In Almo, Idaho, close to the City of Rocks National Reserve, you can find the small but family-friendly Durfee Hot Springs. This hot mineral water facility in southern Idaho is home to outdoor thermal pools enveloped by breathtaking natural beauty.
Tourists worldwide go to Almo to bathe in the hot spring and swim in its crystal-clear waters. The waters are only open to day users. There are no accommodations on site, but there is a gift shop in the main office, and visitors can rent towels if they don’t bring one.
History
While the Durfee pools may seem ordinary at first glance, they have been in service for four generations. It was opened to the public in the 1920s, underwent renovations, and was relaunched in 2005.
Before the original pool was developed, the warm water boiled up from sources in the meadowlands nearby. In the early 20th century, pebbles and sand were at the pool’s base, and a high board fence and separate locker rooms for men and women were built later on.
The hot springs are now owned and run by Jackie Durfee Henson and her husband, Larry. They are direct descendants of the first Durfees.
Natural Hot Spring Pools
Durfee Hot Springs has four natural hot spring pools, including two spring-fed hot tubs, each measuring 15 by 30 feet in area and about 4 feet deep. One of these two pools has a partial roof that provides a sunshade to help avoid getting burned while soaking.
There is also a 10-by-20-foot kids’ pool that only goes 2 feet deep and is ideal for little ones. The biggest swimming pool at the hot springs is 50′ x 50′ and has a small basketball hoop on one of the edges.
The water at the springs is about 104 °F, and wearing clothes is mandatory. Clean mineral water continuously circulates around the pools, making it unnecessary to treat it with chemicals.
Camping
While camping at the springs isn’t permitted, there’s a nice RV and campground just one mile south of the pools. City of Rocks Camp and Climb is a great place to pitch a tent or trailer for a day or two and has year-round availability.
Details
Address: 2798 S Elba Almo Rd, Almo, Idaho 83312
Phone: 208-824-5701
Season: Year-round
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 4 – 10 pm
Website: durfeehotsprings.com
Mountain Village Resort – Stanley, Idaho