Quick FactsOverview
About Potosi Hot Springs
Potosi Hot Springs, Montana is a private cabin-rental resort on 75 acres in Madison County, located approximately 7 miles outside the town of Pony in the Tobacco Root Mountains, roughly 54 miles west of Bozeman. The property sits along South Willow Creek and is surrounded on all sides by Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Three soaking areas are on site: a large 20 by 50 foot outdoor mineral pool at approximately 93 degrees Fahrenheit next to a wood-burning Finnish sauna; and an indoor river-rock soaking tub reached by a short uphill walk at approximately 100 degrees. No chemicals are added to the water. Four cabins each sleep up to six and include full kitchens, stone fireplaces, and creek-side decks.
The springs were first developed in 1892 when Horace Walter built a pool, bathhouse, and hotel. The property changed hands multiple times. In the 1960s it attracted countercultural visitors, leading to a confrontation with local ranchers in 1971.
For those seeking family hot springs near Bozeman Montana in a secluded mountain setting, Potosi is one of the most private developed hot springs in southwest Montana. Verify current availability at thepotosihotsprings.com, as the property was closed for maintenance upgrades in 2024 with a stated 2025 reopening.
Location & Access
Getting to Potosi Hot Springs
Potosi Hot Springs is located approximately 7 miles outside Pony, Montana in the Tobacco Root Mountains. From Bozeman, take US-191 south through Manhattan and Three Forks, then head west toward Harrison and Pony on Highway 287 and Pony Road, approximately 54 miles total. From Harrison, take Highway 287 toward Pony using Pony Road and Highway 283. Once inside Pony, watch for the Potosi Road sign on the left and turn onto Potosi Road, which is also the S Willow Creek Road. Follow it approximately 7 miles to the property. The road becomes unpaved toward the end and can have rough sections; check road conditions and contact the property before driving in poor weather or early spring when snowmelt can affect the road surface.
From Butte, the drive is approximately 60 miles east. The Potosi Campground run by the US Forest Service is a few miles further up Willow Creek from the resort and provides a separate public camping option in the same valley. Any standard vehicle can reach the property in normal conditions.
For those seeking hot springs near Bozeman Montana at a private secluded resort, Potosi is the most intimate option in the Tobacco Root Mountains, a one to one and a half hour drive from Bozeman. Because pool access is exclusive to cabin guests, a reservation through thepotosihotsprings.com is required before arrival. Confirm current operating status for 2025 and 2026 with the property directly, as it was closed throughout 2024 for renovations.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Potosi Hot Springs
Potosi Hot Springs suits couples, small families, and groups of up to six seeking an entirely private hot springs experience in an undeveloped mountain setting. Pool access is not open to walk-in visitors; it is exclusively for guests who have booked one of the four on-site cabins. Occasional public soaking days are hosted in summer, but dates are announced informally and are not predictable in advance. Swimwear is required throughout all pool and sauna areas.
Each cabin sleeps up to six and includes a full kitchen, stone fireplace, private bathroom, and a walkout deck at approximately 650 square feet. Guests have full access to the outdoor pool and wood-burning sauna around the clock, except when private group pool rentals are scheduled on Wednesday through Saturday between noon and 2pm. South Willow Creek provides direct fly fishing access from the property.
For those seeking family hot springs near Bozeman Montana at a private retreat, Potosi provides a level of seclusion rarely available at hot springs properties. The surrounding national forest offers hiking accessible directly from the grounds. Pets are welcome. No wheelchair accessibility is documented; the terrain is rugged and the short walk to the upper indoor tub involves an uphill trail section.
Day visitors are not accommodated except on announced public days. The property was closed for maintenance in 2024 and announced a 2025 reopening; confirm current availability and pricing at thepotosihotsprings.com before making travel plans to this remote valley.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Potosi Hot Springs
Potosi Hot Springs is generally safe as a managed private resort with natural mineral pools and no chemical treatment. The outdoor pool maintains approximately 93 degrees and the indoor tub approximately 100 degrees; these are comfortable for most adults and older children. Enter the pool gradually and exit if you feel overheated, lightheaded, or fatigued, particularly after using the wood-burning sauna combined with pool soaking. Stay hydrated and limit time in the sauna, which can reach higher temperatures than the pool itself.
The property is surrounded by national forest at approximately 5,800 feet elevation. The Tobacco Root Mountains host bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes during warm months. Follow wildlife awareness practices when hiking on adjacent trails, keep pets leashed, and do not leave food outside the cabin.
South Willow Creek runs through the property and can run high during spring snowmelt. Do not wade or fish in the creek during high flow conditions, and supervise children near the water at all times. The access road is unpaved toward the end of the 7-mile drive; drive slowly and carefully on the final stretch, particularly after rain when the surface can be muddy or rutted.
The resort is in a remote valley with limited or no cell service. Inform someone of your plans before departing the paved road. The nearest emergency services and fuel are in Harrison or Sheridan, both approximately 20 to 30 miles away. Carry supplies and a first aid kit. Confirm current operations at thepotosihotsprings.com before traveling, as schedules and availability can vary.
