Coyote Spring
Coyote Spring in Oneida County flows at 109°F on BLM land near Malad City, delivering highly mineralized water with 3,240 mg/L TDS and exceptionally high chloride of 1,620 mg/L from a roadside location.
The spring emerges at 4,436 feet elevation in the semi-arid basins of southeastern Idaho's border region, just 18 meters from a road providing immediate access. This setting features sagebrush-grassland vegetation on rolling terrain between mountain ranges, receiving 11.1 inches of precipitation and 23 inches of snow annually. The landscape reflects Basin and Range geology with thermal springs emerging along fault-controlled structures. The BLM Salt Lake Field Office manages these open public lands used primarily for grazing and dispersed recreation.
The Coyote nomenclature follows standard western wildlife naming traditions. This spring's location near Malad City placed it in territory used by fur trappers in the 1820s and later settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1860s. The Malad name itself derives from an incident where trappers became ill, possibly from consuming beavers. Whether this thermal spring saw historical use is not clearly documented in available sources.
Open public access and roadside location make this spring easily reached year-round, though the highly saline water prohibits drinking. The 109°F temperature is genuinely hot but presents no developed soaking facilities. Clear Creek Campground offers primitive camping 27.2 kilometers away. Winter access can be limited by snow and cold; late spring through fall provides optimal conditions. The high salinity makes this primarily a thermal curiosity rather than recreational destination.
Is Coyote Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
The water at Coyote Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 3240 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits), and total dissolved solids (higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking).
Clear Creek Campground is a non-fee campground and picnic area composed of 12 individual units and reservations are not required. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between June through October. Campground amenities include toilets and the campground is well suited for tent and RV camping. Sites are handicapped accessible. Bull Flat (#001) and Lake Fork (#004) trails are popular with horseback riders, and hikers.