Easley Hot Springs
Easley Hot Springs sits at 6,600 feet in the Sawtooth National Forest, emerging at a soakable 100 degrees F just steps from its namesake road and 14 miles south of Ketchum. A developed campground lies barely 1,000 feet away, and the Big Wood River runs alongside, making this one of the most convenient mountain hot spring experiences in central Idaho.
The setting is classic Sawtooth country. Lodgepole pine and spruce cover the valley floor while jagged peaks rise above the treeline to the north. The Big Wood River bends through the flat here, its cold current audible from the spring. The Harriman Trail passes directly through the area, used by hikers and cyclists in summer and cross-country skiers in winter. At this elevation, snow averages nearly 11 feet per year, and mornings stay cold well into June. The alkaline water has a smooth, silky feel.
Easley occupies the Big Wood River drainage along a major fault system that channels geothermally heated water upward through Cretaceous granitic rock. The water chemistry shows very low calcium and magnesium with elevated sodium at 68 mg/L and a pH of 9.6, indicating deep circulation through the Idaho Batholith before surfacing. The Sawtooth Valley has been a destination for hot spring enthusiasts since the mining era of the late 1800s. The area became part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in 1972.
Easley Campground sits just 0.2 miles away and accepts reservations. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River. Ketchum and Sun Valley are 14 miles north for supplies and dining. The 20-mile Harriman Trail is accessible from the campground. Snow buries this area from November through May, so plan summer and early fall visits for easiest access.
Is Easley Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
The water at Easley Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.6).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Easley Campground is located along the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6800 feet, conveniently close to Ketchum, Idaho only 14 miles south. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and soaking at Easley Hot Springs.Recreation Easley is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River, as is float tubing. The 20-mile Harriman Trail passes through the campground, offering...