Lava’s Pool (Courtesy of lavahotsprings.com)
I know that many of our readers are from the Idaho/Utah area, so this might sound a little boring to you, but you need to make sure that you’re taking advantage of this place.
Idaho and the mountain west are know for our natural hot springs. Hundreds of small springs dot the landscape all over our state. You can find them off the side of the highway, and some deep in the forest. Usually they are close to rivers, but not always. Sitting in a warm hot spring feels rather therapeutic and relaxing. It is nice knowing that you’re not swallowing chlorine by the bucketful. One time when my brother was swimming at a pool one of the attendants opened a bottle of Clorox and poured it into the pool. You can assure yourself that this won’t happen at Lava Hot Springs.
Lava at Night
There are five different pools that range from 102 on up to 112 degrees. I dare you to spend more than 15 minutes in the hottest pool, it is HOT. You can move from pool to pool and feel the differences in temperature. All pools are outdoor, but feel great in the winter when it is cold outside. One time when I was there the rain was coming down so hard but it felt nice being in the warm water.
Some might like a more natural feel for their hot springs, but this one has been commercialized. Although the grounds have been developed, which is a bit of a bummer, it adds a lot in convenience and beauty. The bottoms of the pools have small pebbles instead of the normal stucco bottoms of swimming pools.
Prices to getting in the pool are very reasonable. You can get in for usually under $7 a person, but prices range depending on weekends, holidays, etc. If this place were much closer to my house I’d buy a season pass as it is a piece of paradise. Try hitting this place at night and staying at a local hotel. You won’t find a Marriott, or SPG hotel, but they might even fill their tubs and showers with natural hot spring water too.
One thing I love about this place is the cleanliness. They always have the grounds looking beautiful and the water is always clean. The locker rooms are clean as well and don’t make you feel like you are getting a fungus.
Ben & Jerry’s (Courtesy of benjerry.com)
Before you splash in the pool purchase a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and take it with you in the pool. If you’re anything like me you’ll want to share it, but either way it can go with you in the water. This is one of the only pools that will allow treats like this. Don’t spill in the water, but don’t worry, the pools are constantly flowing with fresh natural water.
How to Find Lava Hot Springs:
If you’re coming from the Salt Lake area:
- Drive north on I-15
- Take Exit 47 and head East on US 30
- Drive about 11 miles
- Drive past the outdoor swimming pools and turn right on Main Street. The pools are on the right hand side.
