The Best hot springs in Montana

There’s nothing quite as magical as slipping into a perfectly warm pool of water that has been fed and heated by the earth — especially when it comes with a beautiful mountain view. This ideal is a reality in Montana, a state that has more than its fair share of natural hot springs.

In Montana, geothermal heated water from below the earth’s surface springs up in various spots, often along a river or creek. The hot water is either harnessed to fill modern soaking pools or left to mingle with the cool river water naturally. In either case, the result is a piece of magic. And while the benefits of hot mineral water are not always recognized by mainstream Western medicine, it’s generally believed that natural hot spring water is good for your skin and circulation — and it’s hard to argue that a day spent soaking in warm water at the foot of a mountain isn’t good for your mental health.

Here are some of the best hot springs in Montana, including more than a few with stunning surrounding vistas.

Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort
It’s all too fitting that Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is located in the town of Paradise, Montana. The resort, which is set along the Clark Fork River among tree-covered hills, is perhaps as picturesque as it gets. And the natural hot spring pools are the centerpiece of it all. A series of five all-natural pools ranging from 100 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit are complemented by a cold plunge and two salt-treated pools.

Day visitors are welcome, but guests who opt to stay in the resort’s accommodations, which include a handful of stand-alone river and mountainside cabins, have unlimited access to the hot springs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bozeman Hot Springs
The mountain town of Bozeman is home to a series of natural hot springs that have been enjoyed by humans for well over 100 years. These days, Bozeman Hot Springs boasts 12 different pools, a fitness center, and both dry and wet saunas. Every Thursday and Sunday, there’s live music and events, which guests can enjoy from the comfort of the warm, mineral-rich waters.

Even better, Bozeman Hot Springs is just over 45 minutes from the skiing at Big Sky Resort and about an hour and a half from Yellowstone National Park, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.

Norris Hot Springs
Natural, mineral-rich water may be the foundation of Norris Hot Springs, but there’s a lot more going on than just soaking. The venue often hosts live music (that you can enjoy from your perch in the pool) and has an on-site farm that provides a menu of super-fresh food. In the summer months, there’s also on-site camping.

The pool itself is giant, holding 38,000 gallons of natural mineral water in a unique wood-lined space. And perhaps most importantly, the Montana landscape is front and center.

Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs doesn’t have the history of many others on this list, but its facilities are brand-new and modern, and it’s located a mere 10 minutes from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The facility has a temperate main pool, a cold plunge, and a hot pool that can reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. It also offers cabin rentals and both on-site tent and RV camping, providing visitors with the perfect home base for exploring the national park — and enjoying the warm hot spring water.

Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness
The outdoor pools of Broadwater Hot Springs have a new, modern look, but boast a history that dates back to 1889. An artesian well feeds into the outdoor pools, providing a soaking experience that ranges between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and a fitness floor.

After you’ve built up your appetite with a long soak, head to the on-site taproom and grill, which pays homage to the racquetball courts that once occupied the space. Perhaps most notably, the taproom’s tabletops were 1978 vintage wood court flooring.

Potosi Hot Springs
Potosi Hot Springs is unique because it’s only accessible to guests or travelers willing to rent the pools privately. And those hoping to stay at Potosi will want to book well in advance, as there are only four cabins available to rent.

That said, if you can snag a night or two in their on-site lodging, you’ll have access to some of the purest hot spring water in the state. At Potosi, a large pool is situated next to a wood-heated sauna, while up the trail lies a warmer indoor tub. The entire facility is located next to a creek in a secluded valley far from the bustle of everyday life. When you’re not soaking, tackle one of the many hiking and biking trails that crisscross the mountain landscape.

Elkhorn Hot Springs
Elkhorn Hot Springs dates back to 1918 and remains relatively unchanged today. Guests who come to soak in the rejuvenating waters are treated to a taste of what Montana was like in the early 1900s — electricity has been added, but the cabins and lodge remain rustic.

The hot springs at Elkhorn are easily the property’s standout feature. The water is naturally heated and requires no chemical treatment. The outdoor pools are between 92 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, while the indoor wet sauna can reach temperatures of up to 106 degrees. Plus, the entire facility is nestled in the beautiful Pioneer Mountains.

Evie Carrick www.travelandleisure.com