At 140°F, the source water at Atlanta Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Atlanta Hot Springs reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to scald, in the remote mining town of Atlanta in the Boise National Forest. Sitting at 5,430 feet elevation and just 87 meters from the road, it delivers serious geothermal heat with minimal hiking. The spring runs nearly 97 degrees above the average annual air temperature.
Steam rises from the source and drifts through the surrounding ponderosa pine forest, especially visible on cold mornings when ambient temperatures drop well below freezing. Atlanta sits in a narrow valley cut by the Middle Fork of the Boise River, ringed by peaks exceeding 8,000 feet. Annual snowfall tops 14 feet, burying the town from late November through April. The air smells faintly of sulfur near the spring, mixing with pine resin and wood smoke from nearby cabins.
History of Atlanta Hot Springs
Atlanta boomed as a gold mining camp in the 1860s, and its population has never recovered from the bust. The hot springs reflect the same deep faulting and granitic geology that concentrated precious metals in quartz veins throughout the district. The Atlanta Ranger Station Historic District, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, sits just over a kilometer away and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit requires significant cooling before any contact. Do not enter the source pool. Atlanta Cabin, a historic CCC-era Forest Service rental 1.3 kilometers away, accepts reservations. The road to Atlanta is long, unpaved, and rough in sections. Allow several hours from Boise. Winter access is extremely limited due to heavy snowfall. Bring all supplies, as services in Atlanta are minimal.
Is Atlanta Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Atlanta Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
26°Jan
27°Feb
33°Mar
38°Apr
45°May
57°Jun
68°Jul
68°Aug
58°Sep
43°Oct
31°Nov
23°Dec
Annual Precip: 33.0 inAnnual Snow: 174.6 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 23°F · Water 140°F · +117° contrast
JanuaryAir 26°F · Water 140°F · +114° contrast
FebruaryAir 27°F · Water 140°F · +113° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than August
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
128.3°F
(53.5°C)Measured Sep 01, 1981
Nearby Camping
Atlanta Cabin0.8 mi away
Overview
Atlanta Cabin is located in the old mining town of Atlanta, Idaho, at an elevation of 5,800 feet. It is part of a historic ranger station compound built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Forest Service in 1933. This compound, known as the Atlanta Ranger Station Historic District, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The roads to the cabin are generally well-maintained, although there are some rough washboard sections. Guests can drive to the cabin, but shoul...
USGS Quad: ATLANTA EAST 7.5 · PP 492: 123.0 · NOAA: 5.0 · AMS Map: HAILEY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Atlanta Hot Springs?
Atlanta Hot Springs has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Atlanta Hot Springs located?
Atlanta Hot Springs is located in Camas County, Idaho at 5,430 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.8110°N, 115.1160°W.
How do I get to Atlanta Hot Springs?
Atlanta Hot Springs has Roadside road access (286 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Atlanta Hot Springs?
Yes, Atlanta Cabin is located nearby (0.8 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Atlanta Hot Springs?
At 140°F, Atlanta Hot Springs is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Atlanta Hot Springs crowded?
Atlanta Hot Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Atlanta Hot Springs?
Essentials for Atlanta Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.