Snake Pit Hot Springs

Snake Pit Hot Springs is a small, primitive natural hot spring on the edge of Stanley, Idaho, near Valley Creek. A single silty-bottomed pool soaks for free in the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains — no facilities, no signage, and no fee, just a quiet locals’ soak a short walk from the highway.

The pool sits just behind the Mountain Village Resort property, whose own developed hot springs pool is reserved for its guests; Snake Pit is the undeveloped, do-it-yourself alternative next door. The pool is roomy enough for several soakers, with a soft, muddy bottom that some visitors love and others find squishy underfoot. There is no maintenance, no changing area, and nothing to mark the spot — finding it is part of the experience. What it does offer is the same million-dollar Sawtooth view as the resort soak, and deer are known to wander past at dusk. Because the spring sits close to resort property, visitors should stay on the path, respect the resort’s boundaries and guests, and pack out every scrap of trash.

Snake Pit Hot Springs Need to Know

• Fee: None
• Facilities: None — no restrooms, changing areas, or trash service
• Pool: Single natural pool, silty/muddy bottom
• Clothing: Swimwear recommended (visible, near-town location)
• Note: Not the Mountain Village Resort pool — that soak is for resort guests/reservations only

Snake Pit Hot Springs Directions

In Stanley, turn off the main highway at the Stanley Museum and follow the road around the bend to the small parking area. Cross the footbridge and the natural pool is to your left, behind the Mountain Village Resort hot springs building. The spring is also pinned on Google Maps under the name “Valley Creek Hot Springs.” With no sign marking the spring itself, the Stanley Museum turn-off and the footbridge are the landmarks to navigate by, and first-time visitors may need a few minutes of looking around the bend to spot the unmarked pool.

Snake Pit Hot Springs Map

More hot springs in South-Central Idaho →