The mineral hot springs pools are the reason Lava Hot Springs exists as a destination. Fed by underground thermal springs, these pools are remarkable for what they don't contain: no chlorine, no chemicals, no sulfur smell. Just naturally heated mineral water flowing continuously through well-maintained public pools.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your first soak.
The Hot Springs Pools
What Makes These Pools Unique
Lava Hot Springs' mineral pools stand apart from virtually every other hot springs facility in the United States:
Zero chemical treatment
No chlorine, no bromine, no chemical additives of any kind. The water is naturally clean.
No sulfur smell
Unlike most natural hot springs, these pools have no rotten-egg odor. The mineral composition is different.
Continuous flow
Fresh mineral water constantly flows through the pools, replacing the entire volume regularly.
City-maintained
Clean, well-managed facilities with changing rooms, lockers, and showers.
Multiple temperature zones
Pools range from 102 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit — choose your intensity.
Open year-round
Including holidays. Winter soaking is the highlight for many visitors.
Pool Layout & Temperatures
The hot springs facility features multiple pools at different temperatures, allowing you to find your comfort zone or move between pools for contrast therapy.
Hot pools (110-112 degrees F): The most intense soaking experience. Best for short sessions with breaks. Popular in winter when the air temperature makes the heat feel incredible.
Medium pools (106-108 degrees F): The sweet spot for most soakers. Warm enough to deeply relax muscles without feeling overwhelming. Where most people spend the majority of their time.
Cooler pools (102-104 degrees F): Perfect for longer soaks, families with children, or as a cooldown between sessions in the hotter pools.
Pricing
Day use admission (2026 approximate):
- Adults: $8-12
- Children (3-11): $6-8
- Seniors: Discounted
- Under 3: Free
Prices may vary seasonally and are subject to change. Check the official Lava Hot Springs Foundation website for current rates.
Additional:
- Towel rental available (bring your own to save)
- Locker rental available
- Season passes and multi-visit passes available for frequent visitors
Hours
The pools maintain generous hours year-round:
General hours:
- Open daily, 364 days a year (closed one day for annual maintenance)
- Extended hours in summer
- Earlier close in winter
Best strategy: Check the Lava Hot Springs Foundation website for current seasonal hours before planning your visit.
Facilities
- Changing rooms with showers (cold and warm)
- Lockers for valuables
- Restrooms on-site
- Benches and seating around pool decks
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant access available
The Olympic Swimming Complex
Separate from the hot springs pools, Lava Hot Springs also operates an Olympic-style outdoor swimming complex — an entirely different experience.
What It Is
A large outdoor pool complex featuring:
- Olympic-sized pool for swimming laps and open swim
- Diving platforms at multiple heights
- Waterslides — the main draw for families and thrill-seekers
- Kiddie pool area for young children
Key Differences from Hot Springs
| | Hot Springs Pools | Olympic Complex | |---|---|---| | Water | Natural mineral, 102-112 degrees F | Standard pool water, cooled/heated | | Treatment | None — natural | Standard pool chemicals | | Season | Year-round | Summer only (Memorial Day - Labor Day) | | Vibe | Relaxation, wellness | Recreation, fun, families | | Best for | Adults, couples, wellness seekers | Families, kids, active swimmers |
Olympic Complex Pricing
Separate admission from hot springs:
- Adults: $8-10
- Children: $6-8
- Combo passes (both facilities) sometimes available
The Waterslides
The waterslides are a Lava Hot Springs icon — visitors come from across the region specifically for them. Multiple slides of varying intensity, from gentle family slides to steep, fast drops. Open summer months only.
Private Pool Options
For those wanting a more intimate soaking experience, several lodging properties in Lava Hot Springs offer private hot spring-fed pools or tubs:
Hotel/Inn Private Pools
- Lava Hot Springs Inn — On-site private soaking pools for guests
- Several other lodges — Private or semi-private pool access included with stay
- Vacation rentals — Some properties have their own hot spring-fed tubs
The Privacy Premium
Private pools cost more (built into lodging rates) but offer:
- No crowds
- Soak on your own schedule
- More intimate atmosphere
- Often available late at night when public pools are closed
Coming 2027: LuxeDen Resorts will offer private mineral soaking tubs at each glamping dome — natural hot spring water in a completely private setting.
Hot Springs Etiquette
Whether you're visiting the public pools or private facilities, these guidelines ensure everyone has a great experience:
- Shower before entering — Rinse off sunscreen, lotions, and dirt to keep the natural water clean
- Keep voices conversational — Others are there to relax; save the loud conversation for the restaurant
- No glass containers — Broken glass near wet feet is dangerous. Use plastic or metal bottles
- Supervise children — Hot pools are not playgrounds; kids need close attention around high-temperature water
- Stay hydrated — Bring water and drink regularly; hot water dehydrates you faster than you realize
- Take breaks — Don't soak for hours straight, especially in the hotter pools. 15-20 minute sessions with breaks are ideal
- No running on pool decks — Wet surfaces are slippery
- Be mindful of space — If pools are crowded, make room for others
Best Times to Visit
By Time of Day
Early morning (opening - 10 AM): Fewest people, calm atmosphere, great for a meditative soak. The light is beautiful in the morning.
Midday (10 AM - 2 PM): Busiest time, especially in summer. Families and day-trippers arrive. Still enjoyable but less serene.
Late afternoon (4 - 6 PM): Crowds thin as day-trippers leave. Pleasant light, relaxing vibe returns.
Evening (7 PM - close): The locals' favorite time. Star-filled skies in winter, warm twilight in summer. Bring a warm robe for the walk to and from pools.
By Day of Week
Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends. Tuesday through Thursday are the quietest.
Weekends: Busy, especially in summer. Arrive early or visit in the evening.
Holidays: The busiest days of the year. Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends pack the pools. Plan accordingly.
By Season
Summer: Most crowded overall, but also the longest hours. Evening soaks are magical.
Winter: Least crowded, most atmospheric. Snow-surrounded soaking is the peak experience.
Spring/Fall: Light crowds, comfortable weather, easy access. The best value season.
Seasonal Soaking Guide
Summer Soaking
- Pools feel intensely hot when air temperature is also warm — shorter sessions recommended
- Evening soaks are preferable when days are very hot
- Combine with Olympic pool and tubing for a full water day
- Bring plenty of water — dehydration risk is higher in summer heat plus hot water
Winter Soaking
- The contrast between cold air and hot water is extraordinary
- Bring a warm robe and good flip-flops for transitions
- Two towels recommended (one gets cold fast)
- Longer soaks feel comfortable because cool air provides natural temperature regulation
- Evening and nighttime soaking with snow and stars is unforgettable
Spring & Fall Soaking
- The Goldilocks season — moderate air, warm water, light crowds
- Wildflowers in spring, fall colors along the Portneuf in autumn
- Full hours at pools without summer crowds
Health Benefits & Considerations
Reported Benefits of Mineral Soaking
Natural mineral hot springs have been used therapeutically for thousands of years. While scientific evidence varies, many soakers report:
- Muscle relaxation — Heat and buoyancy ease tension and soreness
- Joint relief — Warm water reduces pressure on joints; many arthritis sufferers find relief
- Stress reduction — The combination of warmth, buoyancy, and disconnection from devices
- Improved sleep — Many visitors report sleeping deeply after an evening soak
- Skin benefits — Minerals in the water may benefit certain skin conditions
Health Precautions
- Stay hydrated — Drink water before, during, and after soaking
- Limit time in hot pools — Start with 15-20 minute sessions, especially in the 110+ degree pools
- Avoid alcohol before/during soaking — Dehydration risk increases significantly
- Pregnant visitors — Consult your doctor before soaking in hot water
- Heart conditions — Hot water affects blood pressure; consult your physician
- Open wounds — Avoid submerging cuts or open wounds
- Children — Supervise closely; children overheat faster than adults
Planning Your Pool Visit
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel (two for winter visits)
- Reusable water bottle
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Waterproof bag for wet items
- Warm robe (winter)
- Cash (some facilities prefer it)
- Lock for locker (or rent one)
What NOT to Bring
- Glass containers (prohibited)
- Heavy lotions or sunscreen applied just before entering (shower first)
- Expensive jewelry (mineral water can affect certain metals)
- Electronics near pool edges (splash risk)
Combining Pool Visits with Other Activities
Morning soak + afternoon tubing: Start with a relaxing soak, then get active on the river
Skiing + evening soak: Hit Pebble Creek in the morning, reward yourself with hot mineral water after
Day trip + sunset soak: Explore Yellowstone or Bear Lake during the day, return for an evening session
Full water day: Morning hot springs, lunch break, afternoon Olympic pool/slides, evening return to hot springs
The pools at Lava Hot Springs are genuinely special — natural mineral water with no chemical treatment, maintained to high standards, and open year-round. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast seeking therapeutic soaking, a family looking for a unique swimming experience, or a winter traveler chasing the magic of steaming pools in the snow, these pools deliver.
Want a private mineral soaking experience? LuxeDen Resorts opens 2027 with private hot spring-fed tubs at each glamping dome — join the VIP list for early access.
