Natural hot spring · Montana
Sleeping Child Hot Springs
Ravalli County, Montana · 12 miles southeast of Hamilton, MT
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
- Hamilton, MT (12 mi / 20 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Sleeping Child Hot Springs
Sleeping Child Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Ravalli County, Montana, about 12 miles southeast of Hamilton, MT. The nearest large city is Missoula, MT, roughly 53 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.
This spring comes from the US federal Thermal Springs List compiled in 1981. Nobody has confirmed it on the ground for this directory since, so treat the details as historical. Many springs on that list sit on private ranch land, so never visit without permission.
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 Sleeping Child Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 46.10600, -114.00400.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Hamilton, MT. The spring is about 12 miles (20 km) southeast of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Missoula, MT, about 53 miles (85 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Missoula, 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 Sleeping Child Hot Springs
- Medicine Hot Springs 117°F
- Blue Joint Hot Springs Not recorded
- Horse Creek Hot Springs 109°F
- Running Warm Springs 106°F
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool 118°F
- Nimrod Warm Springs 70°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 Sleeping Child 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 Sleeping Child Hot Springs?
Sleeping Child Hot Springs is in Ravalli County, Montana, about 12 miles southeast of Hamilton, MT. The GPS coordinates are 46.1060, -114.0040.
Can you soak at Sleeping Child 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 Sleeping Child Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Medicine Hot Springs, about 18 miles south. Blue Joint Hot Springs is about 34 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.