Soaking in Serenity: The Best Paid Hot Springs Near Boise!
- idavibe
- Dec 9, 2025
- 5 min read
Idaho is famous for its wild, geothermal beauty, but sometimes you don't want to hike three miles into the backcountry just to share a muddy puddle. Sometimes, you want a locker, a clean towel, and a temperature-controlled pool.
Whether you are looking for a romantic luxury retreat or a fun family getaway, the Boise Metro area is the perfect basecamp for reaching some of the state's best developed geothermal resorts. These hot springs offer the perfect blend of natural mineral water and modern comfort, all within a reasonable drive from the Treasure Valley.
Here are the best paid hot springs to visit around Boise!
1. The Springs
Location: Idaho City (approx. 45 mins from Boise)
Best For: A luxury, spa-like experience and couples.
If you are looking for the most polished, resort-style soaking experience near Boise, The Springs is the top contender. Nestled in the historic mining town of Idaho City, this facility feels like a high-end retreat. It features a large communal pool, a hot tub, and a steam room.
Why it’s unique: They offer poolside service, meaning you can order food and drinks (including beer and wine) without leaving the water. They also have private wooden tubs available for an hourly rental if you want seclusion.
Know before you go: Reservations are almost always required well in advance as they cap the number of guests to ensure it never feels crowded.
Cost: ~$30 for adults; Private tubs are extra (~$65/hour).
2. Gold Fork Hot Springs
Location: Donnelly (approx. 1 hour 30 mins from Boise)
Best For: Families and tiered pool options.
Located in the pine forests south of McCall, Gold Fork is famous for its crystal-clear, mineral-rich water and its unique "tiered" pool system. The water flows from the hottest upper pool down into successively cooler lower pools, allowing you to find the perfect temperature.
Why it’s unique: The setting is stunningly woodsy, and the water is alkaline, which feels silky on the skin. There is a sandy-bottomed pool specifically for children, making it very family-friendly.
Know before you go: Cash only. They do not accept credit cards, so come prepared. The road up can be bumpy in winter, but it is usually well-maintained.
Cost: ~$10–$12 for adults; ~$5 for children.
3. Miracle Hot Springs
Location: Buhl (approx. 1 hour 45 mins from Boise)
Miracle Hot Springs: Relax, Recharge, and Unwind in Buhl, Idaho
Best For: Modern amenities, private VIP pools, and "glamping."
Miracle Hot Springs, Hagerman Idaho Miracle Hot Springs is widely considered the best modern facility in the Magic Valley. It strikes a balance between a fun public resort and a private spa. The water is odorless (no sulfur smell) and flows continuously through the pools, keeping them exceptionally clean.
Why it’s unique: Aside from the four large outdoor pools, they offer "VIP" private pools with private changing rooms and adjustable water temperatures. You can also stay overnight in their geodesic "glamping" domes, some of which have private hot tubs right outside the door.
Know before you go: Closed on Sundays. Private pool reservations are essential, and a $10 fee applies for same-day cancellations.
Reservations: Book Your Soak or Private Pool Here. Reservations are required for all services on weekends (Friday and Saturday).
Cost: ~$14–$15 for general admission; Private pools ~$10–$25 extra.
Cost: ~$15 day use (plus membership fee).
Givens Hot Springs
Location: Marsing (approx. 50 mins from Boise)
Best For: History buffs, swimming, and year-round access.
Givens is a vintage gem. Homesteaded in 1881, it has been serving soakers for over a century. Unlike the outdoor lounge pools on this list, Givens features a massive indoor pool that encloses the spring, making it an excellent choice for actual swimming or visiting during harsh weather.
Why it’s unique: It feels like a step back in time with a charming, old-school atmosphere. Because it is indoors and large, it is one of the few hot springs where you can swim laps.
Know before you go: Open daily from Noon to 9 PM. It is popular with locals and campers (RV and tent camping available on-site).
Cost: ~$12 for adults; ~$6 for children/seniors.
5. Banbury Hot Springs
Location: Buhl (approx. 1.5 hours from Boise)
Best For: River recreation and a laid-back historic vibe.
Just down the road from Miracle Hot Springs (and owned by the same family), Banbury offers a quieter, more historic experience. It is located directly on the banks of the Snake River, shaded by large, ancient trees.
Why it’s unique: In the summer, this is an adventure hub. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the Snake River and the nearby Blue Heart Springs, then return to warm up in the geothermal pool or private tubs.
Know before you go: Like Miracle, Banbury is closed on Sundays. It has a large artesian swimming pool and private rooms that feel a bit more rustic than Miracle's modern VIP suites.
Cost: ~$10–$12 for adults; Private rooms available hourly.
6. Trinity Hot Springs
Location: Paradise/Featherville (approx. 2 hours from Boise)
Best For: Wellness, yoga, and spiritual retreat.
Trinity is the outlier on this list—it is less of a recreational pool and more of a wellness sanctuary. It sits on the deepest known source of ancient geothermal water on Earth and is the only hot spring in North America certified as "Naturliches Heilwasser" (natural health water).
Why it’s unique: The focus here is on quiet contemplation and health. The resort offers a gravel-bottom pool, a lodge, and yoga classes. The water is pristine and odorless.
Know before you go: This is a membership-based club. To visit, you typically pay an annual membership fee (starting around $35) plus a day-use fee. It is perfect for those who want to avoid the "party" crowd found at other springs.
Cost: ~$15 day use (plus annual membership fee).
Quick Comparison Guide
Hot Spring | Best For | Drive Time | Open Days |
The Springs | Luxury / Couples | ~45 mins | Thu–Mon (Closed Tue/Wed) |
Gold Fork | Families / Kids | ~1.5 hrs | Wed–Mon (Closed Tue) |
Miracle | Private VIP Tubs | ~1.75 hrs | Mon–Sat (Closed Sun) |
Givens | Swimming / Indoors | ~50 mins | Daily |
Banbury | River Activities | ~1.5 hrs | Mon–Sat (Closed Sun) |
Trinity | Wellness / Quiet | ~2 hrs | Daily (Membership req.) |
Comments