Elkhorn Hot Springs surfaces at 118°F and 7,203 feet elevation in the Beaverhead National Forest, one of Montana's highest-elevation thermal features. The highly alkaline water (pH 9.2) is sodium-dominant at 46 mg/L with negligible calcium (2 mg/L) and magnesium (0.1 mg/L). Elevated iron at 200 micrograms per liter is notable. The spring sits 36 meters from Old Polaris Road.
The spring emerges in the Pioneer Mountains of southwestern Montana, surrounded by subalpine forest of lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. Snowfall is heavy, averaging 106 inches annually, and the growing season is short at this elevation. Open meadows break the forest cover along creek drainages. The Continental Divide runs along the ridgeline to the west. Grasshopper Creek and its tributaries drain the area toward the Beaverhead River. The landscape is rugged, with peaks above 9,000 feet in the immediate vicinity.
History of Elkhorn Hot Springs
The spring has been developed as a small resort since the early twentieth century, serving miners and ranchers in the Polaris and Grasshopper Creek mining districts. Gold was discovered at nearby Bannack in 1862, and the surrounding mountains saw extensive prospecting through the late 1800s. The current Elkhorn Hot Springs Lodge operates a rustic facility with outdoor pools fed by the thermal source. The property sits on private land within the national forest boundary.
The resort is open seasonally; confirm current hours and pool availability before driving the gravel road from Highway 278. Winter access may require chains or four-wheel drive, though snowmobilers frequently use the area. Lupine Shelter, a Forest Service warming hut 5 km away, serves as a winter staging point. Dillon, the nearest full-service town, is about 40 miles east. Altitude and rapid weather changes demand layers and cold-weather preparation even in summer.
Is Elkhorn Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Elkhorn Hot Springs offers an accessible hot spring experience — great for a day trip.
Annual Precip: 22.8 in
Annual Snow: 106.2 in
December
Air 15°F · Water 118°F · +103° contrast
January
Air 17°F · Water 118°F · +101° contrast
February
Air 18°F · Water 118°F · +100° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than August
Recent Temperature
113.0°F
(45.0°C)
Measured Aug 21, 1978
The water at Elkhorn Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.2).
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
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Overview
Lupine Shelter is a picnicking facility open year-round, however it is most heavily visited during the winter, when it is used by snowmobilers as a warming hut. It is an excellent location to have a picnic or a family gathering any time of year.Recreation
In winter, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in the snow-covered meadow surrounding the shelter.
During the spring, summer and fall, a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be foun...
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 Lupine Shelter
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
USGS Quad: POLARIS 15 · PP 492: 26.0 · NOAA: 2.0 · AMS Map: DILLON
What is the water temperature at Elkhorn Hot Springs?
Elkhorn Hot Springs has a water temperature of 118°F (48°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Elkhorn Hot Springs located?
Elkhorn Hot Springs is located in Beaverhead County, Montana at 7,203 feet elevation, near Dillon. Coordinates: 45.4580°N, 113.1090°W.
How do I get to Elkhorn Hot Springs?
Elkhorn Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Old Polaris Road (118 ft from the road).
Is Elkhorn Hot Springs free to visit?
Elkhorn Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Elkhorn Hot Springs?
Yes, Lupine Shelter is located nearby (3.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Elkhorn Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 9.2 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Elkhorn Hot Springs?
At 118°F, Elkhorn Hot Springs is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Elkhorn Hot Springs crowded?
Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn Hot Springs?
Essentials for Elkhorn 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.