Quick FactsOverview
About The Springs, Idaho City
The Springs, Idaho City, Idaho is a developed geothermal hot springs resort at 3742 Highway 21 in the Boise National Forest, approximately 35 miles northeast of Boise and 2 miles south of Idaho City. The facility features an 80-by-40-foot outdoor pool at 85 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, a 16-foot hot tub at around 104 degrees, four private soaking tubs at approximately 105 degrees, a steam room, a cafe, and a massage yurt. Geothermally heated walkways keep paths ice-free in winter. Spring water pH is 9.6 with no sulfur odor. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
The site dates to the late 1800s as the Warm Springs Resort, serving as a post office, saloon, and stage stop for miners traveling the Boise Basin. After decades of disuse, the property underwent a $2.7 million renovation and reopened in February 2013. A general admission pass covers 2.5 hours of pool access including the main pool, shared hot tub, and steam room, plus a personal locker, plush towel, and complimentary spa amenities. Private tubs are reserved by the hour at an additional fee and are clothing optional.
For those seeking hot springs near Idaho City Idaho within day-trip distance of Boise, The Springs provides the most fully developed resort soaking experience along the Highway 21 corridor.
Location & Access
Getting to The Springs, Idaho City
The Springs is at 3742 Highway 21, just past mile marker 37 on the left side of the road when driving northeast from Boise. Take Highway 21 northeast from Boise for approximately 35 miles. The turnoff is signed on the left before reaching Idaho City. Any standard vehicle can reach the property on the paved highway with free on-site parking. The drive from downtown Boise takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Idaho City is approximately 2 miles further northeast on the same road.
Reservations are required for all visits. The facility runs timed 2.5-hour sessions for the general pool and hot tub, and one-hour slots for private tubs. Book in advance at thespringsid.com or call (208) 392-9500. The Springs is open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am to 10pm and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Arriving without a reservation will likely result in no access, particularly on weekends.
For those seeking accessible hot springs Idaho offers close to Boise, The Springs is the closest full-service resort on the Highway 21 corridor. Kirkham Hot Springs is approximately 40 minutes further northeast along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, making a combined day trip practical from Boise.
Winter access is reliable on paved Highway 21, though snow conditions can add to drive time. The resort operates year-round with geothermally heated walkways on site. Check road conditions for Highway 21 before departing in significant snowfall.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit The Springs, Idaho City
The Springs suits families, couples, and solo visitors who want a structured soaking experience with on-site amenities. All ages are welcome on Saturday and Sunday. Monday, Thursday, and Friday are adults-only sessions requiring guests to be 18 or older. The reservation system limits total pool occupancy, making The Springs noticeably less crowded than large public pools and providing a quieter environment.
Swimwear is required in all shared pool areas. The private tubs are clothing optional and booked by the hour at an additional fee. No outside food or beverages are permitted on site; the cafe handles all food and drink service. Pets are not allowed. Swim diapers are required for infants.
The facility is wheelchair accessible with geothermally heated walkways throughout. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should confirm pool entry configurations at (208) 392-9500 before booking. The resort is among the most accessible hot springs Idaho offers near Boise, with paved access, on-site parking, and staffed facilities.
Overnight accommodation is available nearby at INN the Pines, a seven-room hotel a short distance down the road with a discounted entry rate at The Springs. A group cabin sleeping up to six is also available. Massage therapy in the heated yurt is available by appointment at an additional cost.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at The Springs, Idaho City
The Springs is generally safe as a staffed, well-maintained resort with managed pool temperatures, timed reservations limiting pool occupancy, and geothermally heated pathways. The main outdoor pool at 85 to 99 degrees is comfortable for most visitors. The shared hot tub at around 104 degrees and private tubs at approximately 105 degrees are toward the upper end of comfortable soaking temperature. Limit your session if you feel overheated, lightheaded, or fatigued, and exit to the lounge or shaded area before returning to the pools.
Stay hydrated throughout the visit. Complimentary mineral water and cold spring water stations are available poolside. Alcohol is served at the cafe and in private tubs, which can accelerate dehydration and overheating. Drink water between alcoholic beverages and limit pool time accordingly. Children should be supervised at all times near the water and have soak times limited to shorter intervals than adults.
The geothermally heated walkways significantly reduce the risk of icy surfaces in winter, which is one of the most common hazards at outdoor pool facilities in cold seasons. Wet pool decking can still be slippery; wear sandals with grip when moving between the pools and changing areas. Walk at all times in the facility.
The resort is closed Tuesday and Wednesday each week and on major holidays. Confirm current hours at thespringsid.com before making the drive. The 2.5-hour pool session is enforced; arriving late reduces your available soaking time, so plan to arrive at or before your reservation start. The cancellation policy requires 12 hours notice for private tubs. The nearest emergency services are in Idaho City approximately 2 miles away, with full hospital services in Boise approximately 35 miles southwest.
