Lolo Hot Springs is a year-round hot spring hidden in the middle of Lolo National Forest and perched atop Montana mountains. It boasts an indoor mineral pool, an outdoor swimming pool, RV hook-ups, campgrounds, a casino, a frisbee Folf course, and lots of forest trails.
Lolo has been a prominent soaking spot for over two centuries. In the early 1800s, it was frequented by the aboriginal people eager to soothe their aching bodies and harness the power of the healing waters.
Not that the natives were the only visitors, wildlife too got their mineral lick from the spring. Over the years, it became a recreational point for trappers, explorers, prospectors, sports athletes, and families.
Visitors today can bask in the same waters and enjoy an almost similar setting. Lolo is also laden with other services and activities. Hop onto a horse and explore the wildness of Big Sky Country. After the epic trail rides, gather your family around a bonfire and enjoy Montana’s night air.
Lolo Hot Springs Facilities
The hot springs feature two pools, the indoor mineral pool, and the outdoor swimming pool. The indoor pool sits in a wooden cabin and carries 102-106 degrees mineral waters. It’s 3.5 ft deep and approximately 20 x 24 ft in size.
Expect hints of sulfur odor in this hot plunge. The rustic, non-modern setting of the indoor hot pool might not appease everyone.
The outdoor plunge is a typical heated swimming pool maintained at about 80 degrees. It measures approximately 35 ft x 70 ft and has a 3-5 ft depth.
Expect traffic in these hot springs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Visitors can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the onsite restaurant. The menu features food such as:
- Nachos
- Hot wings
- Chips and salsa
- Eggs
- Taco salad
- Cheeseburger
- Rib steak
- Chicken Strips
- Fish & Chips
Live music and drinks are available at the saloon, while the casino caters to gambling needs.
Lolo Hot Springs has about 30 tent sites and 50 RV sites. The camping area doesn’t have paved walkways. On the campgrounds, you’ll find:
- Picnic tables
- Camp and bonfires
- Horseshoe pits
- Bathrooms and showers
- Tent sites
- RV sites
The cabins at Lolo are heated and pet friendly. Up to 6 people can sleep in the Deluxe Cabin, while the Economy Cabin sleeps three. The cabins have an old laid-back vibe that might not suit everyone.
Free pool passes and breakfast are available to anyone who rents a cabin.
Snowmobile rentals and over 350 miles of groomed sled trails await you at Lolo Hot Springs. Rentals are available for both single and double rider sleds. You also get a helmet and a tank of gas.
The snowmobile season at Lolo runs from December to March.
Hidalgo Trail Rides offers 6-hour horse rides across the Lolo National Forest. Full-day horse ride packages are inclusive of lunch and dinner.
Lolo Hot Springs is home to a free 18-hole Frolf Course. Although the course is free, you need to purchase Frolf discs at the onsite bar or restaurant.
Lolo Hot Springs Stats
- Size: 20 x 24 ft
- Depth: 3.5 ft
- Average temperature: 102-106 degrees
- Season: Year-round
- Price: Adults – $7, Seniors (over 55) – $6, Children (5-12) – $5, Tenting – $16 plus, RV Hookups – $24 plus
- Website: https://www.lolohotsprings.com
- Nearest town: Lolo
Getting There
Lolo Hot Springs sits to the southwest of Missoula.
From Lolo
- From Lolo, take Highway 12, and drive for 25 miles. The hot springs are located on either side of the highway.
- The distance from Lolo to Lolo Hot Springs is approximately 25 miles and takes about 30 minutes by car.
From Missoula
- Starting at Missoula, drive 10 miles on Highway 93 South to Lolo. Turn right onto Highway 12 West and head straight for 25 miles. You should see Lolo Hot Springs on both sides of the road.
- Lolo Hot Springs is approximately 35 miles away from Missoula. You should cover this distance in about 40 minutes by car.