7 Hidden Hot Springs Worth the Hike in Montana

March 2026 • 8 Minute Read

Montana's Secret Thermal Treasures

Montana sits atop one of the most geothermally active regions in North America, and while Yellowstone gets all the attention, the Treasure State harbors dozens of natural hot springs scattered across its backcountry. Some are well-known resort destinations; others require a hike, sometimes a long one, to reach. The springs on this list are the ones the locals know about but don't always share. They're remote, beautiful, and worth every step of the trail.

There's something profoundly restorative about soaking in naturally heated water while surrounded by wild Montana landscape. Steam rising from the pool, cold mountain air on your face, the sound of a creek nearby, the Milky Way wheeling overhead, it's an experience that resets something deep in the human spirit.

1. Boiling River, Gardiner

Just north of the Yellowstone boundary near Gardiner, Boiling River is perhaps Montana's most accessible wild hot spring. A short, flat 0.5-mile trail along the Gardner River leads to where a natural hot spring cascade flows into the cold river, creating a natural mixing zone where you can find your perfect temperature. The setting is spectacular, steep canyon walls rise on both sides, and in winter, steam creates an ethereal atmosphere as elk graze on the hillside above. Open only during designated hours (dawn to dusk), and check for seasonal closures related to high water.

2. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Lolo Pass

Tucked into the Clearwater National Forest along the Lochsa River corridor near the Idaho border, Jerry Johnson features multiple pools at varying temperatures, all surrounded by dense old-growth forest. The 1-mile trail follows Warm Springs Creek through a magical moss-draped landscape before reaching the first pool. Higher pools tend to be hotter (up to 110°F), while lower pools where the creek mixes in are more moderate. This is a popular destination, so visit on weekdays for more solitude. The drive along Highway 12 through Lolo Pass is itself one of Montana's most scenic routes.

3. Potosi Hot Springs, Pony

Hidden in the Tobacco Root Mountains south of Pony, Potosi is a privately managed but publicly accessible hot spring with a wonderfully rustic, off-grid character. The spring feeds a series of hand-built soaking pools at different temperatures, ranging from about 95°F to a toasty 108°F. The setting is a narrow mountain canyon with the sound of the creek providing a natural soundtrack. The road in can be rough, high clearance is recommended. Potosi is open seasonally and often by donation or small fee. Check current access information before making the trip.

4. Granite Hot Springs, Near Jackson (Montana side approach)

While technically just over the border in Wyoming, the approach from Montana through the Gallatin Valley makes this a popular destination for Montana travelers. The 1-mile hike (or cross-country ski in winter) leads to a developed pool fed by 112°F natural springs, maintained by the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The winter experience, skiing through snow-laden forest to reach steaming pools surrounded by towering peaks, is absolutely unforgettable. The pool temperature is maintained around 93-100°F and is staffed during operating hours.

5. Nimrod Hot Springs, Near Drummond

This unassuming soaking spot along the Clark Fork River near Drummond offers a quintessentially Montana experience, no frills, no crowds, just warm water and wide-open sky. The spring feeds a modest but perfectly comfortable pool on the river's edge, with temperatures hovering around 100°F. It's the kind of place where you might share the pool with a local rancher at sunset and hear stories about the area that you won't find in any guidebook. Access requires a short walk from the highway pullout.

6. Elkhorn Hot Springs, Near Polaris

In the remote Pioneer Mountains south of the old mining town of Polaris, Elkhorn Hot Springs is a rustic resort that feels like stepping back in time. Two outdoor pools (one hot, one warm) are complemented by a natural creek-side soaking area. The resort offers simple cabin accommodations, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Elkhorn area is also a premier cross-country skiing destination, and soaking in the hot pool after a day on the Nordic trails is pure Montana bliss.

7. Sula Basin Hot Springs, Sula

Deep in the Bitterroot Valley, the Sula Basin holds several undeveloped hot springs that require local knowledge and some bushwhacking to find. The main spring emerges at around 130°F and flows into a series of primitive pools where cooler creek water mixes in. The setting is pristine, dense conifer forest, the East Fork of the Bitterroot River nearby, and the rugged Bitterroot Mountains filling the horizon. This is genuine backcountry soaking at its finest. Bring a map, respect the land, and pack out everything you bring in.

Planning Your Hot Springs Tour

A Montana hot springs road trip is one of the great undiscovered adventures in the American West. Plot a route through the state's mountain valleys, spending each evening soaking under the stars at a different spring. Combine hot springs visits with day hikes, fishing, and exploring the small towns that dot Montana's backcountry. Allow extra time for rough roads and getting pleasantly lost, that's half the experience.