Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Idaho’s Hot Springs

This weekend road trip itinerary will take you from Lava Hot Springs to Kirkham Hot Springs in the Boise National Forest. In total, you will travel approximately 450 miles, and is one trip that you can take all year long. Feel free to customize your route using this interactive map.

Start your weekend off at Lava Hot Springs. This is one of the most well-known hot spring resorts in southern Idaho and it is certainly heavenly. Here, you can soak in one of the five separate hot pools that range in temperature from 102 degrees Fahrenheit to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. And while the hot water is lovely, the views surrounding the resort are breathtaking. If you want to bring your family along, stop at the Indoor Aquatic Center or the Olympic Swimming Complex in the summer. After a soak, there are all types of charming vacation rentals, inns, hotels, and even campgrounds where you can spend the night before continuing on your way.

On Saturday morning, you will drive north to the oh-so-delightful Heise Hot Springs. This is another hot springs resort with a natural mineral hot spring. Here, you can soak in the hot pools that are kept at a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the hot pools are the main attraction but in the summer, the entire area is home to activities such as a zipline, golf, and outdoor swimming pools. You can also grab a bite to eat at Heise Pizza Parlor before you head off to your next hot spring.

Spend your afternoon soaking in a primitive hot spring in Idaho. Goldbug Hot Springs offers beautiful views, small waterfalls, and multiple pools of warm water. There is a 3.5-mile hike to reach the pools but the journey is worth the effort. If you choose to visit these hot springs during the winter, microspikes are essential.

The perfect ending to your weekend is at Kirkham Hot Springs, approximately five miles from Lowman. This is one of the most beautiful natural hot springs in Idaho and easily accessible as well. There is a short hike to the hot springs, which can be slippery during the winter months, but once you arrive, you will never want to leave. You’ll find a mix of natural and man-made pools, waterfalls, forest views, and more. It’s absolutely dreamy!