Goldbug Hot Springs is a fun short hike in Salmon-Challis National Forest located in Central Idaho. The trail to the famous Idaho Hot Spring is about 4 miles round trip, with just shy of 1,000 foot elevation gain. These hot springs are beyond magical, and need to be taken care of. When you visit, remember to leave no trace. It is rated as moderate on All Trails. Depending on the season this hike can vary in difficulty.
Which season is best to soak in Goldbug hot springs?
In my opinion, winter is the best time to soak in Goldbug! Late fall and early spring are great seasons to hot spring soak too. I wouldn’t recommend hiking to Goldbug in the summer time. The trail can feel hot and steep on an Idaho summer day.
Winter hiking requires crampons! They are affordable and so worth it. I linked this pair I’ve been using for a couple of years now: Crampons!
Why do you need to wear crampons? The trail is usually always icy. There are some decently steep parts, and when these are icy it can be dangerous. I hiked this most recently in late February on a 50 degree day, and still needed the crampons. I was grateful to have them and had no issue walking up the steeper parts of the grade.
How to Find Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs is located about halfway between Challis and Salmon, Idaho. It is closest to Elkbend, Idaho. The road you will drive on is Hwy 93. You will turn right on Warm Springs Rd when coming from the south. Here is a nearby Airbnb to stay in! (affiliate link)
There is limited parking at Goldbug so be prepared to walk a ways away, or come back another time if it is full. I always go early in the morning or late in the day to make sure I get a spot. You can camp at Goldbug Hot Springs (must be 200 feet away from the water) but not at the trailhead.
Public Access is provided through an easement with the US Forest Service because the beginning of this hike is on a private property. This is why it is so extremely important to respect the owners and leave absolutely no trace when experiencing Goldbug Hot Springs.
This is another accommodation in Elk Bend which is the closest place to stay near Goldbug. > Book it Here
Where to get the best photos at Goldbug & How to find the Waterfall cave
My favorite pool for photos is the very top pool! It is also the most crowded. This spring is very busy!! Be patient and know that in the photo above titled ‘winter’ I edited 8 people out of the image maybe even 9 haha.
Another awesome one is the pool about 20 feet below the top one (pictured below.) It is larger and has two sections to it so you can get your own private pool photo easily. In the image, this is the far right side of the pool. There are a few other pools below and above it too. Be mindful of others and please be respectful!
Shop my affiliate storefront for my hiking gear and camera set up! All the gear I use!
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The waterfall cave is easy to miss! It is below both the top pool and the pool featured above. You have to walk through a pool to get to it, and there is a cave. Enter the cave (watch your footing and head!) Here you will find the pretty waterfall coming through a hole in the top of the cave! Sometimes you get lucky and see sun rays. I experienced warm water here but some people have said it can be cold!
Another Reminder
Please leave no trace. This hot spring is sacred and special. It is so important to not leave any clothing, snacks, or trash behind. Double check your surroundings when you leave to assure you have it all. Be kind to others! All of my experiences here have been pretty busy, but the people have always been amazing. I’ve even made some new friends while enjoying the pools with others. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Have an amazing adventure! Enjoy the magical and surreal destination that is Goldbug Hot Springs! Check out my collab with Sacajawea Inn when I hiked to Goldbug in February!
Earth to Sarah 