Elkhorn Hot Springs
- Call for prices
- 3 hr 25 min from Bozeman
- Walk-in OK
A remote resort in the Pioneer Mountains of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, about 40 miles northwest of Dillon, with two outdoor mineral pools and a Grecian sauna. Lodging includes rustic and modern cabins and lodge rooms, and groomed cross-country ski trails start nearby. After closing during the 2026 Sand Creek Fire it has reopened for pools only, Thursday through Sunday.
Reopened after 2026 Sand Creek Fire evacuation for pools only, Thu-Sun; lodging and dining not yet fully reopened. Call 406-834-3551.
- Price
- Call for prices
- Nearest town
- Polaris
- From Bozeman
- 3 hr 25 min
- Reservations
- Walk-in OK
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Hours |
|
|---|---|
| Season |
|
Tickets & booking
| Price | Prices not published on the current website |
|---|---|
| Access | Day pass, walk-ins welcome |
On site
| Pools | 2 |
|---|---|
| Lodging | Yes |
Not stated by the venue: swimwear, ages, dogs.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
182 mg/L
Lightly mineralized · Sodium–sulfate (sodium sulfate water)
- pH
- 8.65
- Temp at source
- 118°F
- Lithium
- 0.05 mg/L
- Fluoride
- 2.6 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.13 mg/L
- Iron
- 0.20 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at “04s12w29acc 01 Elkhorn (Polaris) Hs” (0.1 mi from Elkhorn Hot Springs), sampled 1964–1978 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
What's here
- two outdoor hot mineral pools
- Grecian sauna
- rustic and modern cabins and lodge rooms
- restaurant and bar
- groomed cross-country ski trails
- near Maverick Mountain ski area
Getting there
- From Bozeman3 hr 25 min151 mi
- From Dillon1 hr 16 min42 mi
- From Butte (BTM)2 hr 7 min71 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 7,140 ft |
|---|---|
| Road | On the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, about 40 miles northwest of Dillon |
Things to do near Polaris
Trailheads
- Blue Creek Trailhead1 mi
- Sawtooth Lake2.5 mi
- Odell Lake Trailhead7 mi
- Deerhead Lake Trailhead10 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Jackson Hot Springs Lodge
A rustic lodge in the Big Hole Valley town of Jackson with one outdoor hot springs pool at 100-106F that the lodge says uses no chemicals. Rooms, sleeper cabins and rental houses come with swim passes, and the pool is also open to the public. The pool, restaurant and lodge are closed Monday through Wednesday.
Sharkey Hot Springs
A BLM-developed site southeast of Salmon with two large concrete soaking pools filled by untreated natural spring water. It has two heated changing rooms, vault toilets, a fire pit with seating and an interpretive kiosk. Visitors 16 and older pay a use fee through a Recreation.gov pass bought before arrival.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
A large resort between Butte and Anaconda with 152 rooms, golf, a spa and hot springs pools fed by a 600-ft well. Pools are open only to overnight resort and condo guests and members, not day visitors. Phase 1 of a pool renovation added an adults-only tiered soaking pool, a family soaking pool, a lap pool and a cold plunge; phase 2 is under construction.
Jackson Hot Springs Lodge: 16 mi · Sharkey Hot Springs: 39 mi · Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: 43 mi
Sources (4)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.