Quick FactsOverview
About Elkhorn Hot Springs
Elkhorn Hot Springs, Montana is a rustic, family-owned resort in the Grasshopper Valley of the Pioneer Mountains, within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Beaverhead County, approximately 40 miles northwest of Dillon and along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. In continuous operation since 1918, the resort has two outdoor mineral pools fed by six geothermal springs at up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water flows by gravity into an upper soaking pool at 95 to 104 degrees and a lower swimming pool at 88 to 95 degrees, both flow-through with no chemicals required. An indoor Grecian-style sauna runs at 104 to 106 degrees. The original lodge was built in 1921 and the cabins in the 1920s and 1930s, largely unchanged since construction.
Amenities include over ten cabins, eight lodge rooms, a restaurant, a bar, changing rooms, showers, a gift shop, snowmobile rental, and horse corrals. Cabin guests receive a hot buffet breakfast daily. The resort is surrounded by cross-country ski trails, Maverick Mountain ski area, snowmobiling trails, and summer hiking and fishing.
For those seeking family hot springs near Dillon Montana in a remote mountain setting, Elkhorn is the most established rustic resort in the southern Pioneer Mountains.
Location & Access
Getting to Elkhorn Hot Springs
Elkhorn Hot Springs is at 339 Hot Springs Road in Polaris, Montana, reached via the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. From Dillon, take I-15 north to exit 59, head west on MT-278 toward Polaris, then follow the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway north to the resort. The drive from Dillon is approximately 40 miles and takes about one hour. From Butte, take I-15 south to exit 59 and follow the same route; total drive from Butte is approximately 100 miles and takes about two hours.
The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway northern section connecting to Wise River has seasonal closure dates. In winter, access is from the southern end via MT-278 only. Check road conditions before visiting in shoulder seasons. Any standard vehicle can reach the resort when the road is open. The route is remote mountain driving with no services between Polaris and main highways.
For those seeking hot springs near Dillon Montana, Elkhorn is the primary developed hot springs option in the Pioneer Mountains area. Jackson Hot Springs is approximately 31 miles south near Jackson, MT. The nearest commercial airport is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, approximately 100 miles from Elkhorn.
Summer pool hours are daily 8am to 10pm, with 11pm closing on Fridays and Saturdays. Winter hours are reduced; call (406) 834-3434 or visit elkhornhotsprings.com for current schedules before making the drive.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Elkhorn Hot Springs
Elkhorn Hot Springs suits families with children, outdoor enthusiasts, and winter sports visitors. The two outdoor pools at different temperatures give options for swimming and therapeutic soaking. The upper pool at 95 to 104 degrees suits soaking; the lower pool at 88 to 95 degrees suits swimming and families who prefer a milder temperature. The indoor sauna at 104 to 106 degrees is the warmest option. Children are welcome and the resort is suited to multi-generational groups.
Swimwear is required throughout the pool and sauna area. The facility is not clothing optional. No glass is allowed at the pools. Pets are allowed in the campground and cabin areas but not in the pool area. Towel service is available. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a hot buffet breakfast included for cabin guests.
For those seeking family hot springs near Dillon Montana in a self-contained mountain retreat, Elkhorn offers lodging, dining, and recreation in one location. The cross-country ski trails, Maverick Mountain skiing, snowmobiling, Crystal Park, and proximity to Bannack State Park make it a multi-day destination well suited to combining winter sports and soaking.
The site is not wheelchair accessible. Terrain around the pools is typical rough mountain resort ground without formal accessibility infrastructure. The remote character and rustic preserved buildings are central to what Elkhorn offers and should be expected by all visitors.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Elkhorn Hot Springs
Elkhorn Hot Springs is generally safe as a staffed resort with managed flow-through pools that require no chemical treatment. The upper soaking pool at 95 to 104 degrees is within comfortable soaking range for most adults. The indoor sauna at 104 to 106 degrees is warmer; limit time and exit to cool down if you feel overheated. The lower pool at 88 to 95 degrees is the coolest option and suits families and those less tolerant of high heat.
The source springs emerge at up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water is gravity-fed and mixed before entering the pools, but temperatures may be higher near pool inflows. Test water away from the inflow before settling in. Pools are drained, cleaned, and refilled weekly.
Wet pool decking and the paths between pools and changing rooms can be slippery. Wear footwear with grip when moving around the pool area and on steps between the upper and lower pools. No glass is allowed in the pool area.
The resort is in a remote mountain location. The nearest medical services are in Dillon, approximately 40 miles away. Inform staff of any medical conditions before soaking, particularly heart or circulatory conditions. Wildlife in the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest includes elk, deer, and black bear; follow standard protocols after dark around the property. Road conditions in the Pioneer Mountains deteriorate rapidly in winter; check conditions and carry emergency supplies before making the drive. Check current conditions at elkhornhotsprings.com or call (406) 834-3434.
