Lava Hot Springs, ID

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Lava Hot Springs
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Lava Hot Springs

Relax in a thermal spa, kayak down a river or go for a swim in a village that offers numerous ways to enjoy the water.

Surrender your body to the soothing, thermal waters of Lava Hot Springs. This small country village in Bannock County, Idaho is famous for its pools of mineral-laden water. Every day more than 2.5 million gallons (9.4 million liters) of water bubble out from ancient lava rocks and flow through the springs.

The sulfur-free, odor-free water has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. Warring Native American tribes used to come here to relax, bathe and worship the Great Spirit. The area was considered neutral ground where rivalries were set aside.

There are five pools with five different temperature ranges, all of them hot. The springs are open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

For a cooler water experience head to the Olympic size swimming pool and water park. The attractions include high diving boards, water slides and a poolside climbing wall.

The town of Lava Hot Springs is nestled beside the Portneuf River. The river is in a mountainous valley region that’s packed with outdoor recreation activities. Tube and kayak down the river. Go hiking, biking and horseback riding along the trails in the mountains. Slalom down the slopes of the Pebble Creek Ski Area during the winter months. There are 54 runs on 1,100 acres (445 hectares). The alpine resort is situated 27 miles (44 kilometers) north of Lava. The town itself is cold in winter and hot in summer.

After a day of soaking your bones and outdoor adventures, enjoy a stroll in the downtown area with its stores, cafés and restaurants. Drop in on The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum to learn about the history of the area. Study the museum’s Poha-ba, Land of Healing Water exhibit that portrays how Native Americans used the hot waters before white settlers arrived.

Lava Hot Springs is located 36 miles (58 kilometers) from Pocatello, Idaho and almost 150 miles (239 kilometers) from Salt Lake City across the border in Utah. Rent a car to see the sights with ease.

The Lava Hotel
The Lava Hotel
2.5 out of 5
196 E. Main, Lava Hot Springs, ID
$122 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$138 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (877 reviews)
"Will definitely be back for another experience with the rest of the family definitely a great place to visit"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Lava Hotel
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
2.5 out of 5
306 E. Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID
$150 nightly
The price is $170 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$170 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (887 reviews)
"After a very nice visit we left something in oir room. Not only did the staff call to let us know, they mailed it to us. Excellent place with great service"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
Lost Trail Resort
Lost Trail Resort
2 out of 5
9611 E U.S. 30, Lava Hot Springs, ID
$126 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$137 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Buddy Campbell Memorial Park and The South ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (80 reviews)
Great little property
"Clean and well maintained property. Great location and comfortable beds! Will stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Lost Trail Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday
Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday
2 out of 5
100 Bristol Park Lane, Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this cabin in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sunken Gardens at Lava Hot Springs and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"The cabins are so clean, comfortable and very close to everything. The fire pit was such a great addition to our stay. Overall this is the best place to stay when visiting Lava Hot Springs."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday
Gorgeous views, unique stay minutes away from hot pools, golfing, restaurants.
Gorgeous views, unique stay minutes away from hot pools, golfing, restaurants.
Lava Hot Springs
Book a stay at this golf cabin in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lava Hot Springs Golf Course and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
Road trip adventure
"Loved our stay here! Clean and welcoming and in a great town. We will be back soon to try the others."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Gorgeous views, unique stay minutes away from hot pools, golfing, restaurants.
Charming Lava Cottage steps from delightful Main Street!
Charming Lava Cottage steps from delightful Main Street!
Lava Hot Springs
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions The South Bannock County ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Lave cottage
"Charming older home. Dated but clean. Good location. It had snowed a lot the night before and we had to shovel our path to the front door and shovel out a parking area. We had a pleasant stay and enjoyed the town of Lava."

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Charming Lava Cottage steps from delightful Main Street!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lava Hot Springs

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
80
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Jen

Nice relaxing place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I LOVE this little area ! The coffee shop on main is to die for ! The owner is so sweet and remembered all of our coffee preferences while we were there and had such a cool vibe. Chuck wagon has yummy food to ! Honestly it was all great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love visiting the hot springs. to relax and enjoy

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

I was disappointed. Because of the hot springs, we were expecting more things to do (shops to look around in, museums, etc.) It may be the time of year that we went. Decided we'd try again in the summer to see if our experience is any different.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The only reason for going there was the main hot springs ran by the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We love lava

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