Banbury Hot Spring
Banbury Hot Spring fires out at 138 degrees Fahrenheit near Buhl in Twin Falls County, one of the hottest thermal features in the Snake River Plain corridor. At just 2,906 feet elevation, it sits lower than most Idaho springs, in the dry canyon country above the Snake River where annual rainfall barely clears 10 inches.
The landscape is arid and open, dominated by basalt rimrock, bunch grass, and sagebrush. The Snake River has carved a deep canyon nearby, exposing layers of volcanic rock that tell millions of years of eruptive history. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter snowfall averages only 14 inches. The spring emerges 76 meters from the road, with mineral-rich water carrying 285 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids, notably high in calcium and magnesium compared to Idaho's granitic springs.
The Snake River Plain's thermal features trace back to the Yellowstone hotspot's westward track across southern Idaho over the past 16 million years. Layers of basalt from repeated lava flows act as both aquifer and insulator, trapping heat that warms circulating groundwater. Banbury's water chemistry, rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulfate, reflects interaction with these basaltic rocks rather than the granitic sources feeding springs to the north.
Water at 138 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous and will cause burns on contact. Do not touch the source. The spring sits roadside near Buhl, accessible off local roads in the Snake River canyon area. No nearby campgrounds appear in federal databases for this location. Buhl offers full services including restaurants and fuel. The area is accessible year-round due to mild winters and low elevation.
Is Banbury Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
The water at Banbury Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.4) with 285 mg/L total dissolved solids.