L.G. Carter Springs
L.G. Carter Springs emerges at 77°F near Burley, Idaho, though cataloged under Utah's Cassia County designation due to its position in the Great Basin's complex jurisdictional boundaries. The spring flows at 5,440 feet elevation, running 28.5 degrees above the 48.5°F ambient temperature with relatively low total dissolved solids of 274 mg/L and pH 8.0. Access requires a 299-meter walk from North 51600 West Road.
The spring sits in high desert terrain where Idaho's Snake River Plain meets the Great Basin, with volcanic geology underlying sagebrush and juniper landscapes. Annual precipitation is just 11 inches, with winter snows accumulating to 23 inches at this elevation. The surrounding area combines ranching operations with undeveloped public land, and nearby drainages support limited riparian vegetation. The spring emerges in relatively flat terrain with distant views of basin ranges. Geologically, the region reflects Basin and Range extension with scattered thermal features indicating elevated geothermal gradients along fault zones.
Visit May through October when roads are passable and weather is moderate. Spring mud and winter snow limit access November through April. The 77-degree water is tepid, comfortable for wading but not extended soaking. The 299-meter approach crosses undeveloped land—bring GPS and confirm access status before visiting. Clear Creek Campground 15 km away offers free camping and serves as a base for exploring the area. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible July through August. The remote location provides solitude for those seeking quiet desert landscapes.
The spring bears the full name or initials of an early rancher or landowner in the Burley area, though specific documentation is scarce. Shoshone-Bannock peoples utilized this landscape for hunting pronghorn and gathering native plants before reservation consolidation in the late 19th century. Euro-American settlement focused on the Snake River valley to the north, where irrigation enabled large-scale agriculture. The spring area remained marginal rangeland. Cassia County, established in Idaho Territory in 1879, saw limited development in its southern reaches where water sources were scattered and unreliable.
The water at L.G. Carter Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0) with 274 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Clear Creek Campground is a non-fee campground and picnic area composed of 12 individual units and reservations are not required. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between June through October. Campground amenities include toilets and the campground is well suited for tent and RV camping. Sites are handicapped accessible. Bull Flat (#001) and Lake Fork (#004) trails are popular with horseback riders, and hikers.
L.G. Carter Springs sits at 5,440 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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L.G. Carter Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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