Soak. Read. Sleep. Repeat. Every driving day ends by 2-3 PM. You set up camp with daylight to spare. You eat something simple. You sink into hot water and let the road dissolve. On non-driving days, you wake slowly, drink tea, and choose from a short list of things that sound good, not a checklist. The schedule below is a scaffold, not a leash. Skip anything that feels like work.
Why October 3: This start date was chosen to align every popular, developed hot spring with a weekday visit, and every remote, primitive spring with a weekend. Bend soaks land on Monday-Tuesday. Cougar and McCredie on Wednesday-Thursday. Alvord Desert on Saturday-Sunday. Kirkham on Monday-Wednesday. Stanley backcountry on Saturday-Sunday. Jerry Johnson on Friday. Norris on Monday, when it is open. Chico on Tuesday. The entire 33-day loop is calibrated so you soak at the busiest places when they are quietest, and at the most remote places when crowds at the developed springs are highest.
Crowd strategy: Popular, developed springs like Kirkham, Cougar, Chico, and Jerry Johnson are scheduled for WEEKDAY visits when they are quietest. Remote, primitive, and backcountry springs that are naturally uncrowded are saved for WEEKEND days when the developed spots would see their heaviest traffic.
Every hot spring on this route has been cross-referenced for seasonal closures, reduced hours, and access road concerns during the October 3 to November 4 travel window.
Cougar / Terwilliger Hot Springs: Closed every Thursday 8:00 AM to noon for weekly cleaning. The itinerary schedules Cougar for Thursday afternoon to work around this.
Norris Hot Springs: Open Thursday through Monday, 10am-10pm. Closed every Tuesday. Private soaking Wednesday by reservation. The itinerary schedules Norris for Monday, Oct 26.
Bozeman Hot Springs: Closed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday for Sabbath observance. Open Sunday 8am-11pm, weekdays 6am-11pm. The itinerary places Bozeman visits on Sunday-Tuesday.
Bonneville Hot Springs: The campground closes mid-October, but the springs remain accessible from the parking area via a short walk. Plan accordingly after Oct 15.
All clear: Belknap, McCredie, Alvord, Kirkham, Sunbeam, Goldbug, Jerry Johnson, Weir Creek, Lolo, Chico, Star Plunge, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain, Yampah Vapor Caves, The Springs Resort, Overlook, and Ojo Caliente are all confirmed OPEN during the travel window with no seasonal restrictions.
The route threads north from New Mexico to Oregon's Cascades, then east through Idaho's Sawtooth-Salmon River belt, up into Montana's western valleys, through the Bozeman corridor, then turns south through Wyoming and Colorado, hitting Thermopolis, Glenwood Springs, and Pagosa Springs on the way back to New Mexico.
The Full Loop: Oct 3 - Nov 4, 2026
1
New Mexico
Oct 3-4, Sat-Sun / Drive north to Bend, OR / 2 travel days
↓
2
Bend, Oregon
Oct 5-6, Mon-Tue / Belknap + Cascades springs / WEEKDAY soaks
↓
3
Oakridge / Cascades corridor
Oct 7-8, Wed-Thu / McCredie + Cougar cluster / WEEKDAY soaks
↓
4
Alvord Desert, SE Oregon
Oct 9-11, Fri-Sun / Desert hot springs under Steens Mountain / WEEKEND
↓
5
Lowman / Highway 21, Idaho
Oct 12-15, Mon-Thu / Kirkham, Bonneville, Pine Flats / WEEKDAY soaks
↓
6
Stanley / Sawtooth Valley, Idaho
Oct 16-18, Fri-Sun / Sunbeam + backcountry springs / WEEKEND remote soaks
↓
7
Salmon River / Goldbug, Idaho
Oct 19-21, Mon-Wed / Goldbug, Sharkey, remote Salmon springs
↓
8
Lolo Pass / Missoula corridor
Oct 22-24, Thu-Sat / Jerry Johnson, Weir Creek, Lolo / WEEKDAY Jerry Johnson
↓
9
Bozeman / Norris / Chico, Montana
Oct 25-27, Sun-Tue / Norris Mon, Chico Tue / WEEKDAY soaks
↓
10
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Oct 28-29, Wed-Thu / Free indoor bath house / Dinosaur museum
↓
11
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Oct 30-31, Fri-Sat / Historic pools, Vapor Caves, Iron Mountain
↓
12
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Nov 1-2, Sun-Mon / Deepest geothermal source in the world
↓
13
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
Nov 3, Tue / Historic mineral springs resort / Final soak
↓
14
Home to New Mexico
Nov 4, Wed / Final drive south
National Forests and Parks Along the Route
Hot Springs Direct Links
Belknap Hot SpringsMcKenzie River, Oregon
Cougar / Terwilliger Hot SpringsUSFS / Willamette NF, Oregon
Alvord Hot SpringsAlvord Desert, SE Oregon
Kirkham Hot SpringsUSFS / Boise NF, Idaho
Goldbug Hot SpringsBLM / Salmon, Idaho
Jerry Johnson Hot SpringsUSFS / Nez Perce-Clearwater NF
Norris Hot SpringsNorris, Montana
Chico Hot Springs ResortParadise Valley, Montana
Bozeman Hot SpringsBozeman, Montana
Hot Springs State Park Bath HouseThermopolis, Wyoming / FREE
Glenwood Hot Springs PoolGlenwood Springs, Colorado
Iron Mountain Hot SpringsGlenwood Springs, Colorado
Yampah Spa Vapor CavesGlenwood Springs, Colorado
The Springs ResortPagosa Springs, Colorado
Overlook Hot SpringsPagosa Springs, Colorado
Ojo Caliente Mineral SpringsOjo Caliente, New Mexico
Oct 3-4, Saturday-Sunday / Transit North
Total drive: ~18 hours split over 2 days
Overnighter: Winnemucca or Elko, NV
The long haul to get to the start of hot springs country. Split it into two comfortable driving days. Head north through Albuquerque, up I-25 to I-80 west across Nevada, then north to Bend. The Nevada stretch is wide-open desert driving with excellent visibility and minimal traffic. Weekend transit days mean you arrive for Monday soaking.
Day 1: Saturday, Oct 3 / New Mexico to Northern Nevada
7:00 AM
Depart New Mexico. Tea for the road. Hit I-25 north.
7:00-1:00
Drive. ~6 hours. Through Albuquerque, across to I-80 west. Pull over for lunch around Salt Lake City area or wherever you feel like stopping.
1:00-2:00
Find a motel or camp spot in Elko or Winnemucca, NV. These are ranching towns with cheap motels if you want a real bed before the trip begins.
Evening
Grocery run for trip provisions. Early dinner. Early bed. The real trip starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Sunday, Oct 4 / Nevada to Bend, Oregon
7:00 AM
Depart Nevada. Continue west on I-80, then cut north toward Bend via Highway 395 and Highway 20.
7:00-1:00
Drive. ~6 hours. High desert transitions to pine forests as you approach central Oregon.
2:30-4:00
Set up camp. Decompress. Walk around. You made it to the West.
Evening
Easy dinner at camp. Early to bed. Tomorrow is your first soak day.
October conditions, Bend: Daytime highs around 55-60F, nighttime lows around 25-32F. Dry, clear days are common. Fall colors in the aspens along the Cascades are beautiful. Pack warm layers for camp evenings.
Oct 5-6, Monday-Tuesday / Central Oregon Springs WEEKDAY
Nights: 2
Driving: Day trips from base camp
102-104F / Developed resort on McKenzie River / Day use ~$15 / Open year-round, 9am-6pm
Two large pools in a gorgeous riverside garden setting. About 1 hour west of Bend on the McKenzie Highway. Open year-round with no seasonal restrictions. A comfortable, scenic start to the trip.
Tumalo Creek area soaks
Varies / Dispersed primitive springs near Bend
Several small primitive springs along Tumalo Creek and Deschutes River accessible from Bend. Ask at local outdoor shops for current conditions and directions. Good for a quick morning dip without driving far.
Day 3: Monday, Oct 5 / First Soak Day
No alarm
Wake naturally. Tea at camp. Sit with the quiet of a mid-October Oregon morning.
8:30-9:30
Breakfast at camp. Oatmeal, fruit, camp stove eggs. Read a chapter of your book while eating.
10:00-12:30
Drive to Belknap Hot Springs, about 1 hour west. Monday morning: expect near-solitude. Soak in the riverside pools. Bring your book, water bottle, towel. No rush.
12:30-1:30
Lunch at Belknap or a pulloff on the McKenzie Highway with river views.
1:30-3:00
Flex time. Continue soaking at Belknap, explore the McKenzie River Trail, or head back to Bend for a tea shop and bookstore browse. Your time, your call.
3:00-5:00
Afternoon soak or rest. Return to the pools for an afternoon session or relax at camp.
5:30-6:30
Dinner at camp. Something warm: canned soup with bread, pasta, burritos. A cold beer or hot tea.
Evening
Read by headlamp, stargaze, or just sit in the quiet. In bed by 9-10 PM.
Day 4: Tuesday, Oct 6 / Second Bend Day
Morning
Sleep in. Slow tea. Read. No driving today unless you want to.
10:00-12:00
Option A: Return to
Belknap for a second round.
Option B: Explore a local primitive spring.
Option C: Stay at camp and read all morning.
Afternoon
Resupply in Bend if needed. Top off gas. Last grocery run before heading into more remote territory.
Evening
Early dinner. Early bed. Tomorrow you drive to Oakridge.
Oct 7-8, Wednesday-Thursday / McCredie and Cougar Springs Cluster WEEKDAY
Drive from Bend: ~2.5 hours
Nights: 2
Depart Bend by: 11:00 AM, Arrive by 1:30 PM
McCredie Hot Springs
Multiple pools on both sides of Salt Creek, right next to the highway 8 miles east of Oakridge. The pools fluctuate in temperature, so you can find your ideal warmth. Very accessible with no hiking required.
90-112F / 5 cascading tiered pools / $10 per person / Closed Thu 8am-noon for cleaning
Five stone-lined pools cascade down a forested hillside, each cooler than the last. A short 0.25-mile hike on Rider Creek Trail to reach them. The top pool is hottest at 112F, the bottom is a comfortable 90F. One of the most beautiful spring settings in the Pacific Northwest. Clothing optional.
Camping: Salmon Creek Falls Campground or Willamette NF dispersed
Salmon Creek Falls Campground is a quiet, forested USFS site between the two springs. Dispersed camping also available along forest roads. Oakridge is a small, friendly town for resupply. In October, campgrounds are nearly empty.
Day 5: Wednesday, Oct 7 / Drive Day + Afternoon Soak
8:00 AM
Wake naturally. Tea, light breakfast. No rush to break camp.
9:30-10:00
Pack up camp. Car camping means this is fast, 30 minutes max.
11:00-1:30
Drive. ~2.5 hours. Scenic Cascades route. Pull over for views.
1:30-3:00
Find camp, set up. You have 90 minutes of daylight buffer. If the first spot feels wrong, drive to the next one.
3:00-5:00
Late afternoon soak at McCredie, about 20 min from camp. Quick, easy access. Let the drive tension melt out.
5:30+
Easy dinner. Read. Early bed after a drive day.
Day 6: Thursday, Oct 8 / Two-Spring Day
No alarm
Wake naturally. Tea at camp. Read a few chapters in the morning quiet.
9:30-11:30
Morning soak at McCredie. Cougar is closed for cleaning until noon on Thursdays, so McCredie gets your morning. Riverside pools with fall color overhead.
12:00-1:00
Lunch back at camp or at a pulloff.
1:30-4:00
Afternoon soak at Cougar. Open again after noon. Drive 40 min. The light filtering through forest canopy on these tiered pools is extraordinary in the afternoon.
Evening
Warm dinner. Pack up for tomorrow's longer drive to the desert.
October conditions, Oakridge: Daytime highs 50-58F, lows around 30F. The Cascades are turning gold and orange. Rain is possible but not dominant in mid-October. Bring a rain layer for the hike to Cougar.
Oct 9-11, Friday-Sunday / Desert Springs Under Steens Mountain WEEKEND
Drive from Oakridge: ~5.5 hours, leave early
Nights: 2
Depart by: 8:30 AM, Arrive by 2:00 PM
~104F / 2 concrete pools overlooking desert playa / Fee ~$10 / Open year-round, 8am-10pm day use
Two large soaking pools facing the immense Alvord Desert. Owned by the Davis family, who offer simple camping on-site. The silence here is extraordinary: no traffic noise, no crowds. The night sky is among the darkest in Oregon. Soak under the stars. October is the driest season with the fewest visitors.
Willow Creek Hot Spring
~102F / Primitive, free, remote
A more primitive option further along the Alvord Desert road. Stone-lined pool in sagebrush country. Very remote. You will likely be alone.
The Alvord property offers basic camping right next to the pools. BLM land surrounds the area with unlimited dispersed camping on the desert floor. Flat, excellent visibility in all directions. Very safe: you can see for miles.
Day 7: Friday, Oct 9 / Long Drive Day
7:00 AM
Early start for the longest drive of the trip. Good breakfast, pack up, hit the road by 8:30.
8:30-2:00
Drive. ~5.5 hours. The landscape transformation is stunning. Stop for lunch in Burns, OR: gas, groceries, last services.
2:00-3:00
Arrive Alvord. Set up camp. The desert is flat and open, finding a spot takes 5 minutes.
3:30-5:30
First desert soak. Sink into the pool and stare at the playa stretching to the horizon.
Evening
Dinner under a sky with more stars than you have seen in years.
Day 8: Saturday, Oct 10 / Alvord Rest Day
Sunrise
If you are awake, walk out onto the playa for sunrise over the desert. The light is unreal. If not, no harm done.
Morning
Slow tea. Soak in the pools with your book. No schedule, no agenda.
Midday
Flex: Drive out onto the Alvord playa if it is dry. Walk on the ancient lakebed. Or stay in camp and do absolutely nothing.
Afternoon
Another soak. Read. Nap. The cool October desert afternoon makes the hot pool feel perfect.
Evening
Sunset soak. Watch the alpenglow on Steens Mountain from the pool. Stay for stars.
Day 9: Sunday, Oct 11 / Second Desert Day
Morning
Another slow morning at the springs. Tea on the playa. Soak. Read.
Midday
Flex: Drive to Willow Creek Hot Spring for a more primitive experience. Or stay at Alvord for one more long soak.
Afternoon
Pack up camp in the late afternoon. Early dinner. Early bed. Tomorrow is the drive to Idaho.
Oct 12-15, Monday-Thursday / The Payette River Hot Springs Corridor WEEKDAY
Drive from Alvord: ~5 hours via Burns and Boise
Nights: 3
Depart by: 9:00 AM, Arrive by 2:00 PM
You are entering the heart of hot springs country. Idaho has the most soakable hot springs of any state in North America, and the Highway 21 corridor between Boise and Stanley is where the density is highest. Three nights here lets you hit a different spring each day. Monday arrival means Kirkham, the most popular, will be at its quietest.
Idaho's most famous hot spring. Multiple natural pools right along the South Fork of the Payette River, 5 miles north of Lowman. Hot water cascades over rocks into pools you can sit in while the cold river runs alongside. Day use only, 7 AM to 9 PM.
Bonneville Hot Springs
~105F / Primitive pool / Free
Between mile markers 41 and 42 on Highway 21. A single large pool in a forested setting. Less known than Kirkham, so often quieter. Easy roadside access. Note: the campground closes mid-October but parking and springs remain accessible via a short walk.
Pine Flats Hot Springs
~100F / Small riverside pools / Free
Several small pools along the river between Lowman and Kirkham. Good for a quick soak on your way between camps.
Kirkham Campground is right at the hot springs: walk-to-soak convenience. First-come, first-served. In mid-October, you will almost certainly get a spot. Dispersed camping along forest roads off Highway 21 is also plentiful.
Day 10: Monday, Oct 12 / Drive to Idaho + Evening Soak
7:30 AM
Early start for the drive to Idaho. Good breakfast at camp.
9:00-2:00
Drive. ~5 hours via Burns to Boise to Lowman. Stop in Boise for groceries, gas, and a real lunch.
2:00-3:00
Arrive Kirkham/Lowman area. Set up camp.
3:30-5:00
First Idaho soak. Walk to Kirkham from camp. Monday afternoon: Sink into the riverside pools with almost nobody around.
Evening
Easy dinner. The sound of the Payette River at night is its own kind of therapy.
Day 11: Tuesday, Oct 13 / Spring Crawl Day
No alarm
Wake naturally. Tea with river sounds.
9:30-11:30
Morning soak at Bonneville. Drive 15 min. Quiet, forested, different character than Kirkham.
1:30-3:00
Flex: Nap at camp, read, or drive to Pine Flats for a quick riverside dip.
3:30-5:00
Afternoon return to Kirkham. Tuesday: still quiet. Different feel than morning.
Evening
Warm dinner. Read by headlamp. Stars through the pines.
Day 12: Wednesday, Oct 14 / Rest or Explore
Morning
Sleep in as long as you want. True rest day. Tea, breakfast, reading at camp.
Late morning
Option A: Revisit your favorite spring. Option B: Short walk along the Payette River trail. Option C: Drive to Haven Hot Springs in Lowman for a restaurant meal and resupply.
Afternoon
More reading. More soaking. More nothing. You are in the richest hot springs zone in the country. There is no reason to hurry.
Evening
Pack up camp in late afternoon for tomorrow's short drive to Stanley.
Day 13: Thursday, Oct 15 / Short Drive to Stanley
Morning
One last morning soak at Kirkham if you want it. Pack up.
11:00-12:30
Drive to Stanley. Only 1.5 hours. The drive over Banner Summit is gorgeous with fall colors.
12:30-2:00
Arrive Stanley. Find camp along the Salmon River or in the
SNRA. Set up with the Sawtooths as your backdrop.
Afternoon
Explore Stanley or drive 20 min to Sunbeam for your first Sawtooth-area soak.
October conditions, Idaho Hwy 21: Daytime highs 45-55F, nighttime lows 20-30F. Highway 21 typically stays open through October but can close with early snow. Check
Idaho 511 before departing. Fall colors along the highway are spectacular.
Oct 16-18, Friday-Sunday / The Crown Jewel WEEKEND remote soaks
Drive from Lowman: ~1.5 hours
Nights: 3
Stanley is the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains and arguably the most beautiful mountain town in Idaho. Several hot springs sit within 30 minutes, and the Sawtooths form your constant backdrop. Three nights is the minimum to do it justice. Weekend arrival is perfect here: these are remote, primitive springs that are naturally uncrowded.
Sunbeam Hot Springs
~104F / Salmon River roadside pools in
Sawtooth NRA / Free / Open sunrise to sunset
Multiple pools right along the Salmon River, 20 minutes east of Stanley on Highway 75. Hot water bubbles up through the gravel into pools you build to your liking alongside the cold river. In mid-October, you may be the only person here.
Boat Box Hot Spring
~100F / Riverside / Free
A smaller, more secluded spring near Sunbeam. Named for the old wooden box that once contained the spring. Often overlooked. Perfect weekend soak.
Sacajawea Hot Springs
~108F / Forest setting near Grandjean / Free
Off Forest Road 534, about 40 minutes from Stanley. Multiple pools in a beautiful alpine forest. Check road conditions in October as the forest road can get rough late in the season.
Camping: Salmon River dispersed sites or SNRA campgrounds
The Salmon River corridor east of Stanley is lined with free dispersed sites: Casino Creek, Riverside, Mormon Bend, Whiskey Flats. Forest Road 210 near Stanley has gorgeous free sites with Sawtooth views. 10-day stay limit within a 30-mile radius. In October, you will have your pick of sites.
Day 15: Saturday, Oct 17 / Full Soak Day
7:30
Wake to Sawtooth views. Tea outside. Watch the peaks catch morning light.
8:30
Breakfast at camp. Or drive into Stanley for a real breakfast at a cafe.
10:00-12:00
Morning soak at Sunbeam. Bring book and water. Soak 45 min, sit on the riverbank, soak again.
12:00-1:00
Lunch in Stanley or back at camp. Resupply if needed.
1:30-3:30
Flex time. Stroll Redfish Lake beach, short float on the Salmon River, or nap and read.
4:00-5:30
Sunset soak. Back to Sunbeam or try Boat Box for a more private experience.
Evening
Campfire if allowed. Dinner. Stars over the Sawtooths.
October conditions, Stanley: Stanley is one of the coldest spots in Idaho. Expect daytime highs 40-50F and nighttime lows in the teens to low 20s. Frost every morning. Your sleeping system needs to handle 15-20F comfortably. The upside: soaking in 104F water when the air is 25F is one of the best feelings on earth.
Oct 19-21, Monday-Wednesday / The Backcountry Springs
Drive from Stanley: ~2.5 hours via Hwy 75 and 93
Nights: 3
A 2-mile hike each way up a canyon to reach stunning cascading hot pools with a hot waterfall. The hike gains about 1,000 feet. Dedicate a half-day: bring lunch, your book, and soak for hours. One of the most beautiful hot springs in the American West. October is ideal: before winter conditions make the trail icy.
Sharkey Hot Spring
~100F / Salmon River roadside / Free
An easy, accessible pool right along the Salmon River north of the Goldbug trailhead. Good for days when you do not want to hike.
Camping: Dispersed sites near Goldbug trailhead, Salmon-Challis NF
Free dispersed camping 15 minutes south of Goldbug trailhead. Cross Dry Gulch Bridge over the Salmon River and find loop roads with many established sites. The town of Salmon, 20 min north, has groceries and fuel.
Day 18: Tuesday, Oct 20 / Goldbug Adventure Day
7:30 AM
Wake with purpose. Good breakfast: you need fuel for the hike.
9:00-10:00
Hike up to Goldbug. 2 miles, ~1,000 ft gain. Moderate effort. Bring lunch, book, water, towel.
10:00-1:00
Soak at the top for 2-3 hours. Multiple cascading pools. A hot waterfall. Eat lunch on the rocks. Read.
1:00-2:00
Hike back down. The descent is easy.
2:00+
Back to camp. Rest for the remainder of the day. Big easy dinner tonight. No evening soak needed; your body is already warm and loose from Goldbug.
Day 19: Wednesday, Oct 21 / Total Rest Day
Morning
Sleep in. Your legs may be tired from yesterday. Slow tea, breakfast, reading.
Late morning
Morning soak at Sharkey. Easy, no effort. Just warmth and river sounds.
Afternoon
Drive into Salmon for a real lunch if you want. Browse the town, resupply. Or stay at camp and read all afternoon. After Goldbug, your body wants stillness. Give it what it wants.
Oct 22-24, Thursday-Saturday / The Montana-Idaho Border Springs WEEKDAY Jerry Johnson
Drive from Salmon: ~4 hours via Hwy 93 North
Nights: 3
A 1-mile hike on an easy, flat trail from the Highway 12 trailhead leads to three distinct natural pools, each with a different character. Deep forest setting along the Lochsa River. Day use only, 6 AM to 8 PM. One of the best wild soaking experiences in the region. Friday visit means minimal crowds.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
~104F / Primitive rock pools in
Clearwater NF / Free / Day use only
A 0.7-mile trail to multiple rock-walled pools. The main pool sits on a rock slab above Weir Creek with forest and creek views. Can fit up to 10 people. Less crowded than Jerry Johnson.
Lolo Hot Springs
Developed resort / Fee varies / Open year-round, closed Tuesdays
45 minutes west of Missoula on Highway 12. A developed resort with a long history. Good for a resupply day: restaurant, store, and a proper soak with facilities.
Day 21: Friday, Oct 23 / Jerry Johnson Day
No alarm
Wake naturally. Tea at camp in the forest quiet.
10:00-12:30
Hike in and soak. Three pools to choose from. Bring book, water, lunch. Friday in mid-October: you may be alone in the entire forest.
Afternoon
Back to camp. Read, rest, nap. The short hike and long soak leave you perfectly tired.
Evening
Warm dinner. The Montana nights are cold now. Layer up and enjoy the silence.
Day 22: Saturday, Oct 24 / Weir Creek Day
Morning
Slow start. Tea, reading, breakfast.
10:00-1:00
Hike to Weir Creek and soak. Different character than Jerry Johnson: rock slab pools above the creek. Weekend, but Weir Creek is remote enough that crowds are never an issue.
Afternoon
Resupply in Missoula if needed, 45 min drive. Excellent bookstores, tea shops, groceries. Or stay at camp for a full rest afternoon.
Bear Country Safety: Segments 7-9
You are now in grizzly bear range. This is not cause for alarm, but it requires consistent habits.
Food storage: All food, coolers, garbage, and scented items go inside your locked vehicle at night. Never in the sleeping area. Never left out.
Cooking: Cook and eat at least 100 feet from where you sleep. Clean up immediately.
Bear spray: Carry it on your belt, not in your pack. Know how to use it before you need it. Available at any outdoor store in Missoula, Stanley, or Salmon.
Arrival timing: Arriving by 2 PM gives you daylight to assess your campsite, check for bear sign, and move if needed. Never set up camp after dark in bear country.
Perspective: Thousands of people car camp in this country every summer and fall. Bears want your food, not you. Clean camp = safe camp.
Oct 25-27, Sunday-Tuesday / Montana's Triple Crown WEEKDAY Norris + Chico
Drive from Lolo/Missoula: ~3.5 hours via I-90
Nights: 3
~104F / Single large pool / ~$10 / Open Thu-Mon 10am-10pm, CLOSED Tuesdays
A beloved community gathering place 45 minutes from Bozeman. Large wooden-decked pool fed by a natural artesian spring. Known for hosting live acoustic music on weekends. Organic snack bar and saloon on-site. The itinerary places your Norris visit on Monday, Oct 26, the last open day before the Tuesday closure.
96-103F / Historic resort pools / Day use ~$10 / Open year-round
About an hour south of Bozeman in Paradise Valley, at the doorstep of Yellowstone. Two outdoor pools with stunning views of Emigrant Peak. A full resort with a well-regarded restaurant: treat yourself to dinner here. Over 120 years of continuous operation. Scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 27, when Norris is closed.
Multiple pools, 59-106F / ~$12 / Closed sundown Fri to sundown Sat
10 minutes from downtown Bozeman. 12 different pools ranging from cool to very hot, plus dry and wet saunas. Good for a quick soak on arrival Sunday or alongside the Monday Norris trip. Note: closed from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday for Sabbath observance.
The Hyalite Canyon area south of Bozeman has both developed campgrounds and dispersed options. Bozeman itself has excellent grocery stores, gear shops, and restaurants for a mid-trip resupply.
Day 23: Sunday, Oct 25 / Drive to Bozeman + Afternoon Soak
Morning
Pack up Lolo camp. Hit the road east on I-90.
10:00-1:30
Drive. ~3.5 hours through western Montana. Mountain views the whole way.
1:30-2:30
Arrive Bozeman area. Find camp. Set up.
3:00-5:00
Afternoon soak at Bozeman Hot Springs. Sunday after sundown Saturday: it is open. 12 pools to choose from.
Evening
Easy dinner. Resupply in Bozeman. Good bookstores and tea shops if you want a town evening.
Day 24: Monday, Oct 26 / Norris Day Trip
Morning
Sleep in. No rush. Tea at camp.
10:30
Drive to Norris Hot Springs, 45 min south. Monday: open, quiet, and the last day before the Tuesday closure.
11:00-2:00
Long soak at Norris. Artesian pool, snack bar, saloon. Bring a book. This is a community gathering place with character.
Afternoon
Back to camp or into Bozeman for errands. Laundry, gear check, supplies for the southern push.
Day 25: Tuesday, Oct 27 / Chico Day Trip
Morning
Sleep in. Tea at camp. Read.
10:00
Drive to Chico Hot Springs, 1 hour south through Paradise Valley. Gorgeous drive with mountain views.
11:00-2:00
Soak all morning. Two pools, mountain views, historic setting. Tuesday: minimal crowds.
12:30
Lunch at the Chico restaurant. This is your trip treat. Good food, cold drink, warm from soaking.
Afternoon
Soak more. Or detour to the northern edge of Yellowstone: Gardiner is 30 min further south. Back to camp by evening.
October conditions, Bozeman: Daytime highs 48-55F, lows 25-32F. Snow is possible at higher elevations but the valley floor is usually clear. Paradise Valley is slightly warmer and sheltered. First real snow in the Gallatin Range often hits late October.
Oct 28-29, Wednesday-Thursday / World's Largest Mineral Hot Spring
Drive from Bozeman: ~4 hours via I-90 to Hwy 310/120
Nights: 2
104F / Indoor pools / FREE / Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm, Sun noon-5:30pm
Free public soaking in a beautiful state park. The mineral terraces here are visually stunning, built up over thousands of years. The outdoor pool is closed for the season after October 1, but the indoor bath house remains open and free. No fee, no reservation needed. Walk the boardwalk to see the terraces regardless of pool access.
Star Plunge / Hellie's Tepee Pools
Various temps / Commercial pools / $10-15 / Open daily 9am-9pm year-round
Two commercial hot springs facilities in Thermopolis with vapor caves and multiple pools. The main waterslide is seasonal, but the pools and vapor caves operate year-round. Good if you want variety after the free bath house.
The state park has camping facilities. BLM land surrounds the area. Thermopolis is small but has all services: groceries, gas, restaurants, laundry. October is very quiet here.
Day 26: Wednesday, Oct 28 / Drive to Thermopolis
Morning
Pack up Bozeman camp. Hit the road south.
10:00-2:00
Drive. ~4 hours through the Bighorn Basin. The landscape opens up into wide grasslands and red rock.
2:00-3:00
Arrive Thermopolis. Find camp. Set up.
3:30-5:30
Afternoon soak at the free Wyoming State Bath House. Indoor pools with world-class mineral water, no charge. Walk the mineral terraces boardwalk after.
Evening
Dinner in town. Thermopolis has a small-town charm that is easy to enjoy after weeks in the backcountry.
Day 27: Thursday, Oct 29 / Thermopolis Rest Day
Morning
Sleep in. Morning soak at the bath house again. Walk the boardwalk along the Bighorn River.
Midday
Flex: Visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, a world-class fossil museum 5 min from the springs. Or try Star Plunge for a different soaking experience.
Afternoon
Read. Rest. One more soak. Pack up for tomorrow's drive to Colorado.
October conditions, Thermopolis: Daytime highs 55-62F, lows 28-35F. Thermopolis sits in a sheltered river canyon, so it is often warmer and less windy than the surrounding plains. Clear, dry days are the norm. Red rock and golden cottonwoods make October here particularly photogenic.
Oct 30-31, Friday-Saturday / Historic Mountain Town Springs
Drive from Thermopolis: ~6 hours via Hwy 20/I-25/I-70
Nights: 2
Depart by: 8:30 AM, Arrive by 2:30 PM
90-104F / World's largest hot springs pool / ~$25 / Open 9am-10pm
A massive pool more than two city blocks long, fed by the Yampah spring. There is also a smaller, hotter therapy pool at 104F. Open year-round with no seasonal restrictions.
99-108F / 16 pools along the Colorado River / ~$30 / Open 9am-10pm / Reservations required
Sixteen individual soaking pools of varying temperatures perched right along the Colorado River. More intimate than the main pool. 12 of the pools replicate hot springs mineral formulas from around the world, including the Dead Sea and Blue Lagoon. Book soaking reservations in advance.
Underground steam caves / ~$17 / Open 9am-9pm daily year-round / Reservations required
Natural underground steam caves heated by the Yampah spring at 125F. Three adjoining underground rock chambers. The only known natural vapor caves in North America. A completely different soaking experience: you sit in hot, mineral-rich steam inside a cave. Recently expanded with five new pools.
Camping: White River NF dispersed or private campgrounds
White River National Forest has dispersed camping east of town along I-70. Private campgrounds in town offer hookups and showers if you want them after weeks on the road. Glenwood Springs has full services: groceries, gear, restaurants, laundry.
Day 28: Friday, Oct 30 / Drive to Glenwood + Afternoon Soak
7:30 AM
Early start for the longer drive. Good breakfast.
8:30-2:30
Drive. ~6 hours. Through Casper, south on I-25, west on I-70 through the Rockies. Fall colors in Glenwood Canyon are spectacular in late October.
2:30-3:30
Arrive Glenwood Springs. Find camp or check in. Set up.
4:00-6:00
Afternoon soak at Iron Mountain. 16 pools along the river. Find a hot one and sink in.
Evening
Dinner in town. Glenwood has excellent restaurants. Treat yourself: you have been on the road for weeks.
Day 29: Saturday, Oct 31 / Full Glenwood Day / Halloween
Morning
Sleep in. Tea at camp or at a cafe in town.
10:00-12:00
Yampah Vapor Caves. Sit in underground steam caves on Halloween morning. Unlike anything else on this trip.
Afternoon
Explore downtown Glenwood. Bookstore, tea, supplies for the final stretch home. Halloween in a Colorado mountain town has its own charm.
Nov 1-2, Sunday-Monday / The Deepest Geothermal Source
Drive from Glenwood: ~5 hours via Hwy 82/285/160
Nights: 2
83-114F / 50+ pools along the San Juan River / ~$45 / Open 9am-9:30pm
A sprawling resort with more than 50 soaking pools of varying temperatures terraced along the San Juan River. The Mother Spring, visible from the resort, is the world's deepest geothermal hot spring. Cold river plunges, a waterfall, and a steam grotto round out the experience. A premium experience and worth it as a near-end-of-trip celebration.
101-108F / Rooftop and indoor pools / ~$18 / Open daily 9am-10pm
6 rooftop tubs and 5 indoor tubs in downtown Pagosa Springs with views of the San Juan Mountains and river. Smaller and more intimate than The Springs Resort.
Camping: San Juan NF dispersed or Pagosa area campgrounds
San Juan National Forest has dispersed camping south and east of town. Several private campgrounds offer full services. Pagosa Springs has groceries, restaurants, and gear stores.
Day 30: Sunday, Nov 1 / Drive to Pagosa + Celebration Soak
8:00 AM
Wake, breakfast, pack up Glenwood camp.
9:00-2:00
Drive. ~5 hours through the Colorado mountains. The route over Wolf Creek Pass is stunning in early November with snow on the peaks. Check
CDOT for road conditions.
2:00-3:00
Arrive Pagosa Springs. Find camp. Set up.
3:30-6:00
Afternoon at The Springs Resort. 50+ pools. Find your perfect temperature. Watch the San Juan River flow by. This is your celebration soak.
Evening
Dinner in town. Pagosa has good restaurants with a mountain-town feel.
Day 31: Monday, Nov 2 / Final Full Soak Day
Morning
Sleep in. Slow tea. Read. This is your last full day on the road. Let it be gentle.
10:00-12:00
Morning soak at Overlook Hot Springs. Rooftop pools with mountain views. Different vibe than yesterday.
Afternoon
Flex: Return to The Springs Resort for one more long soak. Or explore downtown Pagosa. Or just sit at camp and read, knowing you are almost home.
Early November conditions, Pagosa: Daytime highs 48-55F, lows 18-26F. Early snow is possible on Wolf Creek Pass. The San Juan Mountains are gorgeous in early November with gold aspens against dark evergreens. Pagosa sits at 7,100 ft, so nights are cold but the town is sheltered. Carry tire chains for Wolf Creek Pass.
Nov 3-4, Tuesday-Wednesday / The Final Soak and Homecoming
Drive Pagosa to Ojo Caliente: ~2.5 hours
Drive Ojo Caliente to southern NM: ~3-4 hours
80-109F / 4 types of mineral springs / Day use ~$40-60 / Open year-round, day soaking 10am-10pm
One of the oldest natural health resorts in the country, established in 1868. Four different sulfur-free geothermal mineral springs: iron, arsenic, soda, and lithia. Each spring has its own pool and its own character. The iron spring is the hottest. The lithia spring is the most calming. Restaurant, spa services, and gorgeous high-desert setting along the Rio Ojo Caliente. A luxurious way to close the loop.
Day 32: Tuesday, Nov 3 / Pagosa to Ojo Caliente
Morning
Pack up Pagosa camp. Easy morning, short drive ahead.
10:00-12:30
Drive. ~2.5 hours through the Rio Grande valley. You are in New Mexico now. Home territory.
1:00-5:00
Long afternoon at Ojo Caliente. Try all four mineral springs. Soak in the iron pool, then the lithia, then the soda. Eat at the restaurant. This is your farewell-to-the-road soak.
Evening
Option A: Stay overnight at the resort or camp nearby and drive home tomorrow. Option B: Drive home tonight, 3-4 hours south, if you are ready. There is no wrong choice. You have been on the road for 32 days. Trust what your body wants.
Day 33: Wednesday, Nov 4 / Home
Morning
If you stayed at Ojo, one last morning soak. Then drive south to home.
Afternoon
Arrive home. Unpack the car. Take a long shower. Sleep in your own bed. Start planning the next one.
There are two kinds of days on this trip. Here is how each one flows:
Driving Day Rhythm
7:30-8:30
Wake naturally. Tea, simple breakfast. No rush.
8:30-10:00
Pack up camp. Top off gas and water if needed.
10:00-2:00
Drive. 4-6 hours max. Pull over for scenic stops. Listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Stop for a real lunch midway: do not power through.
2:00-3:30
Arrive and set up camp. Scout the spot. If it does not feel right, drive to the next option. You have time.
3:30-5:00
Decompress. Snack. Walk around your new home. Optional short soak if a spring is close by.
5:00-6:30
Easy dinner. Nothing elaborate: you drove today.
Evening
Read, stargaze, early bed. Your body needs rest after driving.
Rest / Soak Day Rhythm
No alarm
Wake when your body wakes. Tea outside. Sit with the quiet.
Morning
Breakfast at camp. Read a chapter or two. Drive to the day's hot spring.
10:00-12:00
First soak. 45-90 minutes. Bring your book. Hydrate well.
Midday
Lunch. Shade. Rest. Choose your own adventure: second spring, short walk, nap, or nothing at all.
Afternoon
Second soak or continue resting at camp. The 3-5 PM window is often magical: fewer people, better light.
Evening
Warm dinner. Stargazing. Book by headlamp. Sleep deep.
The golden rule of this trip: If any part of the day's plan feels like a chore, skip it. The hot springs will be there tomorrow. The only things on the mandatory list are hydration and food. Everything else is optional.
Car Camping Setup for Hot Springs Travel
Sleep System
Sleeping pad or air mattress sized for your vehicle. Sleeping bag rated to 15-20F for October mountain nights. Pillow from home. Window shades or curtains for privacy and temperature control. A wool blanket as backup warmth.
Hot Springs Kit
3 quick-dry towels. Swimsuit and water shoes for rocky pools. Waterproof dry bag for book and phone. Insulated water bottle: you dehydrate fast while soaking. Headlamp for pre-dawn or evening soaks. Warm robe or puffy jacket for the walk back to the car in cold air.
Kitchen
Single-burner camp stove and fuel. One pot, one pan. Simple utensil set. Cooler with ice. Shelf-stable staples: oatmeal, pasta, canned soup, bread, peanut butter, trail mix, tea.
Safety Essentials
Bear spray. First aid kit. Paper maps of national forests. Extra water in a 5-gallon jug. Jumper cables or battery pack. Basic tool kit. Tire chains for mountain passes in late October.
Comfort Items
2-3 books in paperback. Camp chair. Small folding table. Headlamp with red-light mode. Ear plugs. Layers: it can be 60F at the desert springs and 20F in the mountain camps on the same trip.
Vehicle Prep
Fresh oil change. Check tires including spare. Top off all fluids. Good ground clearance helps on forest roads. Keep gas above half-tank in remote stretches. Carry tire chains for Wolf Creek Pass and other high passes.
Camp Selection Rules
Arrive by 2-3 PM. Always. This gives you 3-4 hours of daylight to find a spot, assess it, and move if needed. In late October, sunset is around 6:15-6:30 PM. By early November, sunset moves closer to 5:45 PM.
Look for: Flat ground. Established fire rings. Clear sight lines. Not directly on a road. Close enough to your vehicle to access it quickly.
Red flags to move on: Excessive trash. Fresh bear sign in Idaho/Montana segments. Too close to water sources. No cell service AND no other campers within shouting distance. Gut feeling says no: trust it.
Car camping advantage: Your vehicle is your bear-proof food locker and your emergency shelter. Lock all food inside at night. Sleep with keys accessible.
Hydrate constantly. Hot water dehydrates you faster than you realize. Drink water before, during, and after every soak. Bring a full water bottle to every spring.
Leave No Trace. Pack out everything you bring in. Many primitive springs have no trash cans. Bring a small trash bag.
Share the soak. If a pool is small and others are waiting, a general courtesy is to soak for about an hour before rotating out.
Respect clothing-optional norms. Many wild springs are clothing-optional. If in doubt, follow the lead of whoever is already there.
Protect the springs. No soap, shampoo, or sunscreen in natural pools. Do not move rocks that form pool walls. Do not bring glass containers.
Gas: ~3,200 miles at ~22 MPG = ~145 gallons. At $3.50-$4.00/gallon = ~$500-$580.
Hot springs fees: Many are free. Budget for developed ones: Cougar, Belknap, Chico, Norris, Bozeman, Glenwood Pool, Iron Mountain, Yampah Caves, Pagosa Springs Resort, Overlook, Ojo Caliente, plus day-use fees at Kirkham and Alvord = ~$350-$450 total.
Camping: Heavy on free dispersed camping. A few USFS campgrounds at $10-$20/night. One or two nights at developed campgrounds. Budget ~$150-$250 total.
Food: Mostly cooking at camp. Budget $20-$30/day with occasional town meals. 33 days = ~$660-$990.
Miscellaneous: Bear spray, ice, laundry, town treats, restaurant meals, bookstore stops, tea shops, resupply runs, and incidentals = ~$500.
Emergency fund: Set aside $800 for vehicle repairs, tire puncture, tow truck, or unexpected mechanical issues. You will be on remote forest roads and mountain passes for 33 days. AAA membership or roadside assistance coverage is also strongly recommended.
Estimated total: $2,960-$3,570 for 33 days. That is about $90-$108/day for one of the best road trips in North America.
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