144°F3,885 ftOpenShort WalkBureau of Land ManagementCamping nearby (18.1 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 144°F, the source water at Latty Hot Spring 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.
Latty Hot Spring flows at 144 degrees Fahrenheit from BLM land in Elmore County's high desert, about 20 miles north of Glenns Ferry. The water has remarkably low mineral content for such a hot spring, with just 54 milligrams per liter of sodium and minimal calcium, producing unusually soft thermal water.
The spring surfaces in rolling sagebrush country at 3,885 feet elevation, where the semi-arid landscape receives barely 13 inches of rain and 27 inches of snow per year. Views extend across the brown and olive tones of the high desert toward distant mountain ranges. The air is dry and often windy, and the spring's discharge creates a small green oasis of vegetation that stands out sharply against the surrounding terrain. A faint mineral smell drifts from the source.
History of Latty Hot Spring
BLM's Four Rivers Field Office manages this thermal feature on public lands. The spring's chemistry is unusual: despite emerging at 55 degrees Celsius, it carries almost no dissolved minerals, with calcium and magnesium both at just 0.1 milligrams per liter. This suggests the water circulates through relatively insoluble rock and returns to the surface quickly. The region's geothermal activity relates to deep faulting along the northern margin of the Snake River Plain.
Access is a short walk of about 136 meters from North Brimson Lane. The water is far too hot for direct contact at the source. Spillway Campground, the nearest developed site, sits 29 miles away along Anderson Ranch Reservoir with first-come-first-served sites. Glenns Ferry offers basic services. This is remote BLM desert, so bring water, sun protection, and be aware of rattlesnakes during warmer months.
Is Latty Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Latty Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
29°Jan
33°Feb
42°Mar
49°Apr
59°May
69°Jun
80°Jul
78°Aug
67°Sep
52°Oct
39°Nov
29°Dec
Annual Precip: 12.6 inAnnual Snow: 26.9 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 29°F · Water 144°F · +115° contrast
DecemberAir 29°F · Water 144°F · +115° contrast
FebruaryAir 33°F · Water 144°F · +111° contrast
January offers 51°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
131.0°F
(55.0°C)Measured Jul 05, 1972
Nearby Camping
Spillway Campground18.1 mi away
Overview: Spillway Campground is a small campground with 3 campsites along Anderson Ranch Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, boating, waterskiing and riding personal watercraft. There is excellent fishing in the reservoir for smallmouth bass and kokanee. Also try your luck at fly fishing just below the dam for a trout!Rafting access is at Reclamation Village, just south of the campground.
What is the water temperature at Latty Hot Spring?
Latty Hot Spring has a water temperature of 144°F (62°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Latty Hot Spring located?
Latty Hot Spring is located in Elmore County, Idaho at 3,885 feet elevation, near Glenns Ferry. Coordinates: 43.1160°N, 115.3050°W.
How do I get to Latty Hot Spring?
Latty Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being North Brimson Lane (446 ft from the road).
Is Latty Hot Spring free to visit?
Latty Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Latty Hot Spring?
Yes, Spillway Campground is located nearby (18.1 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Latty Hot Spring?
The water at Latty Hot Spring reaches 144°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Latty Hot Spring crowded?
Latty Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Latty Hot Spring?
Essentials for Latty Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, 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.
Temperature
144°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp144°F (62°C)
Avg Air Temp52°F
Above Ambient+92°F
Great soaking conditionsMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Nearest RoadNorth Brimson Lane
Distance to Road446 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyBureau of Land Management
DesignationPUB
UnitFour Rivers Field Office
ManagerBureau of Land Management
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use