We pass through many small towns of this vintage in our journeys. What sets Lava Hot Springs apart is the fabulous centerpiece of hot springs pools that dominate the downtown. Honestly, I don’t understand why this little town hasn’t become a world-class resort. These are the most beautiful developed hot springs we’ve encountered in our travels.
Aahhh, The Hot Pools
There are five pools, ranging from 98 degrees to a scalding 110 degrees. Crystal clear hot water continually flows through the pools from the springs, eliminating the need for chemicals. Two of the large pools have pea-gravel bottoms that are wonderful to walk on, massaging your feet with each step. There’s a huge immaculate changing room with heated floors. The outdoor sidewalks are even heated. The landscaping is lovely. And the cost? Eight dollars for an all-day pass, with the pools open from 9 a.m. until 10 or 11 at night.
Hot springs from above
Glorious Lava Hot Springs
You can guess how we spent our three days in Lava Hot Springs. We stayed right across the street at the Lava Spa Motel and RV Resort, where we strolled to the hot pools at least twice a day. Our other daily activity consisted of hiking straight up the hill above our campsite into the fall foliage.
Hike along the river
Autumn color on the hillside
A word of advice: If you’re coming here, bring your own food and wine. The wine selection is atrocious, as you can see in the photo. The grocery store is only marginally better than the one in West Yellowstone, which had absolutely nothing that we wanted to buy. Fortunately, we had stocked up as we passed through Pocatello.
Local wine selection
Downtown sculpture
Campsite on the river
Seriously? Boone’s Farm? That’s one way to keep people from over-indulging. Who would drink that stuff? Yikes! :o)
I think they chose Boone’s Farm as the perfect pairing for the food selections in the store (haha).
Wow! Marvels abound in Lava Hot Springs! Seriously, Boone’s Farm Blue Hawaii wine?? And Color TV by RCA? The sculpture is a little odd too – the animal doesn’t seem to have enough energy or momentum to have its hind end hanging in the air. Maybe it’s better seeing it in person but the photo makes it look off. The autumn colors however, are spectacular. It’s been so long since I’ve seen that dryish canyon autumn show with the reds and oranges. So beautiful! I love your description of the town and it is pretty amazing that it’s not overrun by tourists. Heaven forbid they bring in a co-op or Whole Foods with a large quality beer and wine section and a couple good restaurants. THEN you might not ever be able to dip a toe in those lovely pools!
Hmmm…that’s a good point. Better to bring our own food and wine. ;-)
Laurel & Eric, I do Facebook content management for Southeast Idaho’s regional tourism promotion organization and I just posted a link to your very nice article about Lava Hot Springs. Thanks so much and I hope you’ll visit again soon. Please visit our page and post pics anytime you’d like.. and we certainly welcome any comments you have to offer for our region. We include Pocatello, Lava, Bear Lake, Preston. Visit our website at seidaho.org – you’ll find lots of good information to help plan your next trip to this area. :) There is a lot to do on your way to Yellowstone!!
Wow-the blue bottle is the one I would go for!!!! :-)))
What a great place for hot springs though– I will add it to our list of places to hit when we travel again. Think of you both often and wish we were on the road too!
Safe travels!
Penn
You guys would love it. Let’s meet there next year! (And I know blue is your favorite color, haha.)
I did not know they still made Boone’s Farm. Laughed out loud.
Yeah, and evidently they’ve expanded their offerings. We had a hard time choosing (just kidding!!)
Ah, I miss you…would be lovely to soak for three days in the hot pools…that’s what we three sisters did for our birthdays in June..at Glenwood Springs in Colorado. Bit of heaven on earth, now I’m sure the floods have changed everything in Colorado. My sis is okay and her house stands but what a nightmare and a long recovery ahead. Where to next? I so enjoy reading and seeing the photos on your blog! Much love.
It would be so much fun to be soaking with you! Miss you.
Hahahahahaha Boones Farm!!! At least it wasn’t Mad Dog 2020!! The changing of the leaves is stunning! I know you are having fun :)
Looks like they’ve come out with some new flavors since we were in high school, huh? ;-)
Hey come on, I ruined the first half of my liver as a kid on Boones Farm Nectar. Can’t knock the Buzz if you can get it down. Idaho does have some fabulous Hot Springs, glad you could indulge. K
That stuff is NASTY. Glad you don’t serve it at your parties. ;-)