Puller Hot Springs
Puller Hot Springs reaches 111 degrees Fahrenheit with near-neutral pH (7.3) and notably high sodium (330 mg/L) and sulfate (370 mg/L) levels. Situated at 5,464 feet in Madison County, Montana, the spring requires a 108.8-meter walk from the nearest road, placing it in the short-walk access category near Virginia City.
The spring sits in the high valleys between the Gravelly and Snowcrest Ranges of southwestern Montana at 5,464 feet elevation. Sagebrush steppe and grassland dominate the surrounding terrain, transitioning to conifer stands at higher elevations. Annual precipitation averages 15.8 inches with 51.8 inches of snow, reflecting the semi-arid continental climate. The Ruby River drainage lies to the south, and the landscape is predominantly open rangeland with scattered riparian corridors.
Access is best from late June through September when backcountry roads are reliably passable. The 108-meter walk from the road crosses open terrain without marked trails. Water at 111 degrees Fahrenheit requires caution; the high mineral content (370 mg/L sulfate, 91 mg/L chloride) gives the water a distinct mineral character. Vigilante Cabin, 22.7 kilometers away, is reservable and sleeps visitors in a historic Forest Service structure.
Historical records for Puller Hot Springs are sparse. The spring was cataloged in the 1980 NOAA/NCEI thermal springs survey. Its name likely derives from a local ranching family, consistent with the homesteading-era naming conventions common across Madison County. The area around Virginia City saw intensive placer mining beginning in 1863, but no documented mining activity is directly associated with this spring.
The water at Puller Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
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Overview The Vigilante Cabin, also known as the Vigilante Middle House, offers a comfortable place to stay deep in the mountains of southwestern Montana along the Ruby River between the Snowcrest and Gravelly Ranges. The house boasts two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and has electricity and seasonal water. A bathroom, with a toilet and shower,is usually available from May - September. It is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking and hunting, as well as...
Puller Hot Springs sits at 5,464 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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Puller Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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