Sacajawea Hot Springs

Boise County, Idaho · Near Idaho City
44.1600°N, 115.1770°W · 5,000 ft
153°F 74°F air · Good soaking weather 5,000 ft Open Roadside US Forest Service Camping nearby (6.7 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 153°F, the source water at Sacajawea Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Sacajawea Hot Springs is scalding at the source. The water would burn you in seconds. It sits at the roadside in Boise National Forest, Boise County, a short way off Grandjean Road and about forty miles from Idaho City. Access is recorded as open, and Bonneville campground sits seven miles off.

Location

Five thousand feet up in heavy snow country. Fifteen feet most winters, and wet the rest of the year. Grandjean Road passes within a few dozen yards of the source, and once the road is open you can step from the car to the water. Forest Service land with the ordinary National Forest designation. No water chemistry is on file for it.

The best season on record is winter. At this temperature the source itself is off limits to skin. Any soaking happens only where the hot water has mixed with cold, and you test that first every time. Bonneville is the listed campground. No fee shows up. Snow load means checking Grandjean Road before you go.

Monthly Climate
26°
Jan
27°
Feb
33°
Mar
38°
Apr
45°
May
56°
Jun
68°
Jul
67°
Aug
57°
Sep
43°
Oct
31°
Nov
23°
Dec
Annual Precip: 34.1 in Annual Snow: 184.6 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 23°F · Water 153°F · +130° contrast
January Air 26°F · Water 153°F · +127° contrast
February Air 27°F · Water 153°F · +126° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
74°F
SE 3.6 mph 37% Good soaking weather
This Afternoon 67° Low 50° Sunny
Spring is +86° warmer
Saturday 73° Low 48° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +80° warmer
Sunday 55° Low 38° Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny 29% precip
Spring is +98° warmer
Monday 61° Low 39° Sunny
Spring is +92° warmer
Tuesday 65° Low 42° Sunny
Spring is +88° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Bonneville 6.7 mi away

Overview Bonneville Campground is 19 miles east of Lowman, Idaho just off Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Warm Springs Creek runs alongside the campground and the South Fork Payette River lies across the highway. Visitors enjoy soaking at Bonneville Hot Springs a short distance above the campground, and fishing in the creek and river.Recreation A 1/4-mile hiking trail leads from the campground to Bonneville Hot Springs, where a soaking pool awaits. Warm Springs Creek offers good tro...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
153°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 153°F (67°C)
Avg Air Temp 43°F
Above Ambient +110°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Roadside
Nearest Road Grandjean Road
Distance to Road 135 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Boise National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Sacajawea Hot Springs?
Sacajawea Hot Springs has a water temperature of 153°F (67°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Sacajawea Hot Springs located?
Sacajawea Hot Springs is located in Boise County, Idaho at 5,000 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 44.1600°N, 115.1770°W.
How do I get to Sacajawea Hot Springs?
Sacajawea Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Grandjean Road (135 ft from the road).
Is Sacajawea Hot Springs free to visit?
Sacajawea Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Sacajawea Hot Springs?
Yes, Bonneville is located nearby (6.7 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Sacajawea Hot Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Sacajawea Hot Springs reaches 153°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS