Banbury Hot Springs
Buhl, Idaho
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- hot spring
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $12.72
- SEASON
- Spring
About Banbury Hot Springs
Banbury Hot Springs is a longtime (since 1920) developed geothermal resort on Banbury Road north of Buhl, Idaho, in the Hagerman Valley near the Snake River and the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Natural artesian mineral water emerges at about 138F and is cooled into a large outdoor swimming pool and several private soaking tubs, a geothermal take on the swimming hole and one of the warmer places to swim in the Hagerman Valley.
The resort sits in Idaho's Hagerman Valley along the Snake River corridor, part of the Thousand Springs region known for numerous geothermal and cold springs emerging from canyon walls; the property includes shaded grassy picnic grounds alongside the pool and camping areas.
Swimming at Banbury Hot Springs
Swimming happens in a large (120 by 60 foot) outdoor pool filled with naturally heated artesian mineral water cooled from its 138F source temperature down to roughly 89-102F (sources vary slightly, 89-95F per one listing), described as alkaline (pH ~9.6) mineral water suited to family swimming and relaxed laps, with a diving board at the deep end; five separate enclosed soaking rooms/private baths let guests adjust temperature individually for a quieter soak rather than open swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Twin Falls, take US-30 west roughly 30 miles toward Buhl/Hagerman, then follow River Road and Banbury Road to the resort at 1128 Banbury Rd, Buhl, ID, about 11 miles northwest of Buhl on the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway between Hagerman and Buhl.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up developed resort -- the pool and soaking rooms sit adjacent to the property/parking with no trail needed. The adjacent attraction, Blue Heart Springs on the Snake River, is reached by kayak or paddleboard (about 1.5 miles downriver from the launch dock, roughly 45-60 minutes paddling each way per Banbury Adventures), not by foot.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Large (120x60 ft) developed outdoor pool with warm 89-102F alkaline (pH ~9.6) mineral water is generally family-oriented per official/tourism listings, but there is a diving board at the deep end and no source confirms lifeguard presence, water depth grading, or entry steps, so supervise kids closely, especially near the deep end.
Restrooms
Yes
On-site restrooms with changing facilities, per hotspringslocator.com and consistent with the resort's developed-facility amenities (snack bar, picnic areas).
Hours
Sources disagree slightly: the operator's own site (banburyhotsprings.com) lists Monday-Saturday 10:30am-9:30pm, closed Sunday, reservation only; a third-party tourism listing (visitsouthidaho.com) lists Monday & Wednesday-Saturday 10am-8pm, closed Sunday and Tuesday. Likely reflects seasonal variation; call ahead to confirm.
On the water
Restrictions: Idaho law requires life jackets on the water, mandatory for anyone under 14 (jackets provided at the dock); the on-site pontoon boat option is guided-tour only, not a self-drive rental; pets are allowed on kayaks and grounds but excluded from the pool areas.
Watercraft use here is specifically for paddling to Blue Heart Springs on the Snake River via the on-site outfitter, not general boating on the resort's swimming pool.
Rentals nearby
Single and double kayaks, inflatable stand-up paddle boards (each with room for a small cooler/bags), and guided pontoon boat tours to Blue Heart Springs
Located on-site at Banbury Hot Springs, 1128 Banbury Rd, Buhl, ID; launch dock for the ~1.5-mile paddle to Blue Heart Springs
Backstory
The resort states it has operated since 1920 ("100-year-old geothermal hot springs resort"), drawing on naturally occurring artesian mineral water in the Hagerman Valley/Thousand Springs area.
Banbury Hot Springs: FAQ
Does Banbury Hot Springs charge a fee?
Paid admission required (reported as approximately $12.72 for adults and $8.48 for children/seniors on a third-party tourism listing); the resort's own site requires reservations rather than posting walk-up pricing, so exact current rates are not independently confirmed.
Is Banbury Hot Springs kid friendly?
Large (120x60 ft) developed outdoor pool with warm 89-102F alkaline (pH ~9.6) mineral water is generally family-oriented per official/tourism listings, but there is a diving board at the deep end and no source confirms lifeguard presence, water depth grading, or entry steps, so supervise kids closely, especially near the deep end.
Do I need to hike to reach Banbury Hot Springs?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Banbury Hot Springs?
Watercraft use here is specifically for paddling to Blue Heart Springs on the Snake River via the on-site outfitter, not general boating on the resort's swimming pool.
When is the best time to visit Banbury Hot Springs?
Described as operating in a spring/seasonal schedule per the official site; camping and pool use are geared toward warm-weather visitation typical of southern Idaho hot springs resorts.
What are the rules at Banbury Hot Springs?
Access is by reservation only; the facility is closed Sundays, and one source lists it also closed Tuesdays, while the operator's own site lists Monday-Saturday hours -- hours may vary seasonally.
