Mormon Bend Hot Spring
Mormon Bend Hot Spring flows at exactly 100 degrees Fahrenheit along the Salmon River Scenic Byway in Custer County, hitting the temperature many soakers consider perfect without any mixing or cooling required. At 6,110 feet elevation in the Challis National Forest, it sits just 490 feet from one of Idaho's most celebrated driving routes.
The spring emerges near the Salmon River corridor where the byway follows the river through a steep, forested canyon. At this elevation, winters are serious, with 126 inches of annual snowfall and an average temperature of just 40 degrees. The spring's 60-degree thermal advantage over ambient conditions means it stays comfortable even when snow lines the riverbanks. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir climb the canyon walls above, and the river's sound carries constantly through the narrow valley.
A short walk of about 490 feet from the Salmon River Scenic Byway reaches the spring. Pole Flat Campground, roughly 6.5 miles away, has sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water on a first-come basis, accommodating vehicles up to 32 feet. The byway itself is paved and well-maintained but can be icy in winter. Stanley and Challis, the nearest towns with full services, are each about an hour's drive in opposite directions along the corridor.
Mormon Bend sits along one of central Idaho's major fault systems that parallel the Salmon River, allowing deep groundwater to surface at elevated temperatures throughout the canyon. The name references early Mormon settlers who traveled this route connecting the Snake River Plain to the Salmon River country. The Challis National Forest manages this stretch of public land, maintaining open access to the spring and the scenic byway that passes it.
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This campground is away from the main road and up the hill overlooking the river and the dredge ponds. Campsites include picnic tables tent pads fire rings with cooking grills. Campground amenities include a vault toilet and drinking water. Sites accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet long.
Mormon Bend Hot Spring sits at 6,110 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 24% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Mormon Bend Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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