Lovells Hot Spring
Lovells Hot Spring emerges at 72°F, classifying it as a warm spring rather than a true hot spring. Situated at 5,506 feet elevation in Beaverhead County, Montana, the spring sits just 72 meters from the nearest road, making it a roadside feature near Dillon. No water chemistry data is available for this source.
The spring lies in the broad, open valleys of southwestern Montana's Beaverhead County, where sagebrush steppe and irrigated ranch land dominate the landscape. Annual precipitation reaches only 13.9 inches with about 42 inches of snow, creating semi-arid conditions. The Beaverhead River flows through the region, carving wide bottomlands flanked by low, rolling hills. Grasslands and scattered willows line the waterways, while the surrounding uplands remain dry and exposed.
Accessible year-round from the roadside, though winter conditions in this high valley bring sub-freezing temperatures and icy roads. The 72°F water temperature provides only modest warmth. Henneberry House, a historic 1905 BLM cabin on the Beaverhead River about 7 km away, is reservable and provides fishing access. Bring sun protection; the semi-arid climate means intense UV at this elevation.
Documented details about this spring's history are scarce. The name suggests association with a local family or homesteader, consistent with the ranching heritage of Beaverhead County. The area around Dillon developed primarily through cattle ranching and mining in the late 1800s. No record of commercial development at this spring site has been identified.
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Overview The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online. This historic cabin, built in 1905, is located approximately 14 miles south of Dillon, Montana, on the banks of the Beaverhead River. The cabin provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities on adjacent public lands. The cabin and surrounding lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Recreation Recreation opportu...
Lovells Hot Spring sits at 5,506 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 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Lovells Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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