Chico Hot Springs Resort

## Overview Chico Hot Springs Resort is a historic hot springs destination nestled in the Paradise Valley of Montana, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Located near the small community of Pray, Montana, the resort sits at the base of the Absaroka Mountain Range along the Yellowstone River corridor. The hot springs at Chico have been drawing visitors since the late 1800s, when the area's naturally heated mineral waters first attracted settlers and travelers seeking relaxation and therapeutic soaking. The resort's geothermal waters are fed by natural hot springs that emerge from deep underground, heated by the same volcanic activity that powers the geothermal features of nearby Yellowstone. The main pool is an open-air soaking pool filled with naturally hot mineral water, and the property has historically maintained both a large warm pool and a smaller hot pool for guests and day-use visitors. Water temperatures have been reported to range from around 96°F in the larger pool to approximately 103°F or higher in the smaller soaking pool, though conditions may vary seasonally. Chico Hot Springs has operated as a resort since 1900, when Percie Knowles opened the original hotel and bathhouse to accommodate visitors drawn to the area's hot mineral waters. Over the decades, the property has grown into a full-service resort while retaining much of its rustic, historic character. The resort is widely regarded as one of Montana's most beloved hot springs destinations, combining natural geothermal soaking with stunning mountain scenery. ## Directions 1. From Livingston, Montana, head south on US-89 South toward Yellowstone National Park. 2. Continue on US-89 South for approximately 23 miles through Paradise Valley, following the Yellowstone River. 3. Turn left (east) onto Chico Road, near the community of Pray, Montana. 4. Follow Chico Road for about 1 mile to the resort entrance at 163 Chico Road. The resort is approximately 30 miles north of the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park at Gardiner, Montana, and about 25 miles south of Livingston. **GPS Coordinates:** 45.338878, -110.691897 ## What to Expect Visitors to Chico Hot Springs Resort will find a well-established hot springs facility set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The pools are open-air and filled with naturally heated mineral water — the large pool offers a comfortable warm soak suitable for extended relaxation, while the smaller pool provides a hotter, more intense soaking experience. The resort property includes lodging options, a renowned dining room, a saloon, and other amenities, though day-use soaking is typically available for visitors who are not overnight guests (check with the resort for current day-use policies and fees). The setting in Paradise Valley is spectacular, with views of the Absaroka Range and easy access to the Yellowstone River. The area experiences cold Montana winters, and soaking in the hot pools during snowfall is a particularly popular experience. Summer months bring warmer weather and longer days, making it an ideal stop before or after visiting Yellowstone National Park. The road to the resort is paved and accessible year-round, though winter driving conditions in Paradise Valley can be challenging — visitors should be prepared for icy or snow-packed roads during colder months. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, with Yellowstone National Park's northern reaches just a short drive to the south.