Nestled within Montana's extraordinary landscapes, hot springs emerge as natural sanctuaries, inviting visitors to unwind in mineral-rich waters surrounded by the rugged beauty of Big Sky Country. For thousands of years and throughout many cultures, individuals have embraced the therapeutic benefits of soaking in these waters. Today, these geothermal gems provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking to escape and relax. And when the sun sets, Montana's star-studded night sky offers a completely sublime and awe-inspiring soak experience. So come, explore Montana's hot springs, and immerse yourself in the magic.
Lolo
Soak in the soothing mineral waters that bathed the weary members of the Lewis & Clark Expedition over 200 years ago. Lolo Hot Springs features indoor and outdoor pools (depending on the season) a saloon with live entertainment, restaurant, casino, lodging and special events throughout the year. Stay on-site in a cozy cabin and enjoy nearby cross-country skiing and 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails with on-site rental options. Surrounded by the Lolo National Forest and 37 miles southwest of Missoula, Lolo Hot Springs is in a prime location for recreation and relaxation.
Temperature Range: 102 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
38500 U.S. Highway 12 W.
406.273.2290
Website
Sula
After a day on the slopes at Lost Trail Powder Mountain there’s nothing better than a soak in nature’s hot tub at Lost Trail Hot Springs. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Bitterroot Valley as you indulge in a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and unwind in the dry sauna. You can also grab a seat in the 8-person indoor hot tub or opt for the roomy, covered hot springs pool. For an extended stay, consider an overnight in one of their cozy cabins or lodges. Lost Trail has a restaurant open on Fridays and Saturdays in the winter, but it's best to call ahead and ensure it's open.
Temperature Range: 95 – 105 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes, Friday – Sunday
283 Lost Trail Hot Springs Road
406.821.3574
Website
Paradise
Welcome to Paradise, where you’ll find an elevated hot springs experience. Following a recent renovation, this once-hidden gem has become a sought-after getaway, so secure your booking well in advance. The new pool design seamlessly integrates with the mountainside, offering a serene escape. Explore five natural flow-through hot springs pools, each a different inviting temperature, including a refreshing cold plunge. Additionally, two new salt-treated pools offer swimming for all ages. With diverse lodging options, from cabins overlooking the Clark Fork River to an adults-only lodge, as well as two on-site restaurants, Quinn’s is the perfect place to press pause.
Temperature Range: upper 90s – 106 F
Cold Plunge: Yes, 55 F
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
190 State Highway 135
406.826.3150
Website
Hot Springs
Just about 90 minutes north of Missoula in the town of Hot Springs discover the eclectic Symes Hot Springs Hotel. Renowned for its therapeutic waters, retro ambiance and friendly vibes, this funky, Spanish-style hotel invites you to step back in time. Symes features three pools—two outdoor soaking pools and a warm water swimming pool—as well as private individual indoor tubs. Indulge in a relaxing soak with a side of vintage charm and enjoy amenities like an espresso stand, a restaurant and live music on weekends.
Temperature Range: 95 – 107 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
There are three other soaking options in the town of Hot Springs, including Alameda Hot Springs Retreat, a spa motel featuring private suites with hot mineral baths.
209 Wall St.
406.741.2361
Website
Bozeman
Nestled in Montana's Gallatin Valley, Bozeman Hot Springs is a renowned natural hot springs destination with a rich history. From its humble origins in the late 1800s, these pools have transformed into a sought-after retreat for locals and travelers alike, offering a unique Montana experience. Conveniently located just minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Bridger Bowl ski area, and not far from Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort, Bozeman Hot Springs provides an accessible haven for relaxation. Stay in the rustic, cozy cabins at Bozeman’s award-winning hot springs campground and immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of 12 different pools, complemented by dry and wet saunas.
Temperature Range: 80 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: Yes, 55 – 65 F
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
81123 Gallatin Road
406.586.6492
Website
Pray
In the quiet and beautiful town of Pray, historic Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa provides an immersive Montana experience among the breathtaking Absaroka foothills. Beyond a mere stay and soak, this resort offers a rich array of amenities, including fine dining, a poolside grill, a saloon, a gift shop, a full day spa, dogsledding, and cross-country skiing. Discover tranquility in two open-air mineral hot springs pools, and choose from a diverse range of accommodations on the historic grounds—opt for a stay in the charming Victorian rooms, indulge in luxury cabins, experience “glamping” in an authentic Conestoga wagon, or gather with friends or family in a hillside chalet.
Temperature Range: 98 – 104 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
163 Chico Road
406.333.4933
Website
Gardiner
Just outside Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance in Gardiner, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers a soaking experience with a captivating mountain view along the Yellowstone River. The mineral-rich waters feature continual flow-through circulation, create a rejuvenating escape after a day exploring the park’s sublime, snowy landscape. In addition to three pools, they also have a Kneipp walk. Stay on-site in a cozy, modern suite, or go rustic in a western-inspired cabin.
Temperature Range: 98 – 105 F
Cold Plunge: Yes, 60 – 65 F
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
24 E. Gate Road
833.977.7464
Website
Boulder
Situated in a natural, tranquil environment, Boulder Hot Springs is a century-old historic inn that boasts rejuvenating geothermal waters perfect for soaking and swimming, including an outdoor pool as well as indoor steam rooms and continuous-flow plunges. Cozy Bed & Breakfast rooms, along with quaint guest rooms, provide a serene haven for relaxation, complemented by a delicious breakfast for overnight guests. Beyond the pools and accommodations, Boulder Hot Springs offers massages, they can point you in the right direction for a snowshoe excursion, and they occasionally host Native American Medicine People who offer sweat lodges and Indian medicine.
Temperature Range: 96 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No (But there is a “cool pool” at 70 F)
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
Website
Helena
Discover Helena's exclusive geothermal mineral hot springs, only a 10-minute drive from downtown and 30 minutes from Great Divide ski area. Immerse yourself in the inviting pools and relish the vast Montana landscape. Here you’ll find a spring pool, soaker pool and recreation pool, alongside hot tubs and cold plunges. Broadwater’s pools and spas are filled with therapeutic natural mineral hot springs water sourced from their artesian well, expertly cooled using their natural mineral cold springs water. Round out your soak with poolside service from The Springs Taproom & Grill.
Temperature Range: 89 – 104 F
Cold Plunge: Yes, 50 – 59 F
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
4920 W. U.S. Highway 12
406.443.5777
Website
Polaris
Elkhorn Hot Springs boasts two outdoor hot mineral pools, an indoor Grecian-style sauna, a restaurant, and a bar for a complete retreat experience. Two outdoor pools are 100% naturally heated by geothermal energy deep within the earth’s core, and an indoor wet sauna heats to 106 F. If you’re spending the night, choose from a variety of cabins, ranging from rustic to modern, as well as cozy, “Montana-western” lodge rooms. In addition to soaking, Elkhorn’s natural setting lets you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, as well as downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain.
Temperature Range: 92 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
339 Hot Springs Road
406.834.3434
Website
Anaconda
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort beckons with four rejuvenating hot spring pools (two indoors and two outdoors, with varying temperatures), comfortable lodging (including guest rooms and suites) and culinary offerings from Springwater Café, Waters Edge Dining Room, and Minerals Lounge. The resort's 350-foot enclosed water slide also promises year-round fun for the whole family. If you’re looking to get away from it all, book a wellness treatment at Whispering Willows on-site spa offering massage, reflexology and more. During the warmer months enjoy Fairmont’s renowned golf course. Nearby recreation includes Nordic skiing, snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Discovery Ski Area, just 30 miles northwest of Fairmont.
Temperature Range: 92 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: No; you must be an overnight guest to use the pools.
1500 Fairmont Road
406.797.3241
Website
Jackson
Immerse yourself in the western allure of the stunning Big Hole Valley at Jackson Hot Springs. Enjoy a leisurely soak in the hot springs pool, engage in a friendly game of pool or shuffleboard, or unwind by a crackling fire. All cabins and guest rooms are equipped with a cozy fireplace, and a delicious meal awaits at the Hot Springs Grill. If you’re interested in outdoor recreation, you’ll find snowmobiling ATVing and hiking trails in the area, as well as downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain, Lost Trail, and Discovery Ski Area.
Temperature Range: 100 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
108 Jardine Ave.
406.834.3151
Website
Norris
Touting artesian water, organic cuisine and local ingredients, “Water of the Gods” offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and pristine surroundings. Clean, clear hot mineral water bubbles up from the earth's depths, filling the historic wooden pool, which is emptied nightly using the original gate valve from the 1880s. Norris Hot Springs goes beyond the perfect soak, boasting environmentally conscious building practices and stunning panoramic views. Within a geodesic dome, the poolside stage hosts local music every weekend throughout the year, and the 50 Mile Grill & Snack Bar, along with the No Loose Dogs Saloon, both heated by the hot springs, ensure comfort in every season. During the winter months, enjoy local, sustainable fare with house-made soups and entree specials, complemented by homegrown herb teas, local microbrews and fine wines.
Temperature Range: 100 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: Yes
42 Montana Highway 84
406.685.3303
Website
Whitehall
Explore the rustic charm of Pipestone Village & Hotsprings, where cozy cabins and domes await amid a breathtaking landscape. Each accommodation has a private outdoor steel hot tub heated by natural spring water, providing a uniquely relaxing retreat. There is no indoor plumbing, but shared outhouses are just yards away and you’ll have use of an outdoor hose with a shower head. Nearby attractions include historic Uptown Butte—the perfect place to grab some delicious food and drink. With miles of trails in the area, don’t forget to pack your snowshoes.
Temperature Range: 95 – 106 F
Cold Plunge: No
Day-Use Soaking: No (Individual hot tubs are provided with each cabin/dome.)
36 Delmoe Lake Road
406-461-7310
Website
Before you set out to soak up some Montana magic, be sure to plan ahead with advance reservations. Some hot springs have limited hours and are not open every day, and some require you to lodge on-site in order to soak.
Check each region for more information:
You'll also find a diverse range of dining experiences at each hot springs, offering everything from pizza and quick bites to taverns and bars to fine dining. If you're eager to delve into the regional culinary scenes, each area presents unique and exciting options, from taco stands and food trucks to award-winning farm-to-table creations by renowned chefs. To round out your Montana culinary experience, explore the vibrant craft beverage scene at each region's breweries and distilleries.
Check each region for more information:
Hot springs typically offer lodging, with options spanning from rustic to refined accommodations. While some may require an overnight stay for soaking, others provide the flexibility of purchasing a day pass. If you're just looking for a day soak or some après-ski relaxation and prefer to stay off-site, you've got plenty of lodging options. Explore timbered lodges, authentic guest ranches, mountain resorts, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, or historic downtown hotels in the charming communities that host and surround Montana's hot springs.
Check each region for more information:
Not all hot springs are safe to soak in. Soaking is off limits in fragile and temperature prohibitive (dangerously high) thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park. When looking to soak, stick to developed hot springs.
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
