The Springs - Idaho City - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Idaho City, ID (2026)
A modern mountain spa 45 minutes from Boise with a massive saline hot pool, cedar sauna, massage suites, and glamping yurts.
The Springs at Idaho City is a modern, deliberately minimal hot-springs spa about 45 minutes northeast of Boise on Idaho Highway 21 — a 2010s-built operation with one large saline mineral pool, a private outdoor cedar tub, an infrared sauna, massage rooms, and glamping yurts. It's purpose-built rather than historic, and the design is closer to a modern wellness destination (think Sundance-meets-Idaho-Rockies) than a traditional Western soak. Reservations are required for the 3-hour soak slots; same-day walk-ins are turned away. $25 adult, includes locker and towel.
What to expect
Drive Highway 21 from Boise to Idaho City. Reserve a 3-hour soak slot online (essential — sessions cap out a week ahead in summer and ski-season weekends). Arrive 15 minutes early. The main saline pool is large enough for ~30 people at full capacity, with the saline content (rather than chemicals) doing the sanitation work. Add a private cedar tub, sauna, or massage. Glamping yurts on-property for overnight; the main yurt cluster includes private outdoor tubs.
Temperature
102°-104°F
Pools
2 soaking pools
Best season
Year-round
Reservations
Required
Dog policy
No pets at pools
Family policy
Family windows available
Safety notes
- All sessions are reservation-only; walk-ins are turned away even on weekdays.
- Highway 21 requires snow tires or chains during winter storms.
Amenities & etiquette
Official references
FAQ
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Nearby hot springs
Burgdorf Hot Springs
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This 1870s mining-era resort keeps its hand-hewn bathhouse, two massive log-lined pools, and a handful of dry cabins tucked in the Payette National Forest. In winter the only way in is by snowmobile or fat bike, turning the soak into a full adventure.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, ID
Dozens of thermal cascades pour over travertine ledges into the South Fork of the Payette River, creating adjustable rock tubs within a five-minute walk of the campground. Picnic tables and vault toilets make it one of Idaho's most accessible roadside springs.
Editor’s picks nearby
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs — the iconic three-pool wild soak on US-12, 1.5-mile hike across the Lochsa swinging bridge — closed Dec 1–May 1 for elk winter range.
- Kirkham Hot Springs — the drive-up Highway 21 favorite along the South Fork Payette — multiple terraced pools.
- Goldbug Hot Springs — the Salmon River corridor classic — 2-mile uphill hike to terraced creekside pools above US-93.