The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs: What to Expect & How to Plan Your Visit

Visiting The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs ended up being the perfect reset during our Idaho City stay. After bouncing between downtown Boise restaurants, mural hunting, and exploring, this was such a refreshing change of pace. It felt like pressing pause for a few hours—in the best way.

If you’re planning time in Idaho City or looking for a relaxing escape from Boise, The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs is an easy add that feels intentional, not rushed or touristy.

Early in our trip, pairing this soak with exploring town made total sense—especially if you’re following my Idaho City Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay, which helps tie everything together without overplanning.

What The Springs Is (And What It’s Not)

The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs isn’t a totally wild, rustic soak where you hike in and fend for yourself. This is much more of a mountain hot springs retreat with a spa-style setup—while still using natural geothermal water.

Here’s how it’s laid out:

• One large communal soaking pool

• A hot tub

• A steam room

• Private tubs you can reserve by the hour if you want something quieter

The water comes from natural geothermal sources and stays consistently warm, which makes it incredibly relaxing. It’s not flashy, but it’s comfortable, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed.

The overall vibe is very much spa day meets mountain escape. Everything felt relaxed, calm, and easygoing—no chaos, no crowds, no stress.

Reservations, Sessions & How It All Works

Reservations are required at The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs, and visits are done in timed sessions. Honestly, this is one of the best things about the experience. It never felt overcrowded, and everyone had space to spread out and actually relax.

Once you’re in, you’re encouraged to settle in. You can even order food and drinks while soaking, which makes it tempting to stay the entire session. We had zero desire to rush out.

If you’re celebrating something—or just want less noise—the private tubs are a great option. They’re secluded, cozy, and feel a little extra without being over-the-top.

Why It’s Worth the Drive

A few things really stood out during our visit to The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs:

• It’s about a 45-minute scenic drive from Boise, which makes it feel like a mini getaway

• Reservations keep everything organized and calm

• Being able to order food and drinks while soaking is a huge bonus

• Everything felt clean, well-run, and thoughtfully spaced

The drive alone helps flip your brain into relaxation mode, especially once you’re winding through the mountains.

If you’re coming from Boise, renting a car makes this much easier—and honestly more enjoyable—especially if you want flexibility to explore Idaho City before or after. We found driving the most practical option, and we used this site.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you want to turn your visit into an overnight (or two), staying in Idaho City is part of the charm. We loved leaning into the slower pace and mountain-town feel.

For a historic, walkable option right in town, I break it all down in my Gold Mine Hotel Idaho City Review, which pairs perfectly with a soak day.

If you’re browsing options, you can find hotels near Idaho City here, which is helpful if you’re deciding between staying in town or closer to Boise.

Planning Tips Before You Go

A few practical things to know before visiting The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs:

• Book your reservation ahead of time—sessions do sell out

• Plan to arrive early so you’re not rushed

• Bring a swimsuit and sandals; towels are typically provided

• Consider timing your soak for late afternoon or evening for peak relaxation

If you’re building this into a broader Boise trip, flights into Boise are straightforward, and checking flight options through Skyscanner makes it easy to compare routes and times without bouncing between tabs.

Is The Springs Right for You?

If you’re looking for a relaxing, well-organized hot springs experience without the unpredictability of a fully wild soak, The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs is a great fit. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants geothermal soaking with comfort baked in.

If you’re trying to decide between different hot springs in the area, learn more in my post about Idaho City Hot Springs Day Trip: Kirkham, Bonneville & The Springs Compared—it breaks down the vibes so you can pick what fits your travel style best.

For us, The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs delivered exactly what we wanted: a calm reset, warm water, and a few hours where the only plan was to relax.