At 181°F, the source water at Ennis Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Ennis Hot Springs registers at 181°F, making it one of Montana's hottest thermal sources and far too hot for any direct contact. The spring sits at 4,907 feet elevation, 32 meters from Snipe Lane in Madison County. Water chemistry shows a balanced mineral signature with 50 mg/L calcium, 20 mg/L magnesium, and 25 mg/L sodium at pH 7.7.
The spring emerges in the broad Madison Valley, flanked by the Madison Range to the east and the Tobacco Root Mountains to the west. The valley floor is a patchwork of irrigated hay fields, cattle ranches, and sagebrush flats at roughly 5,000 feet elevation. The Madison River, a world-renowned trout fishery, flows through the valley several miles to the east. Annual snowfall averages 70 inches, and the semi-arid climate receives about 20 inches of precipitation. The Gravelly Range rises to the southwest.
History of Ennis Hot Springs
The spring's name references the nearby town of Ennis, founded in 1863 during the Alder Gulch gold rush. The USGS-measured modern temperature of 7.8°C appears to represent a mixed or distal sample rather than the source, given the 181°F historical record. The extreme temperature differential of 139°F above ambient suggests a deep-circulation geothermal source connected to regional fault systems in the Madison Valley. Specific development history of this spring is not well documented.
Do not attempt to enter or touch the water; at 181°F, it causes severe burns instantly. The spring is worth observing from a safe distance for its geothermal activity. Visit May through October when roads are clear. Axolotl Cabin, a BLM rental 18 km southwest at 7,000 feet in the Gravelly Range foothills, provides backcountry lodging. Virginia City, the historic territorial capital, is the nearest town. The Madison River corridor south of Ennis provides outstanding fly fishing.
Is Ennis Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Ennis Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
21°Jan
22°Feb
31°Mar
38°Apr
49°May
60°Jun
69°Jul
68°Aug
58°Sep
43°Oct
29°Nov
19°Dec
Annual Precip: 19.6 inAnnual Snow: 70.0 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 19°F · Water 181°F · +162° contrast
JanuaryAir 21°F · Water 181°F · +160° contrast
FebruaryAir 22°F · Water 181°F · +160° contrast
December offers 50°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
46.0°F
(7.8°C)Measured Apr 01, 1976
Water ChemistrySampled 1976-04-01
The water at Ennis Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7).
Overview
The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online.
Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana, in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wildernes...
What is the water temperature at Ennis Hot Springs?
Ennis Hot Springs has a water temperature of 181°F (83°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Ennis Hot Springs located?
Ennis Hot Springs is located in Madison County, Montana at 4,907 feet elevation, near Virginia City. Coordinates: 45.3670°N, 111.7260°W.
How do I get to Ennis Hot Springs?
Ennis Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Snipe Lane (105 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Ennis Hot Springs?
Yes, Axolotl Cabin is located nearby (11.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Ennis Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.7 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Ennis Hot Springs?
The water at Ennis Hot Springs reaches 181°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe 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 Ennis Hot Springs crowded?
Ennis 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 Ennis Hot Springs?
Essentials for Ennis 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.