Lava Hot Springs Travel Guide

Tourist 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 litres) of water bubble out from ancient lava rocks and flow through the springs.

The sulphur-free, odour-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 kilometres) 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 Centre 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 kilometres) from Pocatello, Idaho and almost 150 miles (239 kilometres) 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
The price is ₹9,460 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,460
₹10,690 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (896 reviews)
"Location great, staff great. Older, comfortable bed, cleanliness could be better."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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
The price is ₹11,620 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹11,620
₹13,131 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (889 reviews)
"We love visiting Lava every year. Last year we found a last minute booking at the home hotel. It’s a little older than some of the hotels but Tracy (front desk) made it awesome. We were so happy when she called the day before our booking to make sure we were coming. The only thing I asked is if she ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,232 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹8,232
₹8,890 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & 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! (83 reviews)
"It was your average hotel room. The water in the bathroom sink barely trickles out. Didn’t try the shower. It's in a nice location on the Portneuf River. Beach access is nice."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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 4 Jul 2025

Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday
Lava Hot Springs West KOA Holiday

Lava Hot Springs West KOA Holiday

2.5 out of 5
89 North Center Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this cottage in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions The South Bannock County Historical Center ...
"Stayed in the deluxe Cottage & loved it. It was cute, clean, with kitchenette, bbq grill and fire pit. We used them all."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Lava Hot Springs West KOA Holiday
Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!

Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!

2 out of 5
Lava Hot Springs, ID
Stay at this cottage in Lava Hot Springs. Enjoy free parking, a garden and patios. Popular attractions The South Bannock County Historical Center Museum and ...
6.6/10 (3 reviews)
"Beautiful cabin set in the pine trees makes you feel like you’re in the forest. Close to restaurants,hot pools,and shopping. Very relaxing."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Walk to Lava Hot Springs Pools From Cozy Cabin!
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.

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