Montana Hot Springs - Mapped - Hot Springs Locator

Montana is a natural hot spring heaven thanks to its fortunate position at the eastern edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has part of Yellowstone National Park in its territory, too. Over sixty known hot spring spots are scattered throughout the state's scenic landscapes, from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains. Even though some of those springs are too hot for bathing, they still offer a glimpse into the fascinating geological life of our planet.

For those seeking a secluded soaking experience, numerous undeveloped pools can be found in remote mountainous areas and grassland prairies. Preference for more civilization in your bathing experience can be easily satisfied with Montana's multiple commercial hot spring resorts. In addition to a variety of bathing options, they offer all types of amenities and services you would expect from such an establishment.

For centuries, Native Americans revered these mineral-rich waters for their healing properties and spiritual significance. As settlers moved westward in the 19th century, they, too, discovered the therapeutic benefits of Montana's hot springs. This led to the development of rustic bathhouses, lodges, and resorts that have been welcoming visitors for generations.

Today, Montana's hot springs continue attracting travelers from near and far, offering a soothing escape from the stresses of modern life. Whether you prefer the luxurious full-service resort or the tranquility of a primitive pool nestled in the wilderness, you will find a destination that fits your needs and wants.

Most of Montana's hot springs are located in the western part of the state and in or near Yellowstone National Park.

Western Montana is known for its diverse (dramatic even) landscape with iconic mountain peaks and meandering rivers. It is part of the larger Rocky Mountains region that features a mix of rugged mountain ranges, canyons and glaciers, vast valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and extensive river systems.

In the northwestern part of the state, several hot springs can be found in or near the town with a telling name - Hot Springs, MT. Among them are the historic Symes Hot Springs, Camas Big Medicine Hot Springs, Alameda Hot Springs, Wild Horse Hot Springs, and Quinn's Hot Springs Resort.

Southwest Montana is also a hot spot for geothermal activity, with multiple hot springs to choose from. Some notable mentions are Lolo Hot Springs and Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs, the historic Bozeman Hot Springs, the family-friendly Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the rustic Elkhorn Hot Springs, and the tranquil Norris Hot Springs.

Broadwater Hot Springs deserves a special mention. It is a hot springs fitness center with pools, hot tubs, cold plunges, and saunas. That is not something you come across frequently.

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs and Weir Creek Hot Springs are a series of primitive but picturesque hot springs near the Montana-Idaho border.

Eastern Montana is home to the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs Resort and Angela Well.

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, with some parts of it extending into Montana and Idaho, is packed with geothermal wonders, including the world's greatest concentration of hot springs. Among them is the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring, which captivates visitors with its lively colors and immense size.

At the source of Yellowstone's geothermal vibrancy is the Yellowstone Caldera, an active volcanic hotspot that never stops reshaping the park's landscape. The park's visitors can witness with their own eyes nature's incredible power and beauty via multiple geysers, mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs.

Soaking in most of the park's springs is strictly prohibited for your safety and out of environmental concerns. The water temperatures can go beyond boiling, which is incompatible with life for most living organisms. Additionally, even insignificantly-looking human activity can easily damage the fragile ecosystems within these thermal areas.

Out of all those (well justified!) "do-not-do-it" rules, there is a magnificent exception in the form of the Firehole River Swimming Area and Boiling River (currently closed).

Our comprehensive Montana Hot Springs Map shows the best natural hot springs across the state, with locations, overviews, pictures, videos, and links to a more extensive discussion of the respective spots.