Hot Springs Near South Bm

North Slope Borough County, Alaska · Near Barrow
66.1500°N, 157.1170°W · 1,044 ft
122°F 1,044 ft Open Backcountry Bureau of Land Management

This extreme Arctic spring reaches 122°F in one of North America's harshest climates, where annual temperatures average just 24.9°F. Located 36.6 miles from the nearest road on Alaska's North Slope, it exemplifies geothermal heat in an unforgiving landscape.

Location

The spring emerges at 1,044 feet elevation on tundra managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The 97.1°F temperature differential between the water and frigid ambient air creates dramatic steam in the extreme cold. Winter temperatures plunge below minus 50°F, while summer remains cool.

Access requires serious backcountry preparation and likely helicopter or bush plane transport. The area receives 24.2 inches of precipitation and 68.6 inches of snow annually. Visitors should expect extreme isolation and be prepared for sudden Arctic weather changes.

History of Hot Springs Near South Bm

The Arctic's geothermal features form through subsurface heat sources beneath permafrost. This spring sits on public lands with extractive-use protections, reflecting Alaska's balance between resource access and conservation in remote federal territories.

Monthly Climate
-5°
Jan
Feb
Mar
24°
Apr
41°
May
54°
Jun
56°
Jul
50°
Aug
40°
Sep
26°
Oct
Nov
-1°
Dec
Annual Precip: 24.2 in Annual Snow: 68.6 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air -5°F · Water 122°F · +127° contrast
December Air -1°F · Water 122°F · +123° contrast
February Air 1°F · Water 122°F · +121° contrast
January offers 61°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
25°F
Light Snow W 29.0 mph 74% Good soaking weather
Thursday 37° Low 20° Partly Sunny 12% precip
Spring is +85° warmer
Friday 41° Low 24° Mostly Sunny 6% precip
Spring is +81° warmer
Saturday 42° Low 30° Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers 15% precip
Spring is +80° warmer
Sunday 46° Low 35° Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Mostly Cloudy 21% precip
Spring is +76° warmer
Monday 48° Low 37° Chance Rain And Snow Showers 27% precip
Spring is +74° warmer
Where to Stay

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Temperature
122°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 122°F (50°C)
Avg Air Temp 25°F
Above Ambient +97°F
Great soaking conditions May
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Eleven Mile Landing Strip Road
Distance to Road 36.6 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Central Yukon Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Springs Near South Bm?
Hot Springs Near South Bm has a water temperature of 122°F (50°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Springs Near South Bm located?
Hot Springs Near South Bm is located in North Slope Borough, Alaska at 1,044 feet elevation, near Barrow. Coordinates: 66.1500°N, 157.1170°W.
How do I get to Hot Springs Near South Bm?
Hot Springs Near South Bm has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Eleven Mile Landing Strip Road (36.6 mi from the road).
Is Hot Springs Near South Bm free to visit?
Hot Springs Near South Bm has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Is it safe to soak at Hot Springs Near South Bm?
At 122°F, Hot Springs Near South Bm is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Hot Springs Near South Bm crowded?
Hot Springs Near South Bm requires a hike or off-road travel, which naturally limits crowds. You'll generally find fewer visitors on weekdays and outside peak season.
What should I bring to Hot Springs Near South Bm?
Essentials for Hot Springs Near South Bm: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sturdy footwear for the approach, warm layers for before and after soaking, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.