Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs

Fremont County, Idaho · Near Ashton
43.7910°N, 111.4350°W · 5,820 ft
111°F 5,820 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (13.5 mi)

Pincock Hot Springs, known locally as Green Canyon Hot Springs, flows at 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Fremont County, Idaho, near Ashton. Its water chemistry stands out with 130 mg/L calcium, 30 mg/L magnesium, and 320 mg/L sulfate, creating mineral-rich water at a near-neutral pH of 6.7 that distinguishes it from Idaho's typically alkaline springs.

Location

A 282-meter walk separates the spring from the nearest road at 5,820 feet elevation, enough distance to muffle traffic while keeping access manageable. The setting sits in the upper Snake River Plain's transition zone where high desert gives way to forested foothills. Winter brings roughly 6.5 feet of snow annually, with average air temperatures around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Yellowstone National Park lies to the northeast, and the Teton Range rises to the east. The volcanic plateau's basalt flows underlie the landscape, their dark rock visible in nearby canyon cuts.

The short walk in from the road takes about five minutes on mostly flat ground. Source water at 111 degrees Fahrenheit needs some cooling before comfortable soaking. Table Rock Campground is the nearest reservable option at roughly 22 kilometers away. Ashton provides basic supplies. The Yellowstone-Teton corridor offers extensive recreation options within an hour's drive.

History of Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs

The slightly acidic pH of 6.7 and high calcium-sulfate chemistry point to water interacting with Paleozoic carbonates and evaporites beneath the volcanic cover, a different geochemical path than the sodium-bicarbonate springs common elsewhere in Idaho. USGS measurements of 40.8 degrees Celsius track closely with historical records. The spring occupies a geologically active zone where the Yellowstone hotspot's thermal influence extends westward through buried fault networks.

Monthly Climate
21°
Jan
24°
Feb
32°
Mar
38°
Apr
48°
May
59°
Jun
69°
Jul
68°
Aug
58°
Sep
43°
Oct
30°
Nov
20°
Dec
Annual Precip: 22.6 in Annual Snow: 79.0 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 20°F · Water 111°F · +91° contrast
January Air 21°F · Water 111°F · +90° contrast
February Air 24°F · Water 111°F · +88° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
57°F
Mostly Cloudy E 16.6 mph 41% Good soaking weather
Today 64° Low 43° Mostly Sunny 5% precip
Spring is +47° warmer
Friday 65° Low 43° Sunny
Spring is +46° warmer
Saturday 62° Low 43° Sunny
Spring is +49° warmer
Sunday 70° Low 53° Sunny
Spring is +41° warmer
Monday 78° Low 51° Sunny
Spring is +33° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1977-09-06

The water at Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.7). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 6.7 Slightly Acidic
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 130 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 30 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 4 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 320 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Table Rock 13.5 mi away

Overview Table Rock Campground is located in a small but scenic canyon near Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, approximately 30 miles from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Hiking, mountain biking and ATV riding are popular activities.Recreation Hawley Gulch Trail begins at the campground, offering great opportunities for ATV enthusiasts, hikers and mountain bikers. Numerous forest roads and trails in the area allow ATV travel, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.Facilities Table Rock is a large group campg...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,820 ft

Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs sits at 5,820 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 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
111°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 111°F (44°C)
Avg Air Temp 42°F
Above Ambient +69°F
Great soaking conditions May
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.2 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs has a water temperature of 111°F (44°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs located?
Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs is located in Fremont County, Idaho at 5,820 feet elevation, near Ashton. Coordinates: 43.7910°N, 111.4350°W.
How do I get to Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.2 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
Yes, Table Rock is located nearby (13.5 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 6.7 (slightly acidic).
Is it safe to soak at Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
At 111°F, Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs crowded?
Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs?
Essentials for Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Sources: USGS NWIS