Lava Hot Springs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Lava Hot Springs
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Lava Hot Springs

Relax in a thermal spa, kayak down a river or go for a swim in a village that offers numerous ways to enjoy the water.

Surrender your body to the soothing, thermal waters of Lava Hot Springs. This small country village in Bannock County, Idaho is famous for its pools of mineral-laden water. Every day more than 2.5 million gallons (9.4 million litres) of water bubble out from ancient lava rocks and flow through the springs.

The sulphur-free, odour-free water has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. Warring Native American tribes used to come here to relax, bathe and worship the Great Spirit. The area was considered neutral ground where rivalries were set aside.

There are five pools with five different temperature ranges, all of them hot. The springs are open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

For a cooler water experience head to the Olympic size swimming pool and water park. The attractions include high diving boards, water slides and a poolside climbing wall.

The town of Lava Hot Springs is nestled beside the Portneuf River. The river is in a mountainous valley region that’s packed with outdoor recreation activities. Tube and kayak down the river. Go hiking, biking and horseback riding along the trails in the mountains. Slalom down the slopes of the Pebble Creek Ski Area during the winter months. There are 54 runs on 1,100 acres (445 hectares). The alpine resort is situated 27 miles (44 kilometres) north of Lava. The town itself is cold in winter and hot in summer.

After a day of soaking your bones and outdoor adventures, enjoy a stroll in the downtown area with its stores, cafés and restaurants. Drop in on The South Bannock County Historical Centre Museum to learn about the history of the area. Study the museum’s Poha-ba, Land of Healing Water exhibit that portrays how Native Americans used the hot waters before white settlers arrived.

Lava Hot Springs is located 36 miles (58 kilometres) from Pocatello, Idaho and almost 150 miles (239 kilometres) from Salt Lake City across the border in Utah. Rent a car to see the sights with ease.

The Lava Hotel

The Lava Hotel

2.5 out of 5
196 E. Main, Lava Hot Springs, ID
The price is ฿3,576 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿3,576
฿4,041 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (952 reviews)
"I've stayed here a few times and they have the absolute friendliest people working the front desk, the rooms have always been very clean and for an older facility it is very well maintained. The small park behind it along the river is a great place to relax, as is the pool. The pool is closer to ..."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

The Lava Hotel
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs

Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs

2.5 out of 5
306 E. Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID
The price is ฿4,103 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿4,103
฿4,637 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (909 reviews)
A sufficient room for a short stay.
"Small room, but sufficient. Comfortable bed. HUGE soaking tub fed from hot mineral springs. Close to Lava Hot Springs pools, several dining options, coffee. It's a cute little town."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
Lost Trail Resort

Lost Trail Resort

2 out of 5
9611 E U.S. 30, Lava Hot Springs, ID
The price is ฿3,685 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
฿3,685
฿3,980 total
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Buddy Campbell Memorial Park and The South ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (101 reviews)
"I only stayed here for one night but I loved it!! The bathroom is a little small and a place to hang a hand towel would be good. The view of the river in the back and the ability to just sit on the chairs and relax is fabulous!! 10/10 will be coming back!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Lost Trail Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday

Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday

2 out of 5
100 Bristol Park Lane, Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this cabin in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sunken Gardens at Lava Hot Springs and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"The cabins are so clean, comfortable and very close to everything. The fire pit was such a great addition to our stay. Overall this is the best place to stay when visiting Lava Hot Springs."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday
Lava Hot Springs Studio - Walk to Portneuf River!

Lava Hot Springs Studio - Walk to Portneuf River!

2.5 out of 5
Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this apartment in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lava Hot Springs and City Park are located ...
Lava Hot Springs Studio - Walk to Portneuf River!
Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!

Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!

2 out of 5
Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this cottage in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free parking, a garden and patios. Popular attractions The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum and ...
6.6/10 (3 reviews)
"Beautiful cabin set in the pine trees makes you feel like you’re in the forest. Close to restaurants,hot pools,and shopping. Very relaxing."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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