Living in Bozeman (or Montana, for that matter) affords TRG easy access to a plethora of options when seeking the therapeutic waters of a hot spring. The following are TRG’s favorite outstanding hot springs near Bozeman.
Hot springs are pockets of water that are heated from geothermal activity. Geothermic heat comes from the earth’s mantle. The deeper into the earth you go, the hotter the rocks are. The water that passes through the rocks becomes heated naturally, and then protrudes from the ground, creating a spring or even a river of hot water. Because the warm water holds a high amount of dissolved solids, it is very high in mineral content—this is one reason the springs are hunted. The minerals are said to have special powers. In fact, many ancient cultures have used hot springs as a form of medicinal treatment. They claimed that the warm water held magical healing powers, and upon entering the water, one could be healed. When you find a spring and you enter the warm beautiful water, you can feel it penetrate your skin and go right into your core. It is called soaking, and there is no other feeling like it.
So, how do you hunt for a hot spring? Most of the hunting adventures come from word of mouth. I have heard many stories about someone’s grandfather hiking in the mountains 75 years ago and stumbling upon a small spring spewing beautiful, warm, healing water. This is how it starts. Hunters venture out into the wilderness with only a vague description of where the spring may lie. Only the very fortunate find a hot spring that is unknown to others, and that hot spring will remain unknown. Some things are much more rewarding when you are the only one that knows about them!
If hunting for wild hot springs is not your thing, there are also many domesticated hot springs in Montana. These springs still contain the magic water, but the spring is redirected into an actual pool, and there is a minimal fee to use these services. To say the least, these pools are a lot less rugged. Most of these spots offer a bar and restaurant for bathers to indulge in while soaking; some even offer lodging amenities. Whether you like to get your soak on in your personal found treasure, or you prefer to soak with amenities, entering a hot spring gives you a feeling unlike any other.
The local hot springs, which are easily forgotten in the summertime (except on the occasional dreary night), serve as a necessary component to the perfection of almost any chilly fall or winter day. Hot springs can fix almost any ailment, be it stress from an exhausting day at the office, soaking your achy limbs after a taxing day on the ski hill, or the answer to finding that perfect place to sip a frosty brew in a serene atmosphere.
The Water of the Gods – Norris Hot Springs
Image via Bozeman Net
As the name suggests, this place is quite divine. The Water of the God’s has all its bases covered. It offers local beer (and wine) to calm the mind, live music to soothe the soul, and magma-heated waters to mend thy wracked frame. It also helps that the 45-minute drive from Bozeman keeps a portion of the riff-raff out. More about the Water of the Gods here.
The Boiling River – Yellowstone National Park
Image via Yellowstone Insider
If I find myself awake before noon on a non-work day (which, if you ask anyone that knows me even a little bit, would say is quite rare), The Boiling River makes for an awesome morning to late afternoon soak. There are some really nifty features to enjoy while at this location, such as; a mini waterfall to sit under, the bone-chilling river attached to the spring, and well an elk. The Boiling River is the only hot spring on the list that is entirely natural, as all the others are spring-fed but have structures built around them. Be prepared to have your Yellowstone Park Pass ready, as this destination is just inside the park.
Chico Hot Springs – Pray, MT
Image via Chico Hot Springs
Chico, in general, is a pretty awesome place. Just outside of Livingston, MT, it is nestled just beneath the superbly impressive Absaroka Mountain Range. Apart from other hot springs, Chico also offers lodging, and it serves as an amazing location for weddings and weekend getaways. More about Chico here.
Bozeman Hot Springs – Four Corners, MT
Image via KTVQ
If I don’t have the time to make the trek out to the Water of the Gods, Bozeman Hot Springs always has a nice alternative. At just 10 miles out of town, Bozeman Hot Springs is definitively the closest of all the hot springs near Bozeman. While the majority of their pool facilities are indoors, they do have an outdoor pool as well. Inside are a sauna and a regular temperature swimming pool (if you need to cool your jets after a long soak).
(Honorable Mention) The Huntley Hot Tub – Big Sky, MT
Let’s clear one thing up real quick; this is definitely NOT one of the hot springs near Bozeman. However, it does deserve a mention as I can confirm it is a necessary destination after a hard day of skiing at Big Sky. Careful, though, The Huntley is not fond of those it deems “hot tub poachers” (of course, I would know nothing of that).
If you are looking for other hot springs opportunities throughout Montana, click here for an interactive map.
