File:ISS013-E-5120 - View of Montana.jpg — public domain
Andersons Pasture Springs surfaces at 82°F at 6,840 feet elevation in Madison County, Montana — one of the higher-elevation thermal features in the state. Located 846 feet from Gravelly Range Road near Virginia City, the near-neutral water (pH 7.4) shows a calcium-sulfate signature with 66.5 mg/L calcium and 114 mg/L sulfate.
The spring occupies the Gravelly Range, a broad, rolling highland of alpine meadow and scattered timber in southwestern Montana. At nearly 6,900 feet, the landscape opens into expansive grasslands broken by patches of lodgepole pine and whitebark pine. The Madison River valley lies to the east, and the Gravelly Range Road traverses the ridgeline seasonally. Annual snowfall tops 86 inches, and the average air temperature of just 37°F makes this one of Montana's colder spring sites year-round.
History of Andersons Pasture Springs
The name points to historic pastoral use of these high meadows for livestock grazing. Virginia City, the nearest town, boomed as a gold-mining center in the 1860s and served as Montana's territorial capital. The springs themselves appear in geological survey records but lack documented development history. The Gravelly Range has remained largely undeveloped rangeland under mixed federal and private ownership.
Gravelly Range Road is typically passable only from July through September; snow closes the route for most of the year. The 846-foot walk to the spring crosses open high-country terrain with no shade. West Fork Cabin, a reservable 1928 Forest Service patrol cabin 11 km away, provides seasonal shelter. At this elevation, afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Bring sun protection and wind layers.
Is Andersons Pasture Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Andersons Pasture Springs is well suited for warm-water soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 21.6 in
Annual Snow: 86.1 in
December
Air 14°F · Water 82°F · +68° contrast
January
Air 15°F · Water 82°F · +67° contrast
February
Air 18°F · Water 82°F · +64° contrast
December offers 50°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
82.4°F
(28.0°C)
Measured Oct 03, 1977
The water at Andersons Pasture Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.4).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
May support bone density and joint health
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Overview
West Fork Cabin is a small, secluded cabin in the mountains of southwestern Montana, located high in the Gravelly Range. The cabin was built in 1928 as an intermediate station for patrolling grazing allotments. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous trails for hikers, equestrians and off-road vehicle riders during warmer months and snowmobilers in the winter. The cabin is available from July 1 through March 31. It can typically be accessed by vehicle; however...
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 West Fork Cabin (S Of Ennis)
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
0 miles from Virginia City, MT
USGS Quad: LOWER RED ROCK LAKE · NOAA: 4.0 · AMS Map: ASHTON
What is the water temperature at Andersons Pasture Springs?
Andersons Pasture Springs has a water temperature of 82°F (28°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Andersons Pasture Springs located?
Andersons Pasture Springs is located in Madison County, Montana at 6,840 feet elevation, near Virginia City. Coordinates: 44.7040°N, 111.8920°W.
How do I get to Andersons Pasture Springs?
Andersons Pasture Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Gravelly Range Road (0.5 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Andersons Pasture Springs?
Yes, West Fork Cabin (S Of Ennis) is located nearby (6.9 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Andersons Pasture Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.4 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Andersons Pasture Springs?
Andersons Pasture Springs is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Andersons Pasture Springs crowded?
Andersons Pasture Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Andersons Pasture Springs?
Essentials for Andersons Pasture Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.