Chico Hot Springs - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Pray, MT (2026)

A 1900 lodge anchors this Paradise Valley resort with two outdoor mineral pools, geothermally heated greenhouses, and a James Beard–nominated dining room 30 miles north of Yellowstone.

4.7Editorial pick
ResortDrive-up parking or paved path
Chico Hot Springs - hero photo
Photo: chicohotsprings.com
Chico Hot Springs photo 2Main LodgeChico Hot Springs photo 4

Chico Hot Springs Resort is the historic Paradise Valley anchor 30 miles north of Yellowstone's North Entrance, a 1900-built lodge with two outdoor mineral pools, a James Beard-nominated dining room, geothermally heated greenhouses growing the kitchen's produce, and a full saloon. Day-soak is cheap ($14) and welcomes everyone; lodge rooms are old, small, and full of character; the new Chalets are modernized cabins for those who want updated bathrooms. The pools run cooler than most western soaks (96-103°F) — designed for long lounging, not therapy.

What to expect

Pull off US-89 in Pray, MT and you're in the parking lot. Pay at the front desk, change in the locker rooms, and the two pools are immediately outside — one larger and cooler (~98°F) for laps and family soaking, one smaller and hotter (~103°F) for serious soaking. Open until 11 PM. Pair with dinner in the main lodge dining room (the Beef Wellington and Flaming Orange dessert are decades-old signatures) and live music in the saloon.

Temperature

96°-103°F

Pools

2 soaking pools

Best season

Year-round

Reservations

Walk-up friendly

Dog policy

No pets at pools

Family policy

Family windows available

Safety notes

  • Pool decks can ice over quickly—wear sandals with tread in winter.
  • Cell service is limited in Paradise Valley; download directions before turning off US-89.

Amenities & etiquette

lodgingfoodspamassage

FAQ

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