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Home: Idaho Hot Springs: Bronco Billy Hot Spring
  Public Hot Springs

Bronco Billy Hot Spring in Idaho


Boise National Forest Overall Rating: D
2,925 ft Water Temperature: Too Hot/Too Cold
Banks/Garden Valley Area Usage Level: Low

Picture Viewer


04.08.04: Source Pool


04.08.04: Source


04.08.04: Culvert


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[ View 12.04.06 Bronco Billy Hot Spring Video Clip ]
 

Pool Condition
The rock-walled, sand/rock/gravel bottomed source pool is a bit shallow and extremely hot. I've heard stories of soakers taking a bucket full of small holes and attaching it to the metal channel that delivers the hot water from the source above to cool the water. I have my doubts though, primarily due to the temperature of the outflow. The culvert pool located way below the source and on the Payette River side of the Banks-Lowman highway is non-existent and water temperature way too cool for soaking anyway. It has been this way since 1996, when BB was covered in a mudslide during the winter season.

Dates Visited: Trash Levels: Bug Levels:
05.19.08 moderate none
04.08.04 low none

Water Clarity:
Murky

Visibility:
Low to Moderate

Odor(s):
None Noticed

Wildlife Sighted: Deer, Elk and Fox

Seasonal Notes
Please be wary of the mud and rock slides that are a common occurrence along the Banks-Lowman Highway. Otherwise, BB is accessible year around!

Camping Notes
Boise National Forest campgrounds are abundant in this area. However, the close ones are around 10-15 driving minutes away.

Briefings

05.19.08
So, there's a metal-box style pool slightly below the source, toward the highway. In fact, you can actually see the highway when standing up, but luckily not when sitting down. However, this puppy isn't that warm and requires cleaning. If Skinny is a bust, then BB might work in a pinch... otherwise keep on keepin on. I've actually known about this box for some time, and had thought I had updated the site (complete w/ pics) but apparently not. I'll make sure to grab some pics next time.
Rating: D

04.08.04
Investigating Bronco Billy has been on my list for a long time. There is a small, shallow pool below the source that is way too hot. The outflow continues down the hill, into a ditch and then drains into a metal culvert that runs underneath the Banks-Lowman highway. The 2nd soaking opportunity is achieved via tarp on the river side of the highway below the culvert. However, the water temperature is much too cool for soaking. Read the pool condition for more info.
Rating:
D

Average Rating: D

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PUBLIC BATHING NOTICE

No Soap, Shampoo or BIO-Soap/Shampoo Allowed in Hot Springs! Avoid Being Fined!

Public hot springs are not bathing facilities and do not have 'plumbing' like that of commercial, improved hot springs. Soap and shampoo (including biodegradable soap and shampoo) do not completely breakdown naturally. This pollutes our water systems (ingested by fish, animals, humans) at or near the source. This is also illegal in most wilderness and public lands areas.

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