Elkhorn Hot Springs
95–104°F
Pool temperatures
Drive-up
Easy access
Paid
Fees apply
Elkhorn Hot Springs is a family lodge in the Pioneer Mountains with an upper soaking pool at about 95-104F, a cooler swimming pool and a sauna. It has been open to day visitors for decades. All operations were suspended in August 2026 when the Sand Creek Fire came within a mile of the lodge, and reopening was unconfirmed at last check.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyTent camping and cabins are offered at the lodge.
- Lodging & parking
- Pools2 pools (soaking and swimming) plus a sauna
- HoursSummer daily 8am to 10pm (11pm Friday and Saturday). Winter: hot springs Wednesday 4pm to 9pm, resort Thursday to Sunday 8am to 10pm.
- Good for kids
- SeasonReached by the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, which was closed by the 2026 Sand Creek Fire. Winter hours are reduced.
- FeesDay-use fee varies by source and season: about $7 adult and $5 child (ages 4-15) in one listing, $10 adult and $7 child in winter in another. Operator's site is under construction, so confirm by phone.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
Closed
The Sand Creek Fire (35,520 acres, 83% contained) reaches this spring. Expect closures. The Bobcat Lakes Fire (10,896 acres, 95% contained) is 15 km away. Roads and trails nearby may be closed.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
Evacuation GO order issued 8 August 2026 for Elkhorn Hot Springs due to the Sand Creek Fire; the lodge was not damaged and the operator suspended all operations. Byway closed as of early September 2026; no reopening confirmed (checked 2026-10-18).
Active wildfire area in 2026, and the access road has been closed. Upper pool up to 104F, sauna 104-106F. No official amoeba or bacteria advisory found.
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New closures, reopenings and new states, about once a month. No spam.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Polaris.
- 1
About 40 miles northwest of Dillon on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway to 339 Hot Springs Road, Polaris.
- 2
Check byway status first.
45.4580, −113.1090 · nearest town Polaris, MT
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Make a night of it. Places to stay near Polaris, from campgrounds to cabins.
If you book through these links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects what we list or how.
Checked against 5 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- elkhornhotsprings.com (fire suspension)
- nbcmontana.com (evacuation and fire)
- deeparrival.com (byway closure)
- hotspringsguides.com (temps, hours, lodging)
- hotspringslocator.com (day use prices)
