Cox Hot Springs
Backcountry, and a long way from anything: Cox Hot Springs sits in Custer County within the Boise National Forest per the record, 36 miles from Challis, and nothing closer counts as a town. Hot water, low 130s. The record marks access open. OpenStreetMap uses the same name. This is a hike-in spring with a photograph on file and nothing in the way of facilities.
The walk is about two and three quarter miles from the closest road, one with no name on file. Elevation is middling for central Idaho. Snow comes in at close to eight feet a winter and the climate is otherwise moderate. Yellowjacket Guard Station is the closest listed camping, 23 miles away, so this is a long approach in both senses.
Winter gets the best-months tag, which for a near three mile hike through that much snow calls for snowshoes or waiting for the melt. Cooling is required before anyone sits in it. The chemistry was run in 1980 and came back alkaline. There is no developed camping anywhere near the spring; the guard station is the closest thing on file.
The water at Cox Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 8.9).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service Ranger Station and Work Center. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Recreation Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts will find many trails in the surrounding area. Hunting is also a popular activity. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety messageFacilities The spacious...
Cox Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Springs Near Cox Hot Springs
More Springs Around 131°F
Alkaline Springs (pH ~8.9)
Hike 6 waterfalls near Cox Hot Springs
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Cox Hot Springs, Idaho.