Natural hot spring · Montana
Chico Hot Springs
Park County, Montana · 23 miles south of Livingston, MT
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 113°F (45°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Livingston, MT (23 mi / 38 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Very hot: above comfortable soaking temperature for most people. Enter slowly.
About Chico Hot Springs
Editor's note. Chico Hot Springs is a historic resort in Paradise Valley near Pray, Montana, about 30 miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone. It has outdoor pools, a lodge and a well-known dining room. It makes a good base for a Yellowstone trip.
Chico Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Park County, Montana, about 23 miles south of Livingston, MT. The nearest large city is Bozeman, MT, roughly 29 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 113°F (45°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 the NOAA thermal springs list, 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 Chico Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 45.33700, -110.69100.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Livingston, MT. The spring is about 23 miles (38 km) south of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Bozeman, MT, about 29 miles (47 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Bozeman, MT.
- 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 Chico Hot Springs
- Hunters Hot Springs 140°F
- Ennis Hot Springs 181°F
- Norris Hot Springs 127°F
- Wolf Creek Hot Springs 154°F
- Puller Hot Springs 111°F
- Renova Hotspring 122°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 Chico Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 113°F (45°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 Chico Hot Springs?
Chico Hot Springs is in Park County, Montana, about 23 miles south of Livingston, MT. The GPS coordinates are 45.3370, -110.6910.
Can you soak at Chico 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 Chico Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Hunters Hot Springs, about 36 miles northeast. Ennis Hot Springs is about 50 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 the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
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.