Wild Rose Hot Spring, a hot spring hidden right off of Highway 20 near Craters of the Moon National Monument. Passed daily by loads of people, Wild Rose Hot Spring is a secret oasis for those looking for a quick soak.
I mean, come on… soaking in a hot spring inside a lava bed.. talk about dreamy!
Wild Rose Hot Spring, also known as Carey Hot Springs or Milford Hot Springs, is on private land that is open to the public. So before you read on, please make a deal with us.
If you choose to continue reading this post, you are agreeing to leave Wild Rose Hot Spring better than you found it. This includes agreeing to the following basic ideas…
- Pack out all trash you bring with you. Better yet, pack out trash someone else left behind.
- Do not use the bathroom in or around the hot springs. Go across the road if you really need to pee.
- Absolutely no glass. Broken glass and a hot spring do not mix.
- Be respectful of other visitors. This includes no loud music or partying.
- Keep your pets out of the water.
READ MORE | Hot Spring Etiquette For Any And All Hot Spring Visitors
Agree?! Good, Let’s Move On
Alright, you agree to it all… let’s get back to the Wild Rose Hot Spring. This hot spring sits just a minute’s walk away from a busy highway, yet offers a surprisingly relaxing soak.
The hot spring pool is down in the lava beds, putting soakers below the level of the road. Which helps tremendously with road noise going right over your head.. literally!
And speaking of the lava beds, you really are sitting right in them. Be careful getting into the hot spring can be slippery, while at the same time, some spots are super sharp and can cut you!
On the other hand, the ground of the hot spring is perfect little pebbles! Truly a super unique hot spring experience!
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Soaking in the Mineral Water
Some believe that the mineral water of hot springs provides healing powers. And this hot spring is no different. Being a natural hot spring, with the water coming right out of the ground, it’s full of minerals that are good for your body!
Don’t worry though, unlike other hot springs, this hot spring near Craters of the Moon doesn’t smell bad!
And even better, the water is actually really clean! Leaving you feeling super refreshed after a nice soak!
Ready to book your flights to experience Wild Rose Hot Spring + Craters of the Moon National Monument? We recommend flying into Boise, then renting a car and driving to the hot spring.
Directions To Wild Rose Hot Springs
Wild Rose Hot Spring From Carey, Idaho
Driving from the highway junction in Carey, Idaho, Wild Rose or Milford Hot Spring is exactly 10 miles from town. Take the highway straight towards Craters of the Moon National Monument and at 10 miles in, you’ll find a pull-off on the left side of the road.
This pull-off is unmarked but is your gateway to the hot springs. The exact coordinates for the hot spring pull-off are 43.364077, -113.789443.
Again, this hot spring parking area is unmarked and has absolutely no facilities. Blink and you’ll miss it!
From Craters of the Moon National Monument
Leaving Craters of the Moon National Monument, take a left on Highway 20. You’ll drive on Highway 20 for 15 miles before the pull-off will be on the right side of the road.
Again, this is unmarked and you’ll pass it if you’re not paying close attention. The exact coordinates for the hot spring pull-off are 43.364077, -113.789443.
If visiting this hot spring after a day at Craters of the Moon National Monument, be sure to fill up your waters and use the restroom at the visitor center before dipping in Wild Rose Hot Spring.
Looking to camp in the area, but don’t have an RV? Check out RV Share below!
The “Hike” To Wild Rose Hot Spring
This secret hot spring near Craters of the Moon National Monument is only about a minute’s walk from the road.
Parking in the pullout, face the opposite way of the road. You’ll see a couple of trails leading down into what just looks like the lava beds. However, the secret hot spring is waiting.
There’s an initial steep slope to get you down below the road, and then it’s a relatively flat walk to the hot spring itself. Be careful of large lava rocks on the trail!
Once you get to the hot spring, there’s another steep spot that’s just stepping down the lava rocks, then across some wood, and right into the hot spring.
Be careful, as the steep sections can be super slippery, especially when wet!
Wild Rose Hot Springs FAQs
What Is The Temperature of Wild Rose Natural Hot Spring?
This natural hot spring is more of a warm spring. While we were in the hot spring, the temperature was at a solid 95 degrees.
However, that was closest to the source. The water is a bit cooler in some areas of the hot spring.
Is It Free to Visit (Wild Rose) Milford Hot Spring?
Yes. This is a free hot spring, although it is actually located on private land.
Please respect the land owners, and keep this place clean so it remains open for all.
How Big Is Wild Rose Hot Spring Pool?
There are two pools at this hot spring. One is really small and truly only enough space for one or two people. The other is huge and can feel like an actual heated swimming pool!
Does Wild Rose Hot Spring Smell?
No! Unlike sulfur hot springs that put off that boiled egg smell, Wild Rose doesn’t smell at all.
What Is There To Do Near Wild Rose Natural Hot Spring?
Just ten miles down the road is Craters of the Moon National Monument. Here, you’ll find multiple short and easy hikes that make you feel like you’re in a completely different world.
Stanley, Idaho is two hours north of Wild Rose Hot Spring. It’s home to some breathtaking views and epic hot springs.
READ MORE | 5 Hot Springs In Stanley, Idaho
READ MORE | Things to do in Stanley, Idaho
More EPIC Hot Springs in Idaho
Kirkham Hot Spring | read our guide here
This hot spring is a wild hot spring that has become a bit commercialized. It’s all-natural, though some times of the year there is a paid-for entry to the hot springs. We really enjoyed this hot spring, as it’s right along the river and there are multiple pools to soak in.
Boat Box Hot Spring | read our guide here
Stanley, Idaho has so many epic hot springs to enjoy. Boat Box is hands down the most famous of them all. It’s a super unique hot spring with the caldera bowl that you sit in while enjoying the super hot water!
Stanley Hot Springs | read about them all here
We created a complete guide to all the hot springs in Stanley, Idaho. They come with epic views and some super interesting and unique hot spring pools!
Recommended Things To Bring to the Hot Spring
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