THE WATER!!!
The #1 reason to go to this particular hot…read moresprings is for the heavenly, perfect-temperature, SPARKLING CLEAN WATER (which is emptied and refilled OFTEN). It's SO worth the 1-hour drive from Idaho Falls - a drive we make nearly every week.
THE POOLS!
There are TWO POOLS to choose from:
a huge, INDOOR, sloped (from very shallow, to 8 feet at the deep end), kid-friendly pool - which is perfectly warm and comfortable YEAR-ROUND; and
a smaller, separate HOT POOL (I'd guess around 103-105 degrees) which is sometimes uncovered (the roof opened) so you can enjoy the beautiful night sky - and even rain or snow - while you soak! FYI, the roof is typically closed / covered in the winter, and during periods of cold weather.
The big warm pool has a basketball hoop and a volleyball net, so bring those toys along! They welcome them.
THE BURGERS!
But if those are not enough reasons for you to check out Green Canyon Hot Springs, then just try their AMAZING BURGERS! The FRESH BEEF just melts in your mouth. And the toppings are garden-fresh, too. I always get mine with tomatoes and grilled onions - it's to die for! Remember, they're "made to order", so order in advance (and don't be discouraged by a little bit of a wait. It's totally worth it!) Plan to spend around $5-$7 per burger. (These are HIGH QUALITY, restaurant-rival burgers - NOT frozen, fast-food fare!)
The snack bar also offers fountain drinks, cold canned sodas, and snacks - such as chips and candy - at very fair prices.
THE STAFF!
Another thing I love about Green Canyon Hot Springs is the super-friendly staff, lifeguards, and owners, everywhere you go! They are always happy and friendly, and will answer your questions about anything you want to know. Kindness is the #1 rule at this place. Great ambiance! And *super* kid-friendly.
THE FACILITY
Secret: They have picnic tables INSIDE if you want to bring your own food and eat there! You may want to bring a table cloth. They also have outlets and don't mind if you plug in a crock pot there! (Again, awesome owners. )
Additionally, they have benches along the side of the big pool (outside the fence, prior to the payment window) where those who do NOT want to swim may wait and watch their family or friends swim (spectator seats).
Sure, the building is quite old (but it's *very* sturdy and safe, of course!) The 'look' may not be updated to modern decor standards or whatever; and the dressing rooms are rather simple (we like to wear sandals / flip flops).
But these are minor things when compared to the A+ WATER QUALITY and temperature, and many other perks this facility provides.
So, we are now 4 for 5:
FOUR fantastic perks; and just one less-desirable aspect (the facility / dressing rooms) that isn't actually a big deal (at least to me). As for me, I can live without the fancy aesthetics if I have CLEAN WATER, NICE-SIZED POOLS, GREAT FOOD, and KIND, KID-FRIENDLY PEOPLE!
It's a wonderful place to make memories with family and friends. DEFINITELY worth checking out! It's one of our favorites!
Also check out their nice little campground next door!
NOTE: Their hours fluctuate seasonally. Be sure to check the hours they're open before you drive out there.