Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort + Symes Hot Springs (optional side trip to Lolo Hot Springs) + Lost Trail Hot Springs (optional side trip to Jackson Hot Springs) + Fairmont Hot Springs + Boulder Hot Springs (optional side trip to Broadwater Hot Springs) + Norris Hot Springs + Bozeman Hot Springs + Chico Hot Springs + Yellowstone Hot Springs
Glacier Country
Begin your Western Montana hot springs escape in the vibrant hub of Missoula, where you'll make your way to Quinn's Hot Springs Resort via U.S. Interstate Highway 90. Quinn's is located in the community of Paradise. Spend the day soaking in five natural flow-through hot springs pools, each of varying temperatures, and take advantage of the cold plunge. You'll also find two salt-treated pools at Quinn's making it possible for the whole family to soak. Overnight in one of the cabins or the lodge overlooking the Clark Fork River and enjoy meals at the on-site Harwood House and Quinn's Tavern. Book well in advance—this hot springs resort fills up quickly.
Glacier Country
Just over a half hour north of Quinn's you'll find the eclectic community of Hot Springs and the retro Symes Hot Springs Hotel and Mineral Baths. Step back in time at this funky, Spanish-style hotel and spend the day soaking in their three pools. Symes also features private individual indoor tubs. Enjoy meals at the Symes Bathhouse Grill and Cantina (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner) and fuel up at the Daily Grind Espresso Bar. If you're visiting on a weekend, settle in for some live tunes. You'll find three other soaking options in Hot Springs, including Alameda Hot Springs Retreat, a spa motel featuring private suites with hot mineral baths. Or opt for a soak at Lolo Hot Springs.
Glacier Country
Spend the morning on the slopes at Lost Trail Powder Mountain and then settle in or a soak in nature's hot tub at Lost Trail Hot Springs in Sula. Indulge in a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and then 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. 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. If not, plan ahead by bringing your own food, or make the 45-minute drive to Hamilton, where you'll find some delicious dinner options. Or opt for a soak at Jackson Hot Springs.
Southwest Montana
If you're up for a second day on the mountain, make your way to the Southwest Montana region and hit the slopes at Discovery Ski Area, just over two hours from Lost Trail—or head straight to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and soak in their four rejuvenating hot spring pools. If you're looking to really get away from it all, book a wellness treatment at Whispering Willows on-site spa offering massage, reflexology and more. Enjoy culinary offerings from Springwater Café, Waters Edge Dining Room, and Minerals Lounge, and spend the night in a cozy guest room or suite. If you're visiting during the warmer months, don't miss the golf course.
Southwest Montana
From Fairmont, make your way an hour east to Montana's Peace Valley, which is as relaxing as it sounds. Check in to the century-old historic inn at Boulder Hot Springs, and, if you've got your snowshoes with you, have the innkeepers point you in the direction of some wintry trails. Follow your winter trek with a massage at Boulder's spa and then spend the afternoon soaking in the outdoor pool and taking advantage of the indoor steam rooms and continuous-flow plunges. Spend the night on-site in the cozy Bed & Breakfast rooms and wake up to a delicious breakfast. Or opt for a soak at Broadwater Hot Springs.
Southwest Montana
From Boulder, head south to soak in the "Water of the Gods" at Norris Hot Springs. Enjoy the rustic charm, pristine surroundings and panoramic views as you relax and restore in the geothermal waters of the historic wooden pool. If you're soaking on the weekend, you'll have the added bonus of listening to live music in the poolside geodesic dome stage. Enjoy local, organic and sustainable fare with house-made soups and entree specials, complemented by homegrown herb teas, local microbrews and fine wines from the 50 Mile Grill & Snack Bar and the No Loose Dogs Saloon. Camping is available May – September or you can head to Boulder Hot Springs for an overnight stay.
Yellowstone Country
Make your way to Montana's Yellowstone Country and soak up the scene at Bozeman Hot Springs (unless you're ready to hit the slopes at nearby Bridger Bowl). These pools are a sought-after retreat for locals and travelers alike, offering a unique Montana experience. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of 12 different pools, complemented by dry and wet saunas. Overnight in the rustic, cozy cabins at Bozeman's award-winning hot springs campground. You'll also find a variety of lodging options downtown, from modern boutique hotels to chain hotels.
Yellowstone Country
From Bozeman, take the breathtaking Paradise Valley Scenic Loop south to Chico Hot Springs. Spend the day soaking, or, before your soak, get in some snow time on cross-country skis or snowshoes. You can also book a dogsledding adventure through Chico with Mill Creek. Enjoy dinner on-site at Chico, and make sure to save room for the famous Flaming Orange dessert. You could also head to nearby Sage Lodge for a delicious meal, before heading back the Saloon at Chico Hot Springs for some live music. Overnight at Chico Hot Springs.
Yellowstone Country
Wake up at Chico and take advantage of their spectacular breakfast. Then head further south to explore Gardiner—the Northern Entrance to Yellowstone National Park (and the only park entrance open in winter to personal vehicles). Explore the northern tier of the park, including the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace areas. In the late afternoon, return to Gardiner for a relaxing soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs, and then grab dinner at the Emigrant Saloon or the Emigrant Outpost near Pray. You could also eat first and then go for an evening soak at the hot springs and gaze up at the star-studded night sky. Overnight at Yellowstone Hot Springs or head back to Gardiner, where lodging options abound.
For more information:
Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you're flying in:
Glacier County Airports
Southwest Montana Airports
Yellowstone Country Airports
If you're renting a car:
Glacier Country Car Rentals
Southwest Montana Car Rentals
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
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.
