Sharkey Hot Springs sits on open public land above Idaho’s Lemhi Valley, just a short detour (about 2 miles) off Highway 28 southeast of Salmon. The soaking spot is easy to reach, has simple, well-developed facilities, and that classic high‑desert feel: big skies, wide‑open views, and plenty of room to relax in mineral‑rich, naturally heated water.

Sharkey sits in gentle sagebrush hills with mountains on the horizon, so you get that nice mix of open country and distant peaks. In spring and early summer, wildflowers sprinkle color across the slopes, and when fall and winter roll in, the crisp air makes the hot pools feel even better. It’s one of the better‑known hot springs near Salmon, a convenient stop for road‑trippers exploring central Idaho’s hot springs corridor.

The fenced soaking area sits on a barren hillside above Lemhi Valley, far enough from the highway to feel quiet but still quick to reach on a well‑maintained gravel road. On clear nights, you can soak under bright stars and open skies, framed by distant ridgelines.

A small fee for day-use or annual pass i required for visitors aged 16 and older. You van buy pass in the Salmon BLM office or buy is online through Recreation.gov.

Sharkey Hot Springs has been used as a source of healing by local native people Agaideka (Salmon Eaters) or the Lemhi Shoshone tribe who had lived here for over 16 thousand years.

The first European settlers arrived in 1867 and this site was once part of an old trading route used by early trappers. The hot springs was names after Frank Sharkey, a rancher who settled at the springs in the 1870s.

From the 1920s to the 1960s, the hot springs had been a popular bathing site with a swimming pool, changing rooms, and cabins. However, during some time, the site fell into disrepair and BLM got rid of all aging structures for safety reasons in 1973.

In 2002, Sharkey Hot Springs was rebuilt and open to the public.

Today, it serves as a popular destination for locals looking for a peaceful respite amidst nature's beauty just outside town limits while also drawing travelers who come here to seek out the healing properties of geothermal mineral water.

Sharkey Hot Springs Mineral Pools & Soaking

The soaking area at Sharkey Hot Springs is fully developed, with a concrete deck and two built‑in concrete tubs supplied by natural geothermal water. The fenced enclosure keeps out large wildlife and creates a defined, family-friendly soaking space.

Hot mineral water comes from a geothermal source at about 112°F (44°C). Cooler water from another borehole is mixed with the hot flow, and the blended water is piped into both tubs. This keeps the soaking temperature around 103°F (39°C), an ideal range for relaxing without overheating, even in cooler weather.

Each pool can hold several people; together, the tubs comfortably accommodate around a dozen visitors. The water is clear, lightly mineralized, and continuously refreshed, so it doesn’t feel stagnant. There’s usually only a mild mineral smell, and visibility in the water is good.

Because Sharkey Hot Springs is easy to reach from Salmon and Highway 28, it can get busy on weekends and holidays. For a quieter, more peaceful soak, aim for early mornings or weekdays. Swimwear is required, and the site is managed as a developed, family‑oriented Idaho hot springs, not a clothing-optional spot.

Wildlife is commonly seen in the surrounding hills, including deer, elk, and rabbits. In winter, keep an eye out for bald eagles and other raptors using the Lemhi Valley as a corridor.

Access to the soaking area is straightforward, with no scrambling or steep banks, making Sharkey a good option for most visitors, including families and those who prefer a more accessible, structured hot springs experience.

Sharkey Hot Springs is a great base for exploring central Idaho’s hot springs, rivers, and high-desert landscapes. The broader region between Salmon, Challis, and Stanley is famous for its natural hot springs, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Along Highway 28 and nearby US‑93, you’ll find:

Scenic drives and overlooks - Cruise through Lemhi Valley and along the Salmon River corridor. There are pullouts for photos, short walks, and wildlife viewing, with views of the Lemhi and Beaverhead Ranges.

Other Idaho hot springs to explore - While Sharkey is a convenient, developed soak, the region is packed with other geothermal treasures:

Challis Hot Springs – a developed hot springs resort with pools, camping, and lodging about an hour and a half south by road. Primitive river hot springs between Challis and Stanley, such as Sunbeam Hot Springs and Boat Box Hot Springs, tucked into the Salmon River canyon. Many are rustic, rock‑rimmed pools with dramatic mountain backdrops.

Fishing and river access - Nearby stretches of the Salmon River and Lemhi River offer fishing pullouts, small picnic spots, and short riverbank walks. Anglers come for trout and other cold‑water species; always check current Idaho regulations before fishing.

Rockhounding and exploring public lands - Central Idaho is a classic rockhounding destination. In the greater Salmon–Challis area, you can search for agate, jasper, opal, and other minerals along gravel bars and open hills. Stay on existing roads and respect BLM rules and private property boundaries.

Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing - Open sagebrush hills, big skies, and long ridgelines make this area perfect for landscape photography and casual hiking. Look for deer, elk, raptors, and seasonal songbirds, especially in early morning and evening light.

Sharkey Hot Springs is also a relaxing stop on a longer Idaho hot springs road trip, linking destinations like Salmon, Challis, Stanley, and the wider Salmon River corridor.