• Elkhorn Hot Springs is a rustic lodge in the scenic Beaverhead National Forest
Elkhorn Hot Springs sits among lush trees in the Beaverhead National Forest in southern Montana. This rustic resort in the Grasshopper Valley has operated since 1918. All the buildings here are preserved just like they were built, so you can experience the early 20th-century rural Montana atmosphere.
Geothermal mineral water flows out of six springs at temperatures ranging from 106°F (41°C) to 120°F (49°C). Then it is gravity-fed into two outdoor pools - 88°F (31°C) to 95°F (35°C) swimming pool and 95°F (35°C) to 104°F (40°C) soaking pool.
Water flows into the deeper and hotter upper pool first and then into the lower pool, cooling down in the process. Those two separate pools combined are equal to the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Each pool is drained, cleaned, and refilled every week.
The pool area has a large deck for relaxation, sunbathing, and cooling down between soaking sessions.
Bath suits are required at the resort. Some areas are handicap accessible. There is no cell service.
The resort is open for both day-use and overnight stay.
In addition to the pools, Elkhorn Hot Springs provides accommodations. You can pick from over a dozen cabins or camp at one of the tent sites.
There are lodge rooms, dressing rooms, a restaurant, a gift shop, a snowmobile rental, and corrals.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
After a relaxing soak, you can go into beautiful Montana nature for an adventure like horseback riding, backpacking, hunting, fishing, rockhounding, skiing, or snowmobiling.
Head to Maverick Mountain, the hidden gem of the Montana ski community. Take a drive or ride down the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Search for unique minerals at Crystal Park. Your options are only limited with the time you are spending here!
The other great resort, Jackson Hot Springs is located 31 miles away.
Elkhorn Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 42 miles northwest of Dillon • Southern Montana • USA
Open: Year round
Development: Developed
Clothing: Mandatory
Amenities: Lodge rooms, dressing rooms, showers, lodge rooms, dressing rooms, a restaurant, a gift shop, a snowmobile rental, and corrals
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Elevation: 7,150 ft (2,180 m)
Water T° (source): 106°F (41°C) - 120°F (49°C)
Water T° (pools): 88°F (31°C) - 104°F (40°C)
Directions to Elkhorn Hot Springs
From Dillon
- Take I-15 South toward Idaho Falls
- Take exit 59 for MT-278 toward Jackson/Wisdom and follow it for 25 miles
- Turn right onto the Pioneer Mountains Scenic By-Way and follow it for 12.8 miles
- Turn left towards the spring and follow the road for 0.4 miles.
Phone: 406-834-3434