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Pierson Hot Springs

Blaine County, Idaho · Near Ketchum

43.9900°N, 114.8000°W · 6,900 ft

109°F 65°F air · Good soaking weather 6,900 ft Roadside Camping nearby (5.1 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

Thirty miles from Ketchum in Blaine County, Pierson Hot Springs sits right off Valley Road, close enough to count as roadside. The temperature is right at the top of comfortable soaking, a touch under hot. No owner or access entry exists for it in the record. Alturas Lake Picnic Area is about five miles away.

Location

19 miles from Challis, ID

Get Directions → All springs near Challis →

High. Close to seven thousand feet, where the year runs cold on average and winters bring thirteen feet of snow. That snow is the main fact about getting here. The spring is right beside Valley Road, so once you can drive the road you can reach the water. The land manager is not on file.

The record points to winter, and the water would suit that, but the snowpack means you need to know Valley Road is open. Alturas Lake Picnic Area is the closest camping on record. There is no fee information. The chemistry comes from a 1979 sample. Check land ownership and access before you go. Neither is recorded.

Monthly Climate

21°

Jan

22°

Feb

28°

Mar

33°

Apr

41°

May

50°

Jun

62°

Jul

61°

Aug

52°

Sep

37°

Oct

25°

Nov

18°

Dec

Annual Precip: 29.1 in Annual Snow: 157.7 in

Best Time to Visit

December Air 18°F · Water 109°F · +91° contrast

January Air 21°F · Water 109°F · +88° contrast

February Air 22°F · Water 109°F · +87° contrast

December offers 44°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

65°F

WNW 25.0 mph 28% Good soaking weather

This Afternoon 68° Low 34° Sunny

Spring is +41° warmer

Saturday 72° Low 33° Mostly Sunny then Patchy Smoke

Spring is +37° warmer

Sunday 58° Low 25° Chance Rain And Snow Showers 25% precip

Spring is +51° warmer

Monday 64° Low 27° Sunny

Spring is +45° warmer

Tuesday 64° Low 27° Sunny

Spring is +45° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1979-09-12

The water at Pierson Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.3).

pH 9.3 Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Calcium 3 mg/L

May support bone density and joint health

Magnesium 0 mg/L

Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief

Sodium 51 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 32 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 4 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Compare with other alkaline springs →

Nearby Camping

Alturas Lake Picnic Area (Id) 5.1 mi away

Overview Alturas Area Picnic B is located along the sandy shoreline of scenic Alturas Lake, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.Recreation The site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Alturas Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for bull trout and Kokanee salmon. Alturas Creek runs through the adjacent campground. The 10-mile round trip Alpine Meadows Trail begins nearby, with spectacular canyon, mea...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

Mile-High Advisory 6,900 ft

Pierson Hot Springs sits at 6,900 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 28% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.