Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs

## Overview Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs is a free natural hot spring located in central Idaho, nestled in the scenic landscape near the town of Ketchum in Blaine County. Situated at approximately 43.6412°N, 114.4912°W, this geothermal soaking spot lies within the greater Sun Valley area — a region well known for its abundance of natural hot springs fed by deep geothermal activity along the faults and fractures of the Idaho Batholith. Central Idaho's hot springs owe their existence to the region's complex volcanic geology. Groundwater percolates deep underground, where it is heated by residual magmatic activity before rising back to the surface along fault lines. Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs is one of several such thermal features scattered throughout the Wood River Valley and the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest, making it a popular destination for soakers exploring the area's geothermal offerings. As a free, undeveloped hot spring, Frenchman's Bend offers a more rustic and intimate soaking experience compared to the commercial hot spring resorts found elsewhere in the Sun Valley region. ## Directions Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs is located in central Idaho, west of the town of Ketchum and the Sun Valley resort area. The GPS coordinates for the spring are: **43.6412, -114.4912** 1. From Ketchum, Idaho, head west toward the Sawtooth National Recreation Area along local forest roads. 2. Use the GPS coordinates above with a reliable navigation app or GPS device, as the spring may be accessed via unpaved forest roads that are not always well-signed. 3. A high-clearance vehicle may be advisable depending on road conditions, particularly during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain. *Note: Specific turn-by-turn directions from a verified source are not currently available. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Sawtooth National Forest Ranger District or local outfitters in Ketchum for the most current access information and road conditions.* ## What to Expect As an undeveloped, free-access hot spring in the Idaho backcountry, Frenchman's Bend offers a natural soaking experience surrounded by the rugged beauty of central Idaho's mountains and forests. Visitors should expect a primitive setting — there are unlikely to be restrooms, changing facilities, or maintained paths at the site. The area around Sun Valley and Ketchum experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Hot springs in this region are often most enjoyable during the cooler months when the contrast between the warm water and crisp mountain air is at its peak, though access roads may be snow-covered or impassable in winter. Summer and early fall typically offer the easiest access. As with all natural hot springs, water temperatures can vary and may be extremely hot near the source. Visitors have historically tested the water temperature carefully before entering. The mineral content of Idaho's geothermal springs often includes silica, calcium, and trace minerals, though no specific water quality data for Frenchman's Bend is currently available. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, respect the natural surroundings, and be mindful of other visitors seeking a peaceful soak.