Condie Hot Springs
Condie Hot Springs produces 124-degree Fahrenheit water with a neutral pH of 7.0, an unusual profile among central Idaho's predominantly alkaline thermal features. The balanced mineral content, with equal parts calcium and sodium at 55 mg/L each, suggests a different geothermal pathway than its neighbors.
The spring sits at 4,770 feet elevation in Blaine County's semi-arid landscape near Bellevue, where sagebrush and bunch grass cover the terrain and annual precipitation barely tops 13 inches. A walk of about 1,900 feet from the nearest road crosses open, rolling ground with views of the surrounding valley. Snowfall averages just over three feet annually, far less than the mountain springs to the north. The dry air and exposed terrain mean the thermal plume is visible on cool mornings.
Condie's neutral pH and balanced calcium-sodium chemistry point to a shallower or different circulation path than the high-pH, sodium-dominant springs common in the nearby Sawtooth region. The 9.7 mg/L magnesium and 110 micrograms per liter iron contribute to moderate water hardness, and the 25 mg/L sulfate and 13 mg/L chloride are low by comparison. This mineral profile suggests interaction with both volcanic and sedimentary rock at depth.
No nearby designated campground appears in the Recreation.gov system for this location. The spring is on land without listed management designation, so verify current access status before visiting. The relatively low elevation and dry climate make this one of the more accessible springs in the Bellevue area during winter months. Water temperature at the source is too hot for immediate full immersion.
Is Condie Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
The water at Condie Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.0).