Natural hot spring · Idaho
Challis Hot Springs
Custer County, Idaho · 3.1 miles northeast of Challis, ID
Also searched as:Challis Hot Springs Challis Idaho · Challis Hot Springs · Challis Hot Springs Idaho
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 122°F (50°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Challis, ID (3 mi / 5 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Challis Hot Springs
Challis Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Custer County, Idaho, about 3.1 miles northeast of Challis, ID. The nearest large city is Boise, ID, roughly 119 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 122°F (50°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from OpenStreetMap mappers, USGS water quality samples, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Challis Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 44.52317, -114.17434.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Challis, ID. The spring is about 3.1 miles (5 km) northeast of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Boise, ID, about 119 miles (191 km) in a straight line.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Challis Hot Springs
- Little Antelope Flat Warm Spring 93°F
- Shower Bath Springs 122°F
- Sullivan Hot Springs 106°F
- Foster Ranch Hot Springs 135°F
- Goldbug Hot Springs 113°F
- Owen Cabin Hot Spring 133°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Challis Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 122°F (50°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Challis Hot Springs?
Challis Hot Springs is in Custer County, Idaho, about 3.1 miles northeast of Challis, ID. The GPS coordinates are 44.5232, -114.1743.
Can you soak at Challis Hot Springs?
The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Challis Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Little Antelope Flat Warm Spring, about 11 miles southeast. Shower Bath Springs is about 22 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.