Wild Rose Hot Springs

## Overview Wild Rose Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring located in south-central Idaho, nestled in the rugged desert landscape near the base of the Pioneer Mountains. Situated at approximately 43.367°N, 113.799°W, this remote geothermal soak lies in the broad volcanic terrain of the Snake River Plain — a region renowned for its abundant geothermal activity driven by the same hotspot responsible for Yellowstone's famous thermal features. Idaho's hot springs corridor stretches across the central part of the state, and Wild Rose is one of many primitive soaks that draw visitors seeking a quiet, off-grid experience. The spring is undeveloped and free to access, offering a rustic soaking opportunity in a stark, open high-desert setting. Because it is a primitive hot spring with no commercial infrastructure, visitors should come prepared for a backcountry experience with no facilities, signage, or maintained trails. Water temperatures at undeveloped Idaho hot springs in this region can vary significantly depending on season, recent weather, and source flow. As with all wild hot springs, water temperature and conditions can change without warning — exercise caution when entering the water. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in a remote area of south-central Idaho, roughly between the towns of Carey and Arco along the northern edge of the Snake River Plain. 2. From the nearest major road, head toward the GPS coordinates: **43.3667, -113.7987**. 3. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, as access roads in this part of Idaho are often unpaved, rutted, and may be impassable in wet or winter conditions. 4. Use a reliable GPS or offline mapping app to navigate to the coordinates, as cell service in this area is extremely limited. 5. Look for a small pulloff or informal parking area near the spring site. The hot spring itself may be modest in size and not immediately visible from the road. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates only. If you have visited Wild Rose Hot Springs and can provide more detailed route information, your contributions would be invaluable to future visitors.* ## What to Expect Wild Rose Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped geothermal soak in Idaho's high desert. Expect a remote, quiet setting with wide-open views of sagebrush flats and distant mountain ridges. The spring is free to visit and has no commercial development — there are no restrooms, changing areas, or trash receptacles, so plan to pack out everything you bring in. The soaking area is likely a small, natural or user-improved pool fed by geothermal water. Water temperatures can range from warm to very hot depending on flow conditions, so always test the water carefully before entering. The mineral content of Idaho's geothermal springs often includes silica, calcium, and trace sulfur compounds, though no specific water quality data is available for this site. The surrounding terrain is arid and exposed, with little shade. Summer visits can be extremely hot during the day, while winter brings cold temperatures that make a hot soak especially rewarding — though access roads may be snow-covered or icy. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit. Because of its remote location, visitors should bring plenty of water, food, a full tank of gas, and basic emergency supplies. Cell phone service is unreliable in this area. Leave no trace and respect the natural environment to help preserve this free resource for future visitors.