Sacajawea Hot Springs – Grandjean, Idaho

You may not know this but Idaho is filled to the brim with hot springs. They’re everywhere – it would take a lifetime to see them all. Some of these hot springs require a short hike, others require a backpacking trip and some are easily accessible along the roadside – as is the case with Sacajawea Hot Springs. Located in the Sawtooth Wilderness, just east of Lowman, Idaho, this hot spring is situated in a beautiful setting right along the Payette River. Here’s how to visit Sacajawea Hot Springs in the Sawtooth wilderness, near the “town” of Grandjean, Idaho.

Directions

Sacajawea Hot Springs is located about 20 miles east of Lowman, Idaho on US Route 21 (Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway). Turn right onto Grandjean Road (unpaved, but well-maintained – any vehicle can make it), and follow the road for about 5 miles. Keep an eye out for cars parked along the side of the road – this is where the hot springs are. Don’t worry if you go too far; the road dead-ends in the so-called “town” of Grandjean.

Grandjean isn’t really a town – it consists of a campground and the Sawtooth Lodge, which has a restaurant, rustic cabins, RV hookups and traditional campsites. That’s it. There are bathrooms near the campground if you need to change.

These hot springs are natural and free of charge. Clothing is optional, though I haven’t seen anyone bathing in the nude either times I’ve been here.

Nearby lodging:
Camping is not allowed near the hot springs, but you can camp in nearby Grandjean campground, or stay at the Sawtooth Lodge. There are also lodging options near Lowman, or Stanley if you’re willing to stay further away. I’ve stayed at the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman – here is my review of it. In general though, this is a remote area and there isn’t much around as far as hotels go.

Visiting Sacajawea Hot Springs

As previously mentioned, Sacajawea Hot Springs are located right off the side of the gravel road. You’ll have to walk down a slope, but you’ll see many ‘social paths’ leading down to the hot springs. Some of these unofficial trails are quite steep so make sure to watch your step.

The hot springs are fed by scalding, 150 degree water that flows down from the mountains, all the way down along the roadside slope that leads down into the Payette river. There are many rock-walled hot spring pools set up alongside the Payette. You’ll have to test each one to find a pool with the temperature that you like.

Each pool may need a bit of adjusting. Even when you think you’ve found a pool with a desirable temperature, once you get in for a soak, you may find yourself needing to constantly mix the hot water with the colder river water with your hands, which can take away from what would be a relaxing soak. You can also move the rocks to allow for more river water to flow into the pool if the water is too hot.

The water in the pools is completely clear, with the bottom made up of gravel and sand. I wore water shoes into the pool but you could go barefoot if you wanted.

Best time to visit Sacajawea Hot Springs

The Sacajawea Hot Springs are accessible year-round. I’ve been here twice, both times in July and had different experiences. The first time I visited, everything was perfect – no crowds, beautiful weather, hot springs were accessible. The second time I visited (also in July) the hot springs were completely under water, due to the spring run-off (yes, even in JULY!). That may have been abnormal for the time of year, but I would say that if you’re traveling here in the springtime, temper your expectations as you may not be able to soak in the springs.

Sacajawea Hot Springs – Final Thoughts

Pros:
Not too crowded – lots of pools to choose from
The hot springs are crystal clear and in a beautiful river setting

Cons:
Inconsistent temps between the pools
Very easy to come into contact with the source, as it seeps everywhere, right down the sides of the rocks – it’s extremely hot (150 degrees F).
Depending on run-off, the hot springs may be completely under water. This was the case on my second trip here, even though it was mid-July and we couldn’t soak in them.

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