Natural hot spring · Idaho
Stanley Hot Spring
Custer County, Idaho · 40 miles southwest of Challis, ID
Also searched as:Stanley Hot Springs Hotel · Hot Springs near Stanley Id · Stanley Idaho Hot Springs Hotel
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 106°F (41°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Challis, ID (40 mi / 64 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 2
- Undeveloped source: no staff, no facilities, and no maintained access. Conditions change.
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Stanley Hot Spring
Stanley Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in Custer County, Idaho, about 40 miles southwest of Challis, ID. The nearest large city is Boise, ID, roughly 76 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 106°F (41°C). That puts it in the "very hot" range. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
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.
The site has 2 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
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
Very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, 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 Stanley Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 44.22400, -114.92900.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Challis, ID. The spring is about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Boise, ID, about 76 miles (122 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 Stanley Hot Spring
- Elkhorn Hot Spring 136°F
- Basin Creek Hot Spring 133°F
- Rosalys Warm Spring 106°F
- Sunbeam Hot Springs 169°F
- Robinson Bar Hot Springs 131°F
- Slate Creek Hot Spring 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 Stanley Hot Spring?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 106°F (41°C), which is very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
Where is Stanley Hot Spring?
Stanley Hot Spring is in Custer County, Idaho, about 40 miles southwest of Challis, ID. The GPS coordinates are 44.2240, -114.9290.
Can you soak at Stanley Hot Spring?
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 Stanley Hot Spring?
The closest listed spring is Elkhorn Hot Spring, about 2.6 miles northeast. Basin Creek Hot Spring is about 6.2 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, OpenStreetMap. 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.