST TRAIL HOT SPRINGS
After a day on the slopes at Lost Trail Powder Mountain there’s nothing better than a soak in nature’s hot tub at Lost Trail Hot Springs. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Bitterroot Valley as you indulge in a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and unwind in the dry sauna. You can also grab a seat in the 8-person indoor hot tub or opt for the roomy, covered hot springs pool. For an extended stay, consider an overnight in one of their cabins or lodges.
283 Lost Trail Hot Springs Road Temperature Range: 95 – 105 F Sula, MT 59871 Cold Plunge: No
406.821.3574
Day-Use Soaking: Yes, Friday – Sunday losttrailhotsprings.com
QUINN’S HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Welcome to Paradise, where you’ll find an elevated hot springs experience. Following a recent renovation, this once-hidden gem has become a sought-after getaway, so secure your booking well in advance. The new pool design seamlessly integrates with the mountainside, offering a serene escape. Explore five natural flow-through hot springs pools, each a different inviting temperature, including a refreshing cold plunge. Additionally, two new salt-treated pools offer swimming for all ages. With diverse lodging options, from cabins overlooking the Clark Fork River to an adults-only lodge, as well as two on-site restaurants, Quinn’s is the perfect place to press pause.
190 State Highway 135 Temperature Range: Upper 90s – 106 F Paradise, MT 59856
Cold Plunge: Yes, 55 F
406.826.3150
Day-Use Soaking: Yes, by reservation quinnshotsprings.com
SYMES HOT SPRINGS HOTEL AND MINERAL BATHS
Just about 90 minutes north of Missoula in the town of Hot Springs, discover the eclectic Symes Hot Springs Hotel. Renowned for its therapeutic waters, retro ambiance and friendly vibes, this funky, Spanish-style hotel invites you to step back in time. Symes features three pools—two outdoor soaking pools and a warm water swimming pool—as well as private individual indoor tubs. Indulge in a relaxing soak with a side of vintage charm and enjoy amenities like an espresso stand, a restaurant and live music on weekends.
209 Wall St.
Temperature Range: 95 – 107 F Hot Springs, MT 59845
Cold Plunge: No 406.741.2361
Day-Use Soaking: Yes symeshotsprings.com
There are four other soaking options in the town of Hot Springs, including Sophia Springs and Alameda’s Hot Springs—spa motels featuring private suites with hot mineral baths.
VISIT SOUTHWEST MONTANA
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS
Situated in a natural, tranquil environment, Boulder Hot Springs has a historic inn, as well as rejuvenating geothermal waters perfect for soaking and swimming, with an outdoor pool, indoor steam rooms and continuous-flow plunges. For guests looking to stay overnight, relax in a quaint guest room complemented by a delicious breakfast. Beyond the pools and accommodations, Boulder Hot Springs offers massages and special-occasion buffets, and they can point you in the right direction for a hike or snowshoe excursion.
31 Hot Springs Road Temperature Range: 96 – 106 F Boulder, MT 59632 Cold Plunge: No, but there is a “cool pool” at 70 F
406.225.4339 Day-Use Soaking: Yes boulderhotsprings.com
BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS
Discover Helena’s exclusive geothermal mineral hot springs, only a 10-minute drive from downtown and 30 minutes from Great Divide Ski Area. Immerse yourself in the inviting pools, including a spring pool, soaker pool and recreation pool, as well as hot tubs and cold plunges. Broadwater’s pools and spas are filled with therapeutic natural mineral hot springs water sourced from their artesian well. Round out your soak with poolside service from The Springs Taproom & Grill.
4920 W. U.S. Highway 12
Temperature Range: 89 – 104 F Helena, MT 59601
Cold Plunge: Yes, 50 – 59 F
406.443.5777 Day-Use Soaking: Yes broadwatermt.com
ELKHORN HOT SPRINGS
Elkhorn Hot Springs features two outdoor hot mineral pools, an indoor Grecian-style sauna, restaurant and a bar to complete the experience. If you’re spending the night, choose from rustic cabins or “Montana-western” lodge rooms. In addition to soaking, Elkhorn’s natural setting lets you enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, as well as downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain.
339 Hot Springs Road Temperature Range: 92 – 106 F Polaris, MT 59746
Cold Plunge: No
406.834.3434 Day-Use Soaking: Yes elkhornhotsprings.com
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FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort features four rejuvenating hot spring pools (two indoors and two outdoors, with varying temperatures), comfortable lodging (including guest rooms and suites) and culinary offerings from Springwater Café, Waters Edge Dining Room and Minerals Lounge. The resort’s 350-foot enclosed waterslide also promises year-round fun for the whole family. During the warmer months, enjoy Fairmont’s renowned golf course. Nearby recreation includes cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Discovery Ski Area, just 30 miles northwest of Fairmont.
1500 Fairmont Road Temperature Range: 92 – 106 F Anaconda, MT 59711
Cold Plunge: No
406.797.3241 Day-Use Soaking: No; you must be an overnight fairmontmontana.com guest to use the pools
ENLARGED AREA
JACKSON HOT SPRINGS LODGE
Immerse yourself in the western allure of the stunning Big Hole Valley at Jackson Hot Springs. Enjoy a leisurely soak in the hot springs pool, engage in a friendly game of pool or shuffleboard, or unwind by a crackling fire. All cabins and guest rooms are equipped with a fireplace, and a delicious meal awaits at the Hot Springs Grill. If you’re interested in outdoor recreation, you’ll find snowmobiling, ATVing and hiking trails in the area, as well as downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain, Lost Trail Ski Area and Discovery Ski Area.
108 Jardine Ave. Temperature Range: 100 – 106 F Jackson, MT 59736 Cold Plunge: No
406.834.3151 Day-Use Soaking: Yes
jacksonhotspringslodge.com
NORRIS HOT SPRINGS
Soak up the rustic charm and pristine surroundings of Norris Hot Springs. Clean, clear, hot mineral water fills the historic wooden pool, which is emptied nightly using the original gate valve from the 1880s. Beyond a soothing soak, Norris Hot Springs emphasizes sustainability and features stunning views. Within a geodesic dome, the poolside stage hosts live music every weekend year-round. The 50 Mile Grill & Snack Bar and the No Loose Dogs Saloon— both heated by the hot springs—ensure comfort in every season. During the winter months, enjoy organic, local fare, including house-made soups and entree specials, complemented by homegrown herbal teas, local microbrews and fine wines.
42 Montana Highway 84 Temperature Range: 100 – 106 F Norris, MT 59745 Cold Plunge: No
406.685.3303 Day-Use Soaking: Yes
norrishotsprings.com
PIPESTONE VILLAGE & HOTSPRINGS
Explore the rustic charm of Pipestone Village & Hotsprings, where cozy cabins and domes await in a beautiful setting. Each accommodation has a private outdoor steel hot tub heated by natural spring water, providing a uniquely relaxing retreat. There is no indoor plumbing, but shared outhouses are just yards away, and you’ll have use of an outdoor hose with a showerhead. With miles of trails in the area, don’t forget to pack your snowshoes. Plus, don’t miss visiting historic Whitehall for a drink and a bite to eat.
36 Delmoe Lake Road Temperature Range: 95 – 106 F Whitehall, MT 59759 Cold Plunge: No
406.461.7310
Day-Use Soaking: No; individual hot tubs are pipestonehotsprings.com provided with each cabin/dome
MONTANA’S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
BOZEMAN HOT SPRINGS
Nestled in Montana’s Gallatin Valley, Bozeman Hot Springs is a renowned natural hot springs destination with a rich history. From its humble origins in the late 1800s, these pools have transformed into a sought-after retreat for locals and travelers alike, offering a unique Montana experience. Conveniently located just minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Bridger Bowl ski area, and not far from Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort, Bozeman Hot Springs provides an accessible haven for relaxation. Stay in the cabins at Bozeman’s award-winning hot springs campground and immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of 12 different pools, complemented by dry and wet saunas.
81123 Gallatin Road
Bozeman, MT 59718
406.586.6492
Temperature Range: 80 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: Yes, 55 – 65 F
Day-Use Soaking: Yes bozemanhotsprings.co
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CHICO HOT SPRINGS RESORT
A 20-minute drive from Livingston in Montana’s Paradise Valley, historic Chico Hot Springs Resort provides an immersive Montana experience among the Absaroka foothills. Beyond a mere stay and soak, this resort offers a rich array of amenities, including fine dining, a poolside grill, a saloon, a gift shop, a full day spa, dogsledding, and cross-country skiing. Discover tranquility in two open-air mineral hot springs pools, and choose from a diverse range of accommodations on the historic grounds—opt for a stay in the charming Victorian rooms, indulge in luxury cabins, experience “glamping” in an authentic Conestoga wagon, or gather with friends or family in a hillside chalet.
163 Chico Road
Temperature Range: 98 – 104 F Pray, MT 59065
Cold Plunge: No
406.333.4933
Day-Use Soaking: Yes chicohotsprings.com
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YELLOWSTONE HOT SPRINGS
Just outside Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers a soaking experience with a captivating mountain view along the Yellowstone River. The mineral-rich waters feature continual flow-through circulation, create a rejuvenating escape after a day exploring the park’s sublime landscape. In addition to three pools, they also have a Kneipp walk. Stay on-site in a modern suite, or go rustic in a western-inspired cabin.
24 E. Gate Road
Temperature Range: 98 – 105 F Gardiner, MT 59030
Cold Plunge: Yes, 60 – 65 F 833.977.7464
Day-Use Soaking: Yes yellowstonehotspringsmt.com
PLAN YOUR TRIP
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before you set out to soak up some Montana magic, be sure to plan ahead with advance reservations. Some hot springs have limited hours and are not open every day, and some require you to lodge on-site in order to soak. Check each region for more information:
LODGING AND DINING
Hot springs typically offer lodging, with options spanning from rustic to refined. While some may require an overnight stay for soaking, others provide the flexibility of purchasing a day pass. If you’re just looking for a day soak or some après-ski relaxation and prefer to stay off-site, you’ve got plenty of lodging options. Explore timbered lodges, authentic guest ranches, mountain resorts, quaint bed-and-breakfasts and historic downtown hotels in the charming communities that host and surround Montana’s hot springs. Check each region for more lodging information:
SOAK SAFELY
Not all hot springs are safe to soak in. Soaking is off limits in fragile and temperature prohibitive (dangerously high) thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park. When looking to soak, stick to developed hot springs.
You’ll also find a diverse range of dining experiences at each hot springs, offering everything from pizza and quick bites to taverns and bars to fine dining. If you’re eager to delve into the regional culinary scenes, each area presents unique and exciting options, from food trucks to award-winning farm-to-table creations by renowned chefs. To round out your Montana culinary experience, explore the vibrant craft beverage scene at each region’s breweries and distilleries. Check each region for more dining information:
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. © ERIC BUNTING
