Goldbug Hot Springs is one of those places you have to see to believe. A series of hot pools on the top of a waterfall up a mountain. It doesn’t sound real!

Well, we can attest that it is, and it’s every bit as beautiful as you might imagine. It’s probably the most beautiful hot spring we’ve ever seen. Add to that it has the perfect water temperature and you get our favourite hot spring in Idaho.

Here’s everything you need to know about Goldbug Hot Springs.

Goldbug hot springs

So this is Goldbug, a set of pools at the top of a waterfall, on the edge of a mountain! We’ve read that it can get pretty busy, so we recommend arriving in the middle of the week or very early or late. We arrived mid-week in October in the middle of the day and shared the pools with two others and then even had them to ourselves for ages too. Not a bad result!

The views are spectacular, looking down the valley and to the surrounding mountains. In the fall, all the trees turn beautiful colours, adding another magical element to the scene. We’ve seen pictures from Goldbug in winter too which if anything looked even more special, a true winter wonderland.

The pools at Goldbug Hot Springs

The top pool is the one you see first and it was definitely our favourite. It’s vaguely heart shaped and has a mix of the hot water from an inlet and cold water from the river. Of all the hot springs we visited in Idaho this was the best temperature, some were scalding hot and some were a little cool but this one was just right (I feel like Goldilocks writing that!).

The majority of the pool has water that will go up to your waist when sitting down. There are some deeper spots, but on the whole you will have quite a lot of your body in the open air.

This top pool also had the best view as it was higher up. However, the second pool looked like something out of the jungle book! This pool is fed by two falls, surrounded by rocks and is more secluded and intimate than the top pool.

The views are also great from this spot, but not quite as epic as the top pools. The water temperature is much cooler though, if you’re visiting in summer this one will probably be a good bet but in fall it was a little chilly to sit too long. You reach the second pool by walking down a few minutes over a rocky path from the top pool.

*The heart shaped pool at the top of Goldbug*

The hike to the Goldbug Hot Springs

To get to Goldbug requires a bit more effort than most hot springs in Idaho. You have to hike for just over two miles each way. We’d recommend having shoes rather than flip flops as there is one longish rocky section near the end of the trail which was a bit slippery.

The hike heads sharply uphill as soon as you leave the parking lot on several switchbacks which eases the pain. It’s only a few minutes before the trail flattens out and you’ll be looking down on the parking lot you started at.

*The start of the hike to Goldbug Hot Springs*

The next mile and a bit is fairly flat and has some lovely mountain views along the way. The trail follows the river before you reach the next uphill section which is longer than the first and the trail is rougher.

You’ll find sections of rubble or parts with sandy trail on top of rock, which make it a bit slippery. It isn’t too steep but it was definitely a bit rougher than we were expecting.

As soon as you see the brown bridge you’ve made it. There’s no sign to tell you that the hot springs are there, but cross over the bridge and you’ll see them straight away! We can guarantee that they are definitely worth the hike!

Essential information on Goldbug Hot Springs

How long is the hike to Goldbug Hot Springs

The hike to Goldbug is 2 miles each way and should take about 45 minutes (also each way).

Total distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Elevation: 1000ft (305m)
Time taken: 45 minutes one way

Getting to Goldbug Hot Springs

Goldbug Hot Springs are 36miles and roughly 40 minutes from Challis, the nearest village. It is marked on Google Maps, but Apple Maps will lead you to someone’s property who clearly get quite a few people turning up (there’s a sign telling you to keep driving).

Look for a turning on your right, it has a yellow and black reflective sign and the road is paved. At the end of this you will see a small parking lot and a sign confirming you are in the right spot and telling you not to veer onto private property.

Goldbug Hot Springs are in a residential area so please be respectful when visiting.

Goldbug Hot Springs entry fee

Goldbug Hot Springs are free of charge, as is parking.

Hot Springs etiquette

As with all natural areas you should leave the hot springs exactly as you found them. We were disappointed to see some littler at many of the springs. Pack out everything you bring in.

Don’t let dogs into the pools. Respect other people, many of the springs are tiny so let everyone have the chance to experience them - don’t stay for hours in one pool if it’s busy.

Clothing is optional at Goldbug so please be careful if taking pictures in the area.

Other Hot Springs in Idaho

If you’re a lover of hot springs, there are plenty more in Idaho you can visit. None are that close to Goldbug, but if you plan on doing a road trip, then there are a few more we highly recommend.

If you plan on going through Stanley, then Boat Box Hot Springs is a beautiful spot by the river. It is a customised tub by the side of the road and is very atmospheric. It only holds room for two people, so you can face a wait if you don’t turn up very early!

Alternatively Sunbeam Hot Springs is on the same road and has a lot more space. These are natural pools that have been dammed in the river. Each pool has a different temperature and gets cooler, the deeper into the river you go.

Finally, Kirkham Hot Springs is one with the wow factor. These springs are set on a hillside by the river and even has a small waterfall you can stand under. There’s also a pool at the far end which looks onto a small waterfall and the bend in the river. The downside is that this is one of the most popular hot springs in Idaho and is pretty busy for most of the day.

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