Boyles Hill Springs
Boyles Hill Springs emerges at 86°F near Wilson in Teton County's valley floor, flowing 45.8 degrees above ambient temperature at 6,135 feet elevation. Located 271.8 meters from Swan Road, this short-walk spring discharges modest thermal water in agricultural bottomlands where the Snake River winds through productive rangeland with the Teton Range rising dramatically 15 miles to the east. The relatively cool 86°F output represents the lower temperature threshold for thermal spring classification.
The spring flows at 6,135 feet in the Snake River valley's western margins, where flat bottomlands transition to the foothills of the Snake River Range. The terrain receives 29.1 inches of annual precipitation and 139.9 inches of snow in a climate averaging 40.2°F. Agricultural fields, irrigated pastures, and scattered cottonwood stands characterize the valley floor, with sagebrush and mixed conifers covering the surrounding slopes. The spring emerges in sedimentary basin fill overlying older rocks, where regional aquifers bring modestly heated groundwater to the surface. Wilson sits at the base of Teton Pass, a major mountain crossing into Idaho.
Boyles Hill Springs takes its name from local topography near Wilson, a small community established in the late 19th century during homesteading of the Teton valley bottomlands. The spring likely served ranching operations in the area, though specific historical documentation remains limited. Indigenous Shoshone and Bannock peoples used the Snake River valley for thousands of years during seasonal movements through Jackson Hole. The spring flows on private or mixed-ownership lands without the federal protection status that characterizes Yellowstone thermal features.
Visit during warmer months from May through October when snow has cleared and valley roads remain passable. Winter brings over 11 feet of snow accumulation creating challenging access conditions. The modest 86°F temperature provides comfortable bathing if the spring has been developed, though current public access status is unclear. Respect private property boundaries. Trail Creek Campground 18.2 kilometers away in Idaho provides camping access. Combine with Teton Pass scenic driving and access to Jedediah Smith Wilderness areas.
Is Boyles Hill Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Trail Creek Campground is located along Trail Creek on scenic Teton Pass, just 7 miles from Victor, Idaho at an elevation of 6,600 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing, exploring local trails and sightseeing in this beautiful region.Recreation Trail Creek offers fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat and brook trout. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular activities on the nearby Mikesell Canyon Trail, which begins 2 miles away at Mike Harris Campground.Facilities The campground...