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The Hot Springs of Montana Provide Relaxation & Gorgeous Views

Montana is home to over 50 hot springs and visitors flock to the area in droves to enjoy the experience and a relaxing soak in a majestic mountain setting.

Thermal springs occur naturally when rainwater and snow seep deep into the earth. The heated water runoff from the Montana mountains rises back to the surface and combines with river water or pools. This water creates what is most commonly known as a hot spring, or as I like to think of it: a luxurious natural hot tub!

With several hot springs to choose from throughout the state of Montana, there’s bound to be one that suits your needs perfectly. This list of 15 tranquil and gorgeous hot springs in Montana will help you choose your next relaxing adventure with Big Sky Country scenery as your lavish backdrop.

The Boiling River 

Near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, lies the Boiling River. At this unique Montana hot springs location, the hot springs intermingle with cold river water from Gardner River, thus resulting in the “boiling river.”

Visitors coming to this hot spring in Montana will find it right by the 45th parallel bridge. From there, it’s a short hike down a trail trail that leads to the Boiling River where you’ll be rewarded with a steaming soak and fun atmosphere. This is a popular local hang-out, too, so you’ll no doubt feel like you’re getting the true Montanan experience!

Norris Hot Springs

Norris Hot Springs is an affordable option for those looking for a relaxed vibe in the Madison River Valley. With temperatures that can get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the hot mineral springs provide a year-round respite from a long day’s hike.

One unique component to the hot springs pool is the original gate valve that dates back to the late 1800s. Installed by miners, it speaks of the rich history of the region.  

This eco-friendly site is a popular venue for music festivals, too, with limited RV and tent camping.

Bozeman Hot Springs 

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One of the most popular hot springs in Montana is Bozeman Hot Springs. It offers guests 12 pools ranging in temperature from 59 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools feature sodium, silica, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, and sulfate minerals, while the outdoor pools also are chlorinated.

These mineral spring locations aren’t just some pools out in the middle of nature; instead a whole complex has been built around these blissful pools and you’ll feel like you’re at a spa resort as you float around in the water. Bozeman Mineral Springs even offers water aerobics, morning lap swims, and birthday parties.

Bozeman Hot Springs is located eight miles west of the city of Bozeman and is an easy drive from both Big Sky Resort and West Yellowstone.

With both indoor and outdoor springs, lockers, and two types of sauna, Bozeman Mineral Springs is an ideal family destination, plus it has campsites for RVs and cabins available to rent. Guests staying overnight by the springs can enjoy a nightly campfire, live music on the weekends and complimentary breakfasts. Bozeman Hot Springs is a no-alcohol facility.

Lolo Hot Springs Resort

A fun family-friendly hot spring in Montana is located in the Lolo National Forest. Lolo Hot Springs is about a half-hour from Missoula and offers hiking, fishing, and crystal mining. With a mix of 80 tent camping and RV sites, it is the perfect family vacation destination. The natural mineral hot springs pools are a huge draw, of course, but the camping, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling trails also bring families from all over. 

But back to those hot springs. At the Lolo Hot Springs Resort, you’ll find both an indoor and outdoor mineral pool. They range in temperature from 102 to 106 degrees and are available to use year-round.

Elkhorn Hotsprings

Elkhorn Hotsprings is a lodging facility in southwest Montana, located in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest near Polaris, Montana. The year-round hot springs are on a resort property that offers two pools, a Grecian sauna, a fitness center, and an onsite restaurant.

You’ll relax in the pools, which range from 92 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, while surrounded by towering pine trees and mountain scenery.

Elkhorn Hot Springs are the perfect place to head after a day skiing, which many people do at nearby Maverick Mountain, a ski resort that offers both downhill and cross-country skiing as well as snowmobiling.

Day passes are available for the Elkhorn Hotsprings. If you choose to stay at one of the cabins or at the lodge, you’ll have access to unlimited hot springs soaking throughout the length of your stay. 

Boulder Inn and Bed & Breakfast

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Boulder Hot Springs Inn is a bed & breakfast historic inn that is on the national registrar of historic sites. Boulder Hot Springs Inn is also home to a number of geothermal experiences.

The property has an outdoor mineral pool, indoor mineral plunge pools, and mineral steam rooms.

Boulder Hot Springs Inn puts an emphasis on organic food and healthy living. Because of this, no alcohol or smoking is permitted onsite.

The resort also has adjacent hiking trails, wildlife, and nature viewing as well as a spa facility offering massages and other spa treatments. Boulder hot springs is the perfect location for a couples getaway, family reunion, or wedding party. Guests wishing to soak in the pools also may do so by purchasing a day pass.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

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A popular family vacation destination, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is a hit with families thanks to a massive, swirling waterslide that ends in the outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. There are also two tranquil soaking tubs while the indoor swimming pool is ideal for inclement weather.

While this is a great resort for families with children thanks to the water features and other organized children’s activities, the an onsite spa, golf course, and delicious restaurants and bars make it ideal for all ages.

Also, some guests may appreciate that the hot springs here do not have the typical sulfur smell. Fairmont Hot Springs contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium vs. sulfur, making them less strong-smelling than their counterparts.

Chico Hot Springs

Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa is a year-round hot spring destination in Pray, Montana, located right in the heart of the beautiful Paradise Valley. It is a popular convention resort with fine dining, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, river rafting, and — of course — a day spa featuring hot springs.

The two mineral pools are free of charge to those staying at the resort and are also accessible for travelers passing through who just want a day pass.

The history of Chico Hot Springs goes back to the late 1800s when gold miners would visit the springs after a long, grimy day in the mines.

Also making Chico Hot Springs a must-visit destination for guests with varied interests and expectations is that it’s close to Yellowstone National Park’s xx entrance.

Symes Hot Springs

Located in the foothills of the Cabinet Mountains just a few miles from Missoula, Montana, Symes Hot Springs Hotel has three mineral pools on site. The 31-room hotel and 15 nearby cabins and apartments allow guests access to all three spring-fed pools. Day passes are also available.

Massages can be booked at the day spa and guests can enjoy hiking trails and activities in town. These hot springs were even mentioned in the book Healing Springs: the Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters.  

Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort

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Paradise, Montana is home to Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. With six hot springs pools to enjoy, guests will enjoy the many options for taking advantage of some thermal water therapy. Whether staying in one of the cabins or in the historic lodge, guests will have access to a casino, tavern, and upscale restaurant.

Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is nestled in a canyon with majestic mountain views on the banks of the Clark Fork River. It’s a great spot for couples and friends.

If just visiting for the day, it is advised to call ahead to make a swim appointment as space is limited.

Spa Hot Springs Motel 

White Sulphur Springs is home to Spa Hot Springs Motel. Unassuming accommodations provide a relaxing, understated environment. Guests are able to simply enjoy nature and the two outdoor mineral pools while the indoor pool is perfect in winter. The outdoor pools are framed by beautifully painted murals.

Spa Hot Springs Motel is a budget-friendly lodging for travelers seeking a no-fuss, peaceful hot springs experience.

Enjoy the Therapeutic Qualities of Montana’s Hot Springs

For years, Montana hot springs have been utilized for healing and pain relief. Native Americans, miners, and early homesteaders in Montana used the springs as a welcomed respite from difficult physical work. Today, visitors from all over the world come to the hot springs to experience their healing powers and relish in the beauty of Big Sky Country — and now you can, too, at one of these best hot springs in Montana. Include one (or several!) in your Montana trip itinerary for a relaxing break in your Big Sky explorations.

Best Montana Ski Resorts for Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing

If you’ve considered skiing in Montana, the state boasts favorable conditions throughout the winter months. This, coupled with mountainous terrain and majestic summits make it the best state for skiing in the country. While many vacationers head to warmer climates during the colder months, winter weather fans delight in Rocky Mountain snowy terrain. 

Countless resorts, deep snow, and opportunities for tubing, skiing, and snowboarding make Montana a must-visit for ski fans the world over. Celebrities like Tom Brady, Justin Timberlake, and Celine Dion flock to Montana for its abundant outdoor recreation. Featuring acres of terrain to carve, Montana’s ski runs are unparalleled. See why the Treasure State beckons powder enthusiasts with a variety of slopes and trails. 

Montana’s Best Downhill Skiing 

Alpine skiing or downhill skiing as its best known is a fun, recreational sport practiced by over 11 million people nationwide. The Rocky Mountains of Montana provide some of the best skiing in the country. The following downhill ski areas and cross-country meadows throughout the state will delight even the most discriminating outdoor enthusiast.

Big Sky Resort

Located between Bozeman and Yellowstone, Big Sky Resort is in southwestern Montana. With 300 trails and 22 lifts across 5,800 acres, Big Sky Resort boasts terrain that appeals to all levels. Beginner to advanced skiers will find the perfect trail. One of the most popular resorts, Big Sky continually receives tops ratings. Whether it’s the spectacular views, variety of trails, amenities, and atmosphere, it is a must-visit if traveling to Montana for a ski trip. 

Discovery Ski Area

With 40 trails across 380 acres, Discovery Ski Area is centrally located between Missoula, Butte, and Helena. Low wait times, powder bowls and a 1300-foot vertical drop provide skiers with a variety of beginner and intermediate runs. Ideal alpine skiing awaits at this ski area in Philipsburg, Montana.

Whitefish Mountain

With 105 runs and an annual snowfall of 333 inches, Whitefish Mountain provides skiers with a variety of trails for all levels. Waits are made shorter will 11 lifts, two T-bars and a magic carpet conveyer belt to bring skiers to their desired trail.

Great Divide Ski Area

The Great Divide Ski Area boasts the least inexpensive lift ticket in the region. With 10 trails, 6 terrain parks, and night skiing and live musing, it is an ideal resort for groups and families. Visitors looking to start skiing early in the season, flock to this ski area near the Continental Divide adjacent to Helena, MT. It is usually the first ski area in Montana to open each season.

Red Lodge Mountain Resort

This full-service resort includes 70 runs across two mountain summits. Beginners and veterans alike will appreciate the variety of slopes. Rentals, lessons, a repair shop and dining options abound at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. For unpretentious skiing, Red Lodge Mountain offers a simple, fun skiing experience with low wait times and few crowds.

Montana Snowbowl

Montana Snowbowl is home to a three-mile trail called Paradise as well as a steep 2,000-foot drop named Grizzly. With over 950 acres of trails and runs, Montana Snowbowl is better suited to veteran skiers with more experience than beginners. Just a short drive from Missoula, Snowbowl is located in the Lolo National Forest. 

Blacktail Mountain 

Nestled among the national forest, Blacktail Mountain offers 24 runs across 200 acres. Overlooking the small Montana town of Lakeside, Blacktail Mountain is at an elevation that receives 250 inches of snowfall per year. Located on the western side of Flathead Lake in the Flathead National Forest, Blacktail Mountain offers top-notch lodge and amenities.

Cross-Country Skiing in Montana 

Winter outdoors enthusiasts interested in a more social experience that allows them to get out in nature and enjoy the sights may appreciate cross-country skiing. Nordic skiing, often for exercise or transportation is also a popular recreation activity. With an abundance of open meadows and rolling hills, Montana is an ideal setting for cross-country skiing. 

Silver Crest Cross Country and Snowshoe Area

This recreation area features over 200 miles of trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Spend some time taking in the sights while meandering through the groomed trails. Located near the Kings Hill Recreation Area, Silver Crest Ski Trail is a great choice for recreationists seeking options.   

Lone Mountain Ranch Cross-Country Ski Trails 

Lone Mountain Ranch offers cabins for overnight stays that include meals, a trail pass and a variety of evening programs. Cross-Country skiers will enjoy quality groomed ski trails and skating lanes. Visitors looking to snowshoe will also find ample, quality trails here as well. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, many visitors head to nearby Big Sky Resort while visiting Lone Mountain Ranch.  

Mount Haggin Nordic Ski Area 

Located on state land groomed by local volunteers, Mount Haggin offers over 15 miles of ski trails. Six miles of these trails are designated for cross-country skiing. Winding through historic logic camps surrounded by majestic mountain vistas, skiers of all levels will appreciate this ski area. Overlooking Anaconda, Montana, Mount Haggin is a BLM site under the jurisdiction of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center

Located just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Bozeman, Montana, Bohart Ranch features secluded wilderness for nature-minded cross-country skiers. The ski center offers lessons for all levels as well as one-on-one instruction clinics. Trails span for 18 miles and offering opportunities for skiers of all ages and expertise levels.

Homestake Lodge Cross-Country Ski Center

Near Butte, Homestake Lodge offers cross-country skiing along flat open meadows. Visitors stay at the rustic lodge or adjacent cabins and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Spend time plowing through the rolling meadows among the forests and ponds. Homestake offers an evening ski loop, full-service ski shop and even a few dog-friendly trails. A variety of climbs, hills and flat, open meadows make this a great option for families with varying cross-country preferences. 

With short wait times to be found, countless trails and an abundance of snowfall, Big Sky country is the best skiing destination for skiers of all levels.

Bear Spray may seem like a frivolous purchase – after all, most people visiting the national parks of America WANT to see a bear and likely won’t see one. However, most people also want to see that bear from the safety of their car or a well-trafficked lookout point. They don’t want to suddenly encounter a bear wandering the same trail as them – and that’s where bear spray can save a life.

For those of us who call Montana home, bear spray isn’t just a “good idea” product. It’s a necessity. Both for you and the bear. A bear that attacks because it feels threatened by a human in its domain (and make no mistake; if you enter bear country, you are the one in the bear’s domain) will likely be put down even if it wasn’t the bear’s fault.

Since many species of bears are on the endangered list, this is problematic. As more people visit the National Parks each year, such as Yellowstone and Glacier where bears are prevalent, it is important to learn how to keep them and us safe. Bear spray is a huge help for this.

The best bear sprays are instrumental in helping to ward off an attack of a charging bear. The bear sprays are made with a painfully hot concoction that is similar to mace, but even stronger. When sprayed at a bear, it will typically stop a bear in its tracks as it infiltrates its eyes, nose, and mouth, and hopefully send it back the other way.

How Bear Spray Works

Bear Spray uses capsaicinoids, a chemical typically found in pepper spray, but on a much smaller level. In bear spray, typically the highest amount legally permitted are included in the concoction. This liquid is then pressurized in a can so it can be released powerfully and reach a charging bear before it’s upon you. Bears can travel up to 35 miles per hour, so the sooner the sting of the spray reaches the bear, the better.

Bear Spray vs. Hunting Rifle vs. Bear Bells

For those who think if they are hiking with a hunting rifle or gun, and therefore don’t need bear spray, think again.

Even a gun isn’t necessarily going to protect you from a bear attack.

For starters, you need to be extremely confident in your shooting abilities and that you can stay calm under the pressure of a charging grizzly bear and get a shot that will actually slow down a 300+ pound angry bear. Even if you hit the bear, it may just make the bear more aggressive if it doesn’t fatally wound the animal.

Second, if you shoot and kill a grizzly bear, you need to be able to prove that your life was in immediate danger and will likely undergo an investigation. It is a crime to kill a grizzly bear since they are a protected species.

Third, studies have shown that using a gun on a charging bear is only about 50% effective, while using the best bear spray is 92% effective. Using bear spray not only helps the chances of having an attack deterred and therefore saving your life, but it also saves the bear’s life.

As for bear bells, they can help to be a deterrent during certain times of year (so can singing and talking loudly), but there are also reports of bear bells attracting bears because they’re starting to learn where there are humans there are usually pieces of trash and food left behind. (At Travel Montana Now, we heavily believe in the Leave No Trace philosophy – you can find out more here.)

So now that you know why Bear Spray is so important, whether you’re exploring the Bear Country of Montana or another region where you have the chance of encountering a bear, let’s get to which bear sprays are considered the best.

The Best Bear Sprays You Can Get

The best bear sprays are all EPA approved, so we have only included ones that fit this description.

Counter Assault

In addition to being effective, many consider Counter Assault to be the best bear spray brand due to its innovation and longtime dedication to being environmentally friendly. It was first developed in the 1980s in conjunction with professors from the University of Montana – Missoula. In 1998 the spray was given the US Environmental Protection Agency registration.  One negative is it doesn’t come with its own holster, but you can purchase the Bear Spray Neoprene Holster, which will help it to be secure and ready for action.

This spray holder keeps your bear spray in easy reach without being cumbersome. It’s made by Counter Assault and fits both size bottles by Counter Assault, which includes a 10.2 ounce canister that can spray 40 feet for 8 seconds and an 8.1 ounce canister that can spray 32 feet away for 7 seconds. The canisters come with a nylon belt holder, but the above holder is more secure if you’re doing any jogging or strenuous hiking. Shelf life is four years. Also, it’s made in Montana!

Sabre Frontiersman

Sabre Frontiersman is EPA certified and made in the USA. It has a canister size of 7.9 oz. and can fire up to 30 feet.

Helping to make this one of the best bear sprays is that it comes with a holster that can be secured around your waist for easy access and an easy to use canister that can be quickly deployed while also being secure from accidental use or leaks.

UDAP

The UDAP bear spray was actually developed by a bear attack survivor. The UDAP bear spray uses a Pepper Power Fogger technology to quickly disperse the spray. UDAP can shoot up to 30 feet. UDAP has a couple different holster options you can choose from, including a camo-colored one and one featuring its Griz Guard logo.

Guard Alaska

This bear spray is the only one that is EPA certified to be used on all bear species. The canister is 9.1 ounces and will spray a distance of 15 to 20 feet. The Alaska Guard bear spray also comes with a nylon holster that has a Velcro closure. 

Practice Bear Spray

If you’re still feeling weary about possible encountering a bear even with bear spray in tow, there is also a canister of practice bear spray you can get at a much lower price. Frontiersman created this so you can practice in the safety of your backyard (or park – there are no chemicals in this water-based spray) how to quickly take the bear spray canister from your holster, undo the safety latch and quickly spray it in the direction you want.

Bear Spray can be affected by the wind, so it’s wise to practice with bear spray in different wind conditions so you understand what happens to the spray in cross-winds, frontal winds, and winds at your back. Then when hiking, be cognizant of which ways the wind is blowing so you’re prepared if a bear suddenly charges.

Pros: Will give you additional peace of mind for your bear country vacation. Will help you to be more prepared should you encounter a bear in the wild. 

Cons: Still a bit expensive and only comes with one, meaning you may want to purchase multiple quantities in order to properly practice.

A Few More Tips for Using Bear Spray

Before each trip into bear country, be sure to check your bear spray and make sure it hasn’t expired. Also, be wary of keeping it in a hot car or direct sunlight – bear spray can explode if it reaches temps of 120 degrees and higher.

Don’t keep your bear spray in your daypack. Bears are much faster than they look and if one starts running toward you, you likely won’t have time to get the spray out of your daypack before the bear is upon you.

Where to Buy Bear Spray

If driving to your hiking or outdoor adventures destination, make things convenient by ordering some Bear Spray online (as we made easy for you to do above).

If flying, you won’t be able to bring bear spray since it is not permitted even in checked luggage. In that case, you should purchase it upon landing. Do some research beforehand to find out where you can get it in your destination before you arrive so you don’t waste time.

If traveling to Yellowstone National Park, you can purchase some at certain Yellowstone Forever Park Stores. Call before arriving to make sure the one you’re planning on stopping at has bear spray. In Glacier National Park, you can usually find bear spray being sold at a good value at the Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Company store in West Glacier.

In both the areas around Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, you should also be able to find bear spray at most sporting good stores and other businesses catering to park visitors. We’ve even seen it sold at Costco!