Warfield Hot Spring, also known as Frenchman's Hot Springs or Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs, surfaces at 124°F along Warm Springs Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest. At 6,250 feet elevation, it features three wide, shallow pools with rock walls and sand-and-gravel bottoms, just 31 meters from the road.
The spring sits in a narrow mountain valley along Warm Springs Creek, 11 miles west of Ketchum in Blaine County. At 6,250 feet, the surrounding slopes are covered in mixed conifer forest with aspen groves along the creek. The Pioneer Mountains rise to the south and the Smoky Mountains to the west. Annual snowfall averages 108 inches, and the average annual air temperature is 39.4°F. The creek corridor provides riparian habitat with willows and cottonwoods framing the thermal pools.
History of Warfield Hot Spring
The spring carries three names reflecting its layered past. The Warfield designation appears in USGS records, while local usage favors Frenchman's Hot Springs, suggesting a French-speaking trapper or settler worked the drainage. The springs have been informally developed with rock-walled soaking pools. Easley Campground, 15.8 km east on Highway 75, has served as a base camp for soakers and anglers in the Big Wood River corridor for decades.
Roadside access makes this a year-round destination, though winter snowpack may require chains or four-wheel drive on the approach road. Water at 124°F is hot but manageable in the downstream pools where creek water mixes in. Ketchum, 11 miles east, provides full services including gear shops, dining, and lodging. Easley Campground is reservable and sits at 6,800 feet. The Harriman Trail passes nearby for combined soaking and hiking trips.
Is Warfield Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Warfield Hot Spring offers an accessible hot spring experience — great for a day trip.
Annual Precip: 22.4 in
Annual Snow: 108.1 in
December
Air 17°F · Water 124°F · +107° contrast
January
Air 19°F · Water 124°F · +105° contrast
February
Air 22°F · Water 124°F · +102° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
125.6°F
(52.0°C)
Measured May 03, 1988
The water at Warfield Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.0).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
May support bone density and joint health
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Overview
Easley Campground is located along the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6800 feet, conveniently close to Ketchum, Idaho only 14 miles south. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and soaking at Easley Hot Springs.Recreation
Easley is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River, as is float tubing.
The 20-mile Harriman Trail passes through the campground, offering...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Easley Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
10 miles from Ketchum, ID
USGS Quad: GRIFFIN BUTTE 7.5 · PP 492: 143.0 · NOAA: 9.0 · AMS Map: HAILEY
What is the water temperature at Warfield Hot Spring?
Warfield Hot Spring has a water temperature of 124°F (51°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Warfield Hot Spring located?
Warfield Hot Spring is located in Blaine County, Idaho at 6,250 feet elevation, near Ketchum. Coordinates: 43.6410°N, 114.4870°W.
How do I get to Warfield Hot Spring?
Warfield Hot Spring has Roadside road access (103 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Warfield Hot Spring?
Yes, Easley Campground is located nearby (9.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Warfield Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.0 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Warfield Hot Spring?
At 124°F, Warfield Hot Spring 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 Warfield Hot Spring crowded?
Warfield Hot Spring 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 Warfield Hot Spring?
Essentials for Warfield Hot Spring: 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.