Alhambra Hot Springs produces 138°F water at 4,297 feet elevation in Jefferson County, Montana, just 84 feet from Warm Springs Creek Road near Clancy. USGS readings confirm 55.6°C. The sodium-dominant chemistry (210 mg/L sodium) includes notable iron content at 150 micrograms per liter, which may tint the water or stain surrounding rock.
The spring rises along Warm Springs Creek in the foothills south of Helena, where the northern Elkhorn Mountains transition into rolling grass and timber country. Elevation sits just above 4,200 feet, with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir on the slopes and cottonwood along the creek bottom. Annual snowfall averages 57 inches, and air temperatures mean 43°F, producing cold winters and moderate summers. The Continental Divide lies roughly 15 miles to the west.
History of Alhambra Hot Springs
The name references the historic Alhambra mining camp and stage stop established in the late 1800s along the road between Helena and Butte. The springs attracted early development as a small resort, capitalizing on the hot water and proximity to mining activity. The nearby Elkhorn mining district drew prospectors through the 1880s and 1890s. Current development status at the spring site is limited.
Alhambra is reachable year-round via Warm Springs Creek Road from Interstate 15 south of Helena. Summer through early fall provides the most comfortable visiting conditions. Strawberry Cabin, a reservable 1941-era Forest Service lookout at 6,100 feet in the Elkhorns, sits 6 km away and can be booked through Recreation.gov. Helena offers full services 15 miles north.
Is Alhambra Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Alhambra Hot Springs offers an accessible hot spring experience — great for a day trip.
Annual Precip: 20.1 in
Annual Snow: 56.5 in
February
Air 21°F · Water 138°F · +117° contrast
December
Air 22°F · Water 138°F · +117° contrast
January
Air 23°F · Water 138°F · +115° contrast
February offers 48°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
132.1°F
(55.6°C)
Measured Apr 29, 1976
Overview
Explore a magnificent recreation and wildlife resource at the doorstep of Montana's Capital City. From prairie to alpine, mayflies to mountain goats, and scenic driving to expert climbing routes -- the Elkhorns you will discover a diverse landscape!
Built in 1941, Strawberry Cabin lies at the top of Strawberry Butte (6,100 feet) in the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains. The combination of lookout and log cabin are typical of this period. The cabin is an excellent example of a C-46 one...
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 Strawberry Cabin
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
USGS Quad: (CLANCY 15) · PP 492: 18.0 · Circ 790: 124.0 · NOAA: 1.0 · AMS Map: WHITE SULPHUR
What is the water temperature at Alhambra Hot Springs?
Alhambra Hot Springs has a water temperature of 138°F (59°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Alhambra Hot Springs located?
Alhambra Hot Springs is located in Jefferson County, Montana at 4,297 feet elevation, near Clancy. Coordinates: 46.4480°N, 111.9820°W.
How do I get to Alhambra Hot Springs?
Alhambra Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Warm Springs Creek Road (276 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Alhambra Hot Springs?
Yes, Strawberry Cabin is located nearby (3.7 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Alhambra Hot Springs?
At 138°F, Alhambra Hot Springs 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 Alhambra Hot Springs crowded?
Alhambra Hot Springs 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 Alhambra Hot Springs?
Essentials for Alhambra Hot Springs: 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.