Sears Spring
Sears Spring flows at 84 degrees Fahrenheit in Cassia County at 5,300 feet, warm enough to feel distinctly thermal but too cool for a satisfying soak in anything but summer heat. Its balanced mineral chemistry with 29 mg/L calcium and 15 mg/L sodium sets it apart from Idaho's typically sodium-dominant springs.
A short walk of about 375 feet from the road leads to the spring in the high country south of Burley. The landscape receives roughly 16 inches of precipitation and just over three feet of snow annually. Sagebrush and juniper dot the rocky terrain, and the views extend across the southern Idaho rangeland. The water emerges gently, without the dramatic steam or sulfur smell of hotter springs. Independence Lakes Campground lies about seven and a half miles away in the surrounding forest.
The moderate temperature and mixed calcium-sodium chemistry suggest a relatively shallow circulation path through the varied sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Albion Range. The 8.2 pH is only mildly alkaline compared to central Idaho's granitic springs, and the measurable magnesium at 7.5 mg/L indicates contact with mafic minerals that are absent in the batholith. The Cassia County landscape records a complex geological history spanning hundreds of millions of years.
Sears Spring is not a traditional soaking destination. The 84-degree water feels tepid, best appreciated on warm summer days. Access requires a short walk from the road. Independence Lakes Campground, about seven miles away, is free and first-come-first-served with five sites, typically open July through October. No drinking water or trash service at the campground, so pack accordingly. Burley is the nearest town for supplies.
Is Sears Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Sears Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.2).
Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (#35) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is...