Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho is one of the most talked-about hot springs near Boise, and after visiting, I understand why. It’s scenic, easy to access, and offers way more variety than most natural hot springs in the area. It’s also noticeably more popular—and yes, more crowded—than some nearby options. The real question is whether that tradeoff is worth it.
Short answer: for the views and variety, absolutely. You just need to know what to expect going in.
If you’re trying to decide how this compares to other nearby soaks, I break that down in my full review of Bonneville Hot Springs Idaho, which is a very different experience altogether.
Kirkham Hot Springs is only about 20 minutes from Bonneville Hot Springs, but the vibe couldn’t be more different. Where Bonneville feels quiet and tucked away, Kirkham feels more accessible and social.
There’s almost no hike involved here. The parking lot is right next to the springs, so it’s more of a short walk than a trek. That convenience is a big reason Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho attracts so many visitors—especially families, first-timers, and anyone not looking to hike in before soaking.
That said, the terrain still matters.
While there isn’t much of a hike, there are a lot of rocks, and they are slick. Water shoes aren’t optional in my opinion—you’ll be glad you brought them.
There are also quite a few stairs, and they’re steep with smaller steps. To reach most of the pools, you need to be comfortable going up and down uneven steps. If stairs or unstable footing are challenging for you, this is something to seriously factor in before visiting.
Once you’re down at the pools, everything is spread out along the hillside, which helps distribute people better than you might expect.
This was definitely the most crowded hot springs we visited in the area. I’d estimate around 50 people while we were there. That sounds like a lot, but because the pools are staggered and spread out, it never felt chaotic or overwhelming.
It’s more social than secluded. You’ll hear conversations. You’ll likely share pools. But it still felt manageable—and surprisingly calm considering the popularity.
If solitude is your top priority, this may not be your favorite soak. If you’re okay sharing the experience for better views and variety, Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho delivers.
What really sets Kirkham apart is the variety. There are multiple pools at different temperatures, so you can move around and find what feels best rather than being stuck with a single option.
Some pools are very hot. Others are absolutely perfect, depending on how the hot and cold water mix that day. There’s also a hot springs waterfall, which you don’t see everywhere—and it adds to the whole experience without feeling gimmicky.
This is one of those places where wandering between pools is part of the fun.
My favorite pool was at the very top. From there, you’re sitting above a canyon with open views of the river below. Despite the number of people down lower, this spot felt surprisingly peaceful.
Getting up there does involve a bit of an incline, but it was 100% worth it for the view alone. If you’re visiting Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho, don’t skip the upper pools—they’re the highlight.
Because this area is outside Boise, renting a car makes the entire experience much easier. If you’re building a hot springs day trip, renting a car makes this much easier, especially if you plan to visit more than one location in a day.
For anyone staying overnight, you can find hotels near Boise here, which gives you flexibility without committing to a single neighborhood.
If you’re deciding how to structure your hot springs stops, check out my guide to a Boise hot springs day trip, where I compare Kirkham, Bonneville, and Idaho City options side by side.
If you want variety, dramatic scenery, and easy access, Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s more social than some nearby springs, but the views, multiple pools, and waterfall more than make up for it.
This is a great option if you’re okay sharing the experience and want something scenic without committing to a long hike. For travelers building a broader Idaho trip, it pairs well with a stop in Idaho City—learn more in my Idaho City guide if you’re planning to make a full day of it.
Kirkham isn’t trying to be hidden or secret—and that’s exactly the point. It’s accessible, scenic, and offers a lot in one stop. Go early, wear water shoes, take your time exploring the pools, and don’t skip the climb to the top.
That’s where Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho really shines.
There are two kinds of travelers: people who plan a trip and then figure out where to eat, and people who book a restaurant and then build the rest of the itinerary around it.I am the second kind. I will not apologize for this.
The reservation gets locked in first. The hotel search happens within the same 24 hours. The flights get compared around the restaurant’s hours of operation. The rest of the trip exists to fill the days before and after the table I actually came for.
If this sounds unhinged, I completely understand. It has also resulted in some of the best meals of my life, so I’m going to keep doing it.
Drop a 🍽️ if you plan your trips around food too.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
I do not like seafood. 🐟 So when I booked a tasting menu at a restaurant built around aquarium walls at Atlantis The Palm, I was nervous.
Ossiano sits underwater fish gliding past the whole meal, moody lighting, the kind of room that makes you lower your voice without meaning to. It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. You’re paying for the entire experience.
Here’s the honest part: they have a vegetarian tasting menu, and I assumed it would be an afterthought. It ended up in my top five meals of all time. Course after course, the same care and precision as the seafood-forward menu everyone comes for. They even swapped in a steak for the main and it still felt cohesive with everything around it.
By course four you’re full. They bring out three more breads anyway. I ate all of it. No regrets.
Small detail that stuck with me my dress was black, so they swapped my napkin from white to black without me asking. That’s the kind of thing that tells you everything about a place.
Full breakdown of the menu, the vegetarian option, and what to expect linked in bio.
Dubai is all skyline until you drive an hour into the dunes and it goes completely silent. Bab Al Shams was that shift for us: slower, quieter, more intentional than anything we did in the city.
If you want nightlife or walkable everything, this isn’t your stop. But if you want a night that feels like a reset, it delivers, polished service, food I’m still thinking about, and a setting that never tries too hard.
Full review (and whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai itinerary) is linked in bio. 🏜️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
