Sunbeam Hot Springs
Checked October 2026 · Sources
Sunbeam Hot Springs is a wild soak in the Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, about 19 minutes' drive from Stanley: 169 F water at the source (1980 survey), roadside access, snow likely October to May.
- Wild
- Roadside
about 19 min
12.5 mi from Stanley, no traffic
Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.
The facts
- Water
- 169 F at the source, not the poolQuoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry SUNBEAM HOT SPRINGS
- Walk
- Roadside: 0 miles one way from road access on Salmon River Scenic BywayComputed on an OpenStreetMap foot route · start 44.26783, -114.74971
- Fee
- Not posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026
- Permit or reservation
- None posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Clothing
- Not posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
- Dogs
- Not posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
- Snow
- Likely October to MayComputed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, Sawtooth National Forest
- Last checked
- October 2026
Trail and trailhead
Road access (Salmon River Scenic Byway)
- Distance
- Roadside, 0 milesComputed on an OpenStreetMap foot route
- Start
- Road access (Salmon River Scenic Byway)44.26783, -114.74971
Water temperature
169 F at the source, from NOAA's Thermal Springs List (1980 survey). That is where the water leaves the ground; the pool you sit in is cooler.
Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry SUNBEAM HOT SPRINGS
Fees and rules
Do you have to pay to go to Sunbeam Hot Springs?
Not posted by the agency.
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026
Do you need a permit or reservation for Sunbeam Hot Springs?
None is posted. not posted
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Clothing and dogs
Not posted by the agency.
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
Not posted by the agency.
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
Seasons and winter access
Snow likely October to May at the spring.
Computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, Sawtooth National Forest.
Before you go
- No permit or reservation is posted.
- Snow likely October to May.
- Check Forest Service alerts, Sawtooth National Forest before you drive.
Getting there
Drive times from each town's center, no traffic (computed).
Both open at the start, road access on Salmon River Scenic Byway, not at the pool.
Nearby hot springs (6)
All 20 hot springs in IdahoPacific Northwest hot springs (36)
Questions
Is Sunbeam Hot Springs free?
How long is the hike to Sunbeam Hot Springs?
Is Sunbeam Hot Springs clothing optional?
Can I bring my dog?
Sources and last checked
Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).
- ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso: water temperatureChecked Oct 11, 2026
- fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/sunbeam-ccc-hotspringsbathhouse...: fee (not posted), clothing (not posted), dogs (not posted)Checked Oct 11, 2026 and Oct 12, 2026
- Walk: roadside, computed on an OpenStreetMap foot route (FOSSGIS routing, foot profile) from 44.26783, -114.74971Map data OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
- Drive times from Stanley, Ketchum, Sun Valley: computed with GraphHopper 11.1, car profile, no trafficOpenStreetMap extract of Oct 12, 2026
- Snow months (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May): computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasonsMethod page explains the rule
- Photo: Mitchell Friedman, Flickr, CC BY 2.0Checked by eye Oct 12, 2026