Snake Pit Hot Springs aka Valley Creek Hot Springs | Central Idaho

Snake Pit Hot Springs, also known as Valley Creek Hot Springs, is an undeveloped soaking spot on the bank of Valley Creek.

This is a perfect soaking location with a Sawtooth Mountains view right on the edge of the small town of Stanley in Central Idaho.

Don't worry; we didn't see any snakes there.

Geothermal Water & Soaking

The hot mineral water comes out of the source at about 107° F (42° C). Depending on weather conditions, it cools down from 97° F (36° C) to 105° F (41° C) at the rock and sand volunteer build pool. The water is seeping everywhere along the riverbank and bubbling up in the soaking pool.

The pool size is 18² ft and 2 ft deep with clear water, so it can accommodate many people.

Water in the pool is clear, pH 7, and has a mild sulfur smell.

A swimwear is required. The closest services are at Stanley.

There are plenty of accommodations in the area, including Mountain Village Lodge.

If you stay in the lodge, you can access the lodge hot springs and the Snake Pit pool from the property. Otherwise, directions to a parking area are given below.

From Stanley,

From the intersection of Highway 21 and 75, take Highway 75 and travel 0.3 miles to the Stanley Museum (milepost 190)
Turn left and follow the gravel road for 0.3 miles to a parking area on the left
Park your car and cross the bridge
The hot spring pool will be on the left.

The GPS coordinates are an alternative parking lot if you are not staying at Mountain Village Lodge. Use the directions here because Google Maps will take you on a different road through private property.

GPS (Parking): N 44°13.312' W 114°55.915' | 44.22187, -114.93192