I do like this hot springs! They keep it clean + the changing rooms. "The Grotto" is still being remodeled, so that made the other pools a little more crowded, but it was Sunday of a 3-day weekend. The price is good, comparing it to so many other hot springs that are charging outrageous amounts. My only recommendation is to have more pools of varying temps, since 105 is a bit hot for me to soak for long, and the one cooler pool is the most crowded one. Pretty area, and a cool little town.
I love all the new updates and remodeling they did. The back hot pool is here it's at. So hot and relaxing, pea gravel in the bottom of it.
Buy the wrist band so you have an all day pass so you can go get lunch or ice cream down the street on main. Definitely recommend the ice cream.
We've gotten massages at the hot pools before and they were very soothing, relaxing
Worth it
Epic place to visit!
Make the journey, even if it's hours off your planned travel route.
Even the Lava Hot Springs Inn has soaking pools/tubs.
These hot springs produce very little if any sulfer smell, almost not recognizable.
The terraced steps of the biggest, longest and hottest pool is filled with pea sized gravel that melt and message your feet as you walk through.
One day is not enough so make your plans accordingly.
Safe travels.
We went on a Monday night and there were only two tiger families there. They're open till 10 PM. The large (hottest) pool is under construction, which made the other pools a little cloudy but that didn't impact is enjoying it. Lots of decorative lights. Was a very nice atmosphere. Nice heated changing room and plenty of free lockers. There are also some large, family sized lockers that only cost a quarter.
My family typically loves coming here and we have been going for decades! However If you or your family members may have underlying health conditions I would strongly consider keeping someone around them that knows their health history and can be an advocate. The staff members and security need more safety training. We have a diabetic in the family (all proper precautions were taken for the pools) the family member ended up fainting and all the staff did was try to give him water which doesn’t do anything for low blood sugar. (I do understand that’s typical for the hot pools) they wouldn’t let any other family help or give us any information. The family member even told the staff he was diabetic after waking up from the faint all they got in return was a shrug and then the staff walked away.
Please get all staff proper training for ALL health issues. The hot pools aren’t the only reason people faint!
We love the pool, slides, diving boards and platforms at the other place. Only been to the hot spring only area once. It was nice. Dressing room was warm. Water was nice. Went on a weekend and it was a bit busy. I think that they said the construction on the hottest area will be done in May, so we may try it again after that.
Lava Is an awesome place, they have cheap places to rent for the night.Or the week or whatever you want. They have tubing that goes right down the river, which is awesome.Our kids love going. They have a cute little theater on main street that not too many people know about that also has games in arcade games to play. Couple of the best places to eat are on main street as well.
A great relaxing afternoon. You probably don't want to be here for more than an hour or 2. It was incredibly busy on a Saturday when we went. I would have preferred there to have been less people there but it was still fine even though it was pretty packed.
I went to Lava about 2 weeks ago. I hadn't been there in probably 25-30 years and was really impressed with the setup. Obviously because of the weather...the slides and stuff were closed but the hot tubs were absolutely fantastic. I loved how many options there were when it came to hot pools ranging from size and temperature. There was one that is bathroom water and there was one that was about 112° that night. The workers I ran into were kind and friendly and the pools literally just felt so good. Soaking in the hot tubs for about 4 hours. It was a thing of beauty. The locker rooms felt clean and not too crowded. However, I understand it's the off-season, but still there's nothing worse than a dirty locker room and that was not the case here. Really good experience!!
My family and I came here as our family Christmas trip and soaked in the outdoor pools, and while the pools were extremely lovely and I definitely will return. I am overwhelmingly impressed by how clean the family changing rooms were! Wow! As a family of five with 3 young children we like to tackle the kids as a team, and not only was the floors clean, but each of the rooms were large with a bench and a hook. Ensuring I could keep my dry clothing up off the floor. Each room had a locker bank on each side. Super convenient! This was my first experience at a hot springs and I couldn't be more pleased! The staff was super friendly which enhanced the already pleasant atmosphere! Thank you Lava Hot Springs for making my families Christmas memorable!!!!
This place was so much fun! Worth every penny. In our group we ranged from a 4 year old to a 35 year old and everyone loved it. The kids had a blast. The different pool bottoms were a great experience. The changing rooms/bathrooms were very clean. The people who work there are very nice.
This has been my favorite place to soak over the years, but this winter the water is filled with mud/ debris from the construction work they are doing to improve the facility (hint: they avoid active construction work on weekends, so the water is not as bad). Normally it is crystal clear as it constantly flows through. They are charging more than in previous years while the largest pool is closed (which was my favorite area to sit). So, you are paying more for less. They should be charging a lower price while such a significant portion of the facility is closed and the water quality is so poor. After realizing part of the facility was closed, as well as all other pools being muddy, I requested a refund to leave. They refused to issue a refund, but instead offered a little wooden "OOPS Token" for re-entry at a different date if I didnt use the pools that day. The token is easy to lose, especially over the months I will wait until the facility is back to fully functioning order. I was told completion is projected to be in April.
I recommend others instead go to the Mineral Springs or other establishments in town. There are options. Mineral Springs, in particular, allows you to bring food and come/go as you please on a single charge (which are forbidden at this location). The water there is pristine right now and they have more soaking space, as well as a cold pool, for a comparable price.
I look forward to returning to this location once construction is complete, if they do not further raise their rates.
Man, I was so pumped to hit up those hot springs, drove all the way from Salt Lake City, only to find out they were closed for construction! Their website said so, but also mentioned the re-opening date might change. What really grinds my gears is that Google Maps showed them as open. It's super frustrating that the management can't bothered to update their status on Google Maps, especially since they used to be so good about posting updates and responding to reviews.
It was so much fun! We had ages 7-60 with our family and it was AMAZING! We all had fun! Clean locker rooms, and heated walkways, and the cutest hillside garden and decorations! There was different temperatures and depths of water to accommodate anyone and everything and all of the pools had a ramp if you can't walk down stairs! We will definitely go back
Historic hot springs and the town that built up around it. I've been coming here for years. Current spring pools are cement and stone surrounds, seats, and walls. One has a gravel bottom. Half dozen pools with different temps are surrounded and tied together by concrete paths, benches, and gardens beyond that. Sail shades overhead for summer days. Simple concrete and coated metal changing rooms in the new building, spare, a little swampy, but adequate. Lockers and food/drink available. Free parking across the street, and passing trains above on the canyon wall add to the ambience. Family friendly.
We were here in a perfect Wednesday- there were very few people. We learned they empty and clean the pools every night. The staff was friendly and the pools are glorious. The garden around the pools is amazing and there are such cute little additions.
The river rafting was such a great time and affordable. We warmed up in the hot spring. We were there on a Saturday late afternoon in September. It was not overwhelmingly packed. It was very relaxing and clean changing rooms
Very nice hot spring pools and facilities. There are large changing rooms and showers to rinse off when leaving. Not a lot of people on a Tuesday morning in September. The pools have awnings for shade.
Worth every minute. The town is quaint and interesting. Neat bars, restaraunts and hotels-motels. Ice cream and pizza too. Music in the park every Saturday. Tubing on river through town. Good day trip or over night two day trip.Hot spring water is HOT. Different HOT pools. Nice garden walk and snack shops. Free street parking. Limited though for trailers. But free public parks and playgrounds and off street parking.
Could get crowded in-season but worth it. Would be fun in winter snow too.
Cool place.
We visit Lava Hot Springs as often as we can and anytime we are near. Its well maintained & large so even on the crowded days we can find a spot to relax. Several pools with varying temperatures. Lockers, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, towel rentals & a small store are amenities. Its family friendly but not a place for kids to play around. If they do, a voice comes over the speaker reminding all that this a place to relax and be chill & that the large pool and slides down the street are for playing.
I appreciate that!
Lava Hot Springs is a beautiful place for mineral pools. Well maintained, with multiple pools ranging from 102-112 degrees, no cool pool. A couple of hot tubs, showers, lockers and water fountains. It has shade covers, lots of greenery and flowers about the grounds, and only $7.50 to enter. Wonderful visit!
Lava Hot Springs is a wonderfully relaxing and family-friendly destination that’s perfect for unwinding. The natural hot pools range in temperature from 102°F to 112°F, offering options for everyone—from gently warm to deeply soothing. The entire facility is clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff who make the experience even better.
They offer convenient amenities like showers, changing rooms, and the option to rent towels or swimsuits if you didn’t bring your own. Whether you’re stopping by for a short soak or spending a few hours here, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy the healing mineral waters. Highly recommended for both locals and travelers passing through!
Lava Hot Springs Foundation – A Sacred Balance Between Healing, Fun, and Flow
Lava Hot Springs isn’t just a place — it’s an energy. And the Lava Hot Springs Foundation? They’ve done a phenomenal job of protecting, preserving, and sharing that energy with the world in a way that feels both rooted and progressive. From the moment you step into the mineral-rich pools — naturally odorless and constantly refreshed by the earth itself — you can feel the shift. It’s like the land remembers how to heal you before you even ask.
The Foundation operates with no taxpayer funding — it’s entirely sustained by those who choose to soak, swim, or splash. That matters. It shows a commitment to balance: ecological, economic, and communal. You get the sense they’re not just running a business; they’re tending a fire. They’ve created something that honors the natural gifts of the land without over-commercializing them — and that’s rare these days.
The facilities are incredibly well-maintained. You’ve got the classic hot pools (always clean and not too crowded if you go at the right times), but also a full-blown aquatic complex with waterslides, an Olympic pool, kiddie sections, and green park areas that invite families, elders, and solo travelers alike. It’s one of those places where everyone can find their rhythm — whether you’re there to soak in silence or cannonball into laughter.
And the upgrades? Thoughtful. Strategic. They’re not just building for tourism; they’re building for legacy. Long-term projects like improved parking, enhanced accessibility, and even discussions about geothermal sustainability show that this isn’t a quick-turn operation. It’s a generational offering — for Idaho and for anyone seeking deeper connection with water, heat, and land.
I respect how transparent they are too. Board meetings are open. Plans are published. It’s not hidden behind some bureaucracy. That kind of openness builds trust — and it’s exactly the kind of foundation that deserves ongoing community support.
If you’ve never been, go. And if you’ve been before, go again — but this time, slow down. Let the waters speak. Let the steam remind you that healing isn’t always dramatic — sometimes it’s as simple as soaking, breathing, and remembering who you are.
We didn't know what to expect, but it was a pleasant experience. The place was clean and not too busy when we got there but a lot of people showed up around dark. Very clean, 5 pools of increasing temps and a reasonable entry fee.
It's right in town and you can walk down and get food ,drinks, and lodging.
Really nice hot springs, clean facility and fair pricing. The whole town is very nice for a little getaway. The mildest pool “102-105” felt very hot. I wasn’t able to stay in any of the pools for more than a few minutes. It would be nice if there was a cooler pool and/or a cold plunge, but maybe I’m just not very heat tolerant.
We had a great experience. Arrived during the week, opted to go to the hot pools. Arrived around 10/11 AM, light people traffic, plenty of space available. Towel rental available, showers and snacks from gift shop. Pool temps range from 102-112 F approximately. Staff was friendly and explained everything well. Make sure you keep your receipt if you rent a towel. Facilities clean and orderly. Purchased tickets upon arrival without issue, but experience may vary during different times of the year.
Lava Hot Springs Foundation’s World Famous Hot Springs is an absolute gem for families looking to relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time together. Nestled in a picturesque mountain setting, these geothermal pools offer the perfect balance of warmth and serenity. The variety of pools, each with different temperatures, ensures that everyone in the family—from little ones to grandparents—can find their perfect spot to soak.
One of the standout features of this destination is its convenience; it’s just a scenic drive away from Salt Lake City, making it an ideal weekend getaway. The clean and well-maintained facilities further enhance the experience, while the family-friendly atmosphere creates a welcoming environment where everyone can feel at ease. Whether you’re visiting to soak away stress or simply enjoy a peaceful retreat, Lava Hot Springs truly caters to all ages. Highly recommended for an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience!
