Cronks Canyon Hot Spring
Cronks Canyon Hot Spring sits beside the Salmon River Scenic Byway in Custer County, about 18 miles from Challis, on BLM land managed by the Challis Field Office. The water surfaces at 115, right at the line between hot and soaking warm. Access is open. The record includes a picture. Nothing on file says what the soaking arrangement looks like or whether there is one.
A short walk of about 350 feet from the byway. The elevation is moderate and the climate dry with warm summers; snow totals run around five feet a winter, lighter than the forests further west. Iron Lake Campground, the closest listed, is about 15 miles off.
Midwinter carries the best-months tag. Five feet of snow along a highway corridor is usually manageable, though the byway itself is the thing to check in a storm. Water at 115 is soakable for most people with a little care. A 1980 sample put the water near neutral.
The water at Cronks Canyon Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9).
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Eight campsites with picnic tables and fire rings are along the shores of this high alpine lake. the campground has piped drinking water and vault toilets but no garbage services are available. The trail from campground leads to more lake fishing, at the Hat Lakes to the south. Carry-down access for non motorized boats to the lakes. The drive in along Salmon River Mountain Road, offers spectacular views of craggy peaks and deep pine forests.
Cronks Canyon Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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Springs Near Cronks Canyon Hot Spring
More Springs Around 115°F
Slightly Alkaline Springs (pH ~7.9)
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