Visiting Miracle Hot Springs in Idaho

One of the biggest appeals to exploring Idaho is all of the natural hot springs throughout the state. Each one is unique, boasting its own advantages. While you can explore some incredible undeveloped and off-the-beaten-path springs, sometimes it's nice to relax with more of a spa-like experience.

Enter Miracle Hot Springs, a commercially developed spring not far from Twin Falls or Boise, with plenty of amenities.

During our first trip through Idaho we set out to experience as many of the Gem State's hot springs as possible and Miracle was actually our first stop. Its location in the southern part of Idaho, in close proximity to some fantastic outdoor destinations, makes it a great place to enjoy some down time after hiking, biking, or paddling.

We've put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit to Miracle Hot Springs. We'll share our personal thoughts on the general soaking pools, the private rooms, and all the other elements that make this one magical place to soak.

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Planning Your Visit

If you're visiting southern Idaho, it's likely you'll make a stop in Twin Falls. It's home of the 'Niagara of the West' and an ideal jumping off point for all your adventures. Unless you plan to glamp at Miracle or find boondocking somewhere in the area, this is where we'd recommend finding accommodations.

Miracle Hot Springs is a mere 37 minute drive west of Twin Falls. It's closest to the modestly sized town of Buhl and about two hours away from Boise.

The springs themselves sit along the Salmon Falls Creek, tributary of the Snake River, which carves its way through the region, creating awe-inspiring canyons.

You may have also heard of Banbury Hot Springs, which is located directly on the Snake River, just minutes down the road from Miracle. While both springs are under the same ownership, Banbury closed indefinitely in October of 2022. Being over 100 years old, the springs required a facelift and it was decided that they would remain closed to the public until that remodel was completed.

Now that you know where it is, let's get into the details of what Miracle Hot Springs has to offer.

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Quick Overview

Hours | Monday through Thursday 8AM - 10PM, Friday and Saturday 8AM - 11PM, closed Sundays.

Cost | General admission $14, private pools $5-20+

Water temperature | Varies from 96 - 106F (36 - 41C)

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Enjoying the Geothermal Springs

The main area of Miracle Hot Springs consists of four large geothermal pools. These are partially surrounded by private rooms on the perimeter. Each has a locking door, a changing area, and a pool that can be temperature adjusted to your own preference.

The hot water that's piped into each of the main pools is regulated between 96 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, down from the 140 degree water at the source. There's even a cold dip area at the end of one pool.

Under a covered shelter area you'll find changing rooms, storage cubbies, and an outdoor shower. There are several seats and tables for relaxing while outside of the pools.

General admission also includes access to restrooms with more changing areas and indoor showers.

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Private Soaking Pools

While the general hot pools are nice, there's nothing quite like having a private soak. You have the option to reserve two kinds of private experiences during your visit, a regular or VIP pool.

The VIP pools are larger, and can fit up to six adults, while the regular pools accommodate up to four adults. Both types have a changing area and an open air ceiling.

When you book your private pool you'll select a date and time slot, ranging from 1 to 2 hours. The cost can vary from $5 up to $40, depending on the type of pool, day of week, and length of your soak. You'll also need to pay the $14 per person general admission fee.

When you arrive, you'll check in at the entrance. You don't need to show up at the exact time of your reservation, since you'll also be paying for the general pools. You can enjoy them beforehand if you'd like and when your private pool is ready the staff will let you know.

Each pool is cleaned and filled with fresh, mineral rich water right before your reservation. The staff will explain the simple controls for adjusting the water temperature to your liking.

We chose the regular private pool for ourselves and were really happy with the experience. The pool itself, with a small set of stairs to enter the water, was comfortable for just the two of us. In our opinion, it would be a little cramped with four adults, unless you're fine with getting a little cozy. If we'd had friends with us, we would have just upgraded to the VIP room.

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General Pools

One important thing to note is that even if you're not going to book a private pool, you still need to make an online reservation for the day.

The general pools are a great place to relax with company or socialize.

Though some young children were having fun in the pools during our visit, the overall ambiance is mostly quiet and calm. Miracle Hot Springs strives to promote an atmosphere where you can relax. There's no WiFi available and you can expect limited cell reception.

It's a completely different vibe than you'd experience at more remote and rustic hot springs, like Kirkham or Pine Flats. But, as we've already said, one of the wonderful things about hot springing through Idaho is the unique variety you'll encounter.

The general pools are drained and refilled fresh on a daily basis with spring water. The water itself is mineral rich, with a pH of 9.6 and doesn't undergo any chemical treatments or filtration.

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Relaxing with a Massage

To really treat yourself and enjoy the spa-like experience you can also add individual or couples massages on to your visit.

Miracle offers a range of services, between 30 and 90 minutes, and their therapists are trained in just about every method there is, including Swedish massages, deep tissue, Shiatsu, and acupressure.

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Staying at Miracle Hot Springs

If you need more than just one day at the springs, or want to use it as your basecamp for the area, there are several ways to stay at Miracle. As a bonus, all their glamping accommodations include general admission to the pools.

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Glamping

There are several glamping domes on property, three Queen size and one King. These would be perfect for couples who want a cozy place to stay right on property. They're each equipped with electricity, a mini fridge, and heat. The King dome also has air conditioning.

If you're visiting with the family or prefer a more traditional stay, the Park Home can sleep 4-6 people, has a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and laundry.

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Camping

There's also room to park your own RV or camper. Six sites are available with water and 30 amp electric hookups for $25. Note that there's no dump station on property.

And, if you're happy to pitch your tent you can do that too. There are three tent sites and two group sites in the campground.

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What Else to do Near Miracle Hot Springs

While you're in the area, one destination you certainly don't want to miss is Thousand Springs State Park. It's made up of six separate units, all within a short drive of one another and just a short distance from Miracle Hot Springs. You can expect gorgeous views of waterfalls, crystal clear streams, and some beautiful hiking trails.

In the opposite direction, Twin Falls boasts plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventures and other fun.

Shoshone Falls is an impressive sight, especially during the spring, after melting snowpack causes it to roar down the 212 foot drop.

Perrine Coulee Falls is another worthwhile stop in the area, with a 200 foot year-round drop. The nearby Perrine Bridge, which spans a beautiful canyon, is a popular spot for BASE jumpers, since it doesn't require any permits. You can even join in the fun yourself with a tandem jump.

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