It’s been almost two years since my wife and I had a romantic adventure in Lava Hot Springs for our anniversary. While soaking in the odorless hot pools in June, we agreed we really had to experience it in winter.  Idaho’s Lava Hot Springs has heated sidewalks and heated dressing room floors to keep you comfortable during the cold winter months. The five pools range in temperature from 105 to 115 degrees.

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ― Maya Angelou

At the end of 2017, Recreate In Utah ran an article promoting a “Winter Bucket List”.  We included Lava Hot Springs in that list. From Utah’s Wasatch Front, it’s an easy day trip; a two-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Utah and just ten minutes off of I-15.  There are also many places to choose from for lodging if you’d like to make it an overnighter; several within walking distance of the pools.  

It’s About Time

One of daughters lives in Idaho Falls, ID. Heading up to help them move; we decided the time was right to check out glorious Lava Hot Springs in the winter.  Like Utah, it’s been an unusually light snow year in the Lava area. There wasn’t as much snow on the ground as I had hoped, although they did get a good snowstorm the weekend after we were there.  As the sun started to set, the air temperature dropped, causing more and more steam to rise from the hot pools. That was what I had come to see, more snow would have been a bonus.  Two hours in the pools talking to people from all around the west was so indescribably relaxing and rejuvenating!  We learned a great deal about many other nearby places to visit and tested all of the pools, even the hottest one.  I have a feeling there will be more adventures from this area to write about in the near future!

Are we hungry yet?

After our soak it was time to eat. We had eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner at the ChuckWagon Family Restaurant during previous visits. We knew that was where we were going to refuel our bodies and continue to decompress our minds as we ate good food and listened to classic hits from years gone by. The ChuckWagon is most famous for their steaks and scones.  It’s welcoming and within walking distance from the hot pools. We both ordered sirloin steak with all the fixin’s.  They were cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. The scones were out of this world with fresh honey butter and homemade raspberry jam. It’s obvious this is a favorite place for the locals and that’s always a good bet.

More Adventure

Other winter activities available in Lava Hot Springs include snowshoeing at Baker Ranch.  If you’re there on a weekend, Lava Zipline and Ropes Course is a great adventure and open all winter long but only on weekends.

Whether you’ve just got one day or a whole weekend, Lava Hot Springs makes a great getaway for couples and families.  In fact, we’re hoping to convince our extended family to plan the next family reunion at Lava Hot Springs!