• Balanced Rock Warm Springs is located half a mile away from the famous Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock Warm Springs sits on the bank of the Salmon Falls Creek at Balanced Rock Park Campground, just a short drive from Buhl. Surrounded by the scenic southern Idaho nature, Salmon Falls Creek Canyon is popular for world-famous Balanced Rock.
Balanced Rock Park Campground is located on the south-west side of the bridge and the warm spring source emerges on the opposite side about 40 feet from the highway next to the pump house. Geothermal mineral water comes out from the hill and the ground at a temperature of about 97–100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Free parking is available at campground. To get to the warm springs you should walk downstream on other side of the road and find a steep trail down to the springs and the pump house. If the water level is low, you can go through one of the two big culverts under the bridge.
The area around the spring is BLM land and open to the public, but the pump house is off-limits and marked with "No Trespassing" signs.
While camping is prohibited right next to the warm spring, you can camp in the Balanced Rock Park Campground nearby with a variety of campsites, including tents, RV, and group camping. However, there is no RV hook-up. The campground provides picnic tables, drinkable water, and fire pits.
The presence of hot springs is unknown for most visitors because it doesn't provide a bathing opportunity but site is popular for camping, fishing, hiking, and Balanced Rock.
Balanced Rock
Located about a mile away from the campground and warm springs, Balanced Rock is the main attraction of the area. A naturally occurring geological formation, the 48 feet tall rock weighing 40 tons which balancing on a small 3 feet and 17 inches pedestal.
The rock is a rhyolite lava formation estimated to be 15 million years old. This unique landmark was created by the strong winds and water shaping it for millions of years.
The 0.9-mile out and back trail to the Balanced Rock is rough and steep in some areas, so be careful when making this hike.
Balanced Rock Warm Springs | Facts
Location: 30 miles west of Twin Falls • Southern Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Amenities: Primitive campground, picnic areas, picnic pavilion for rent, and vault toilet
Accommodations: Lodging in Twin Falls or Buhl
Camping at Balanced Rock Park Campground
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: BLM
Elevation: 4,700 ft (1,400 m)
Water T° (pools): 36–38 °C (97–100 °F)
More Adventures
Directions to Balanced Rock Warm Springs
From Twin Falls,
- Take Washington Street South
- Turn right onto 3700 N/Balanced Rock Road/Orchard Drive West and follow it for 24.1 miles
- Turn left after you cross Salmon Falls Creek.