West Pass Hot Spring
West Pass Hot Spring delivers 124°F water at 6,795 feet elevation in the Sawtooth National Forest, one of Idaho's higher-altitude hot springs. Roadside access places it just 18.1 meters from the road on open public land near Sun Valley. Alkaline chemistry (pH 8.5) with elevated sodium at 110 mg/L indicates deep geothermal sourcing.
The spring emerges in the high mountain terrain of Blaine County, surrounded by subalpine meadows and conifer forests typical of the Sawtooth Range's eastern flanks. Annual snowfall averages over 134 inches, and the mean annual air temperature sits at 39°F, producing long winters and short growing seasons. The Big Wood River drainage stretches south toward Ketchum and Sun Valley. Peaks and ridgelines of the Boulder and Smoky Mountains frame the horizon.
Limited historical documentation exists for this specific spring beyond its inclusion in geothermal surveys. The Sawtooth National Forest, established in 1905, encompasses the site. The spring sits within the broader Sawtooth National Recreation Area, designated by Congress in 1972 to balance recreation and resource management. Its proximity to Sun Valley, developed as a ski resort in 1936, places it in one of Idaho's earliest recreational corridors.
The high elevation means snow blocks access from roughly November through May. Summer and early fall provide the best window, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. The roadside location makes this one of the more easily reached high-altitude hot springs. Water temperature at 124°F requires mixing with cooler water before soaking. Wood River Campground, 21 km south, is reservable and sits along the Big Wood River at 6,400 feet.
Is West Pass Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
The water at West Pass Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.5).
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Overview Wood River Group Overnight Area is located inside the Wood River Campground, which has 30 single campsites for RV's and tent camping, which are available for use on a first-come first-served basis. This campground is located on the banks of the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6400 feet. Ketchum, Idaho is conveniently close, only 10 miles south. Visitors enjoy fishing, tubing and exploring local trails.Recreation This site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area,...