Bonneville Hot Springs

## Overview Bonneville Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the remote backcountry of central Idaho, near the coordinates 44.1512°N, 115.3112°W. Situated in the rugged wilderness of the Boise National Forest region, this free-access geothermal spring is one of many natural hot springs scattered throughout Idaho's mountainous interior — an area renowned for its exceptional concentration of geothermal activity along the Idaho Batholith. Idaho's central highlands sit atop a vast granitic formation that allows snowmelt and groundwater to percolate deep underground, where it is heated by residual geothermal energy before rising back to the surface through fractures in the rock. Bonneville Hot Springs is a product of this geological process, offering visitors a chance to soak in naturally heated water in a wild, undeveloped setting. The spring takes its name from the Bonneville area, a nod to the broader geological and historical legacy of the region. Central Idaho's hot springs have been used for centuries — first by indigenous peoples of the Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce nations, and later by miners, trappers, and settlers who valued the therapeutic warmth of the waters during harsh mountain winters. ## Directions 1. The hot spring is located in a remote area of central Idaho, approximately at GPS coordinates **44.1512, -115.3112**. 2. Access likely requires travel along backcountry forest roads. A high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is strongly recommended, as roads in this part of Idaho can be rough, narrow, and seasonally impassable. 3. Use the GPS coordinates with a reliable offline navigation app (such as Gaia GPS or onX Backcountry) to route to the spring, as cell service in this area is extremely limited or nonexistent. 4. Be prepared for a potentially remote drive — the nearest towns with services are likely Garden Valley or Lowman, both of which are small mountain communities with limited amenities. 5. Check road conditions with the Boise National Forest ranger district before heading out, especially in spring and late fall when snow and mud can close forest roads. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates only. If you have visited this spring and can provide detailed turn-by-turn directions, your contribution would be invaluable to future visitors.* ## What to Expect As a free, undeveloped hot spring in Idaho's backcountry, Bonneville Hot Springs offers a rustic and secluded soaking experience. Visitors should expect a natural, primitive setting with no facilities — no restrooms, changing areas, or maintained paths. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of central Idaho's high-elevation forests: dense stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, rocky terrain, and clear mountain streams. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species. **Seasonal considerations:** Many of Idaho's backcountry hot springs are best visited from late spring through early fall (roughly June through October), when forest roads are most likely to be passable. Winter access may be possible via snowmobile or cross-country skiing, but conditions can be extreme and dangerous. **What to bring:** Pack out all trash, bring plenty of water and food, and carry a paper map or downloaded offline maps as a backup to GPS. Let someone know your plans before heading into this remote area. The water temperature at natural Idaho hot springs in this region typically ranges from warm to very hot (100–140°F+ at the source), so test the water carefully before entering. Some springs have user-built rock pools where hot spring water mixes with cooler creek water to create comfortable soaking temperatures.