At 140°F, the source water at Hunters 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.
Hunters Hot Springs discharges at 140°F in Sweet Grass County, Montana, at 4,386 feet elevation. The water is strongly alkaline at pH 8.6 with low mineralization — just 85 mg/L sodium, 19 mg/L sulfate, and 1 mg/L calcium. Access requires a short walk of 116 meters from Convict Grade Road. The spring runs 96.8°F above the local ambient air temperature.
The spring emerges in the foothills north of the Absaroka Range, in the broad Yellowstone River valley near the town of Big Timber. Rolling grasslands and scattered cottonwood groves characterize the landscape at this moderate elevation. The Crazy Mountains rise to the northwest, and the Absarokas form a high wall to the south. Annual precipitation is 22 inches with about 71 inches of snow. The Yellowstone River, one of the longest undammed rivers in the lower 48, flows through the valley a few miles to the south.
History of Hunters Hot Springs
Hunters Hot Springs was a well-known resort destination in the late 1800s and early 1900s, drawing visitors by rail to a grand hotel built near the thermal outflow. The resort burned and was rebuilt multiple times before closing permanently. The springs were named for early settlers or hunters in the Yellowstone Valley. Today the site is largely undeveloped, and the thermal features remain visible. Specific current access arrangements should be verified locally.
Summer and early fall are the most pleasant seasons, though the valley location keeps roads passable year-round. The 140°F source temperature is dangerously hot — do not enter the source pool. Any soaking depends on finding a downstream mixing point. West Boulder Cabin, a Forest Service rental 23.6 km away in the Absarokas, is reservable for overnight stays. Big Timber provides all services including fuel, food, and lodging.
Is Hunters Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Hunters Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
23°Jan
21°Feb
32°Mar
40°Apr
50°May
60°Jun
70°Jul
69°Aug
58°Sep
43°Oct
31°Nov
22°Dec
Annual Precip: 22.2 inAnnual Snow: 70.6 in
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryAir 21°F · Water 140°F · +119° contrast
DecemberAir 22°F · Water 140°F · +118° contrast
JanuaryAir 23°F · Water 140°F · +117° contrast
February offers 49°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
133.7°F
(56.5°C)Measured Apr 06, 1977
Water ChemistrySampled 1977-04-06
The water at Hunters Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 8.6).
Overview
West Boulder Cabin is open year-round, offering a variety of recreational opportunities as well as relaxation. Guests can drive to the cabin in warmer weather but should be prepared to snowshoe, ski or snowmobile up to a mile on county roads in the winter.The cabin has electric lights and an electric cook stove. A refrigerator is also provided. Rental camping equipment, such as ice chests, bear spray, campstoves, etc., are available locally in Bozeman. Guests will need to bring many...
What is the water temperature at Hunters Hot Springs?
Hunters Hot Springs has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hunters Hot Springs located?
Hunters Hot Springs is located in Sweet Grass County, Montana at 4,386 feet elevation, near Big Timber. Coordinates: 45.7570°N, 110.2560°W.
How do I get to Hunters Hot Springs?
Hunters Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Convict Grade Road (380 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Hunters Hot Springs?
Yes, West Boulder Cabin is located nearby (14.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Hunters Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.6 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Hunters Hot Springs?
At 140°F, Hunters 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 Hunters Hot Springs crowded?
Hunters Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Hunters Hot Springs?
Essentials for Hunters 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.