Broadwater (Helena) Hot Springs
Broadwater Hot Springs delivers 151°F water at roadside elevation of 4,033 feet near Helena, Montana's capital. The alkaline source (pH 8.3) carries a sodium-sulfate signature with 170 mg/L of each ion. USGS measurements confirm a modern temperature of 138°F. The spring sits just 6.4 meters from the road.
The spring emerges on the west side of Helena in the broad valley of Prickly Pear Creek, flanked by the foothills of the Continental Divide to the west and the Big Belt Mountains to the east. At roughly 4,000 feet, the surrounding landscape blends dry grassland with scattered ponderosa pine. Annual snowfall averages 47 inches and precipitation stays modest at 18 inches, producing semi-arid conditions despite the mountain-valley setting. The nearby Missouri River drainage shapes the regional hydrology.
Visit year-round, though winter soaking is especially rewarding when air temperatures drop well below freezing. The roadside location means no special gear or hiking is required. Moose Creek Cabin, a reservable Forest Service rental 14 km west, provides a rustic overnight option. Helena's services are minutes away. Expect snow from November through March.
The springs have long been associated with Helena's development as the state capital. The name references the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium, a lavish resort built in the 1880s by Colonel Charles Broadwater. That original structure was demolished in 1946 after decades of decline. Subsequent commercial operations have used the thermal water in various configurations. The site remains one of the few urban hot springs facilities in Montana.
The water at Broadwater (Helena) Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.3).
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Overview Moose Creek Cabin is situated in an grassy clearing surrounded by conifer forest in the Tenmile Creek drainage west of Helena, Montana. The cabin was constructed in 1907 and used by the Forest Service during the early history of the agency. It has served as a Forest Service Ranger Station, guard station, and work center for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. The cabin is accessible by car, but guests...
Broadwater (Helena) Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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