How to Enjoy Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, is essentially a cow town with a worthwhile tourist attraction: the natural hot springs. As happens in such occasions, the tiny mountain town has been milking its namesake as a travel destination for more than a century. And it is well-worth a visit if you ever find yourself near southeastern Idaho. Say you have some business in Pocatello and find a chance to get away for a night. Pack your swim trunks and shower shoes, head for Lava Hot Springs and be prepared to rejuvenate.

Things You'll Need

• Swimsuit
• Shower shoes
• Petty cash
• Ability to walk a couple of blocks in cold weather with nothing but a swimsuit, shower shoes, petty cash and a towel wrapped around you.

Instructions

1. Pick a motel on East Main Street within walking distance of the hot springs. They are all mom-and-pop style places with old-school charm. Those closest to the springs are the Lava Spa Motel and RV Park, Home Hotel and Tumbling Waters Motel. There are many bed and breakfasts and other lodging options nearby.

2. Grab a towel, put on your swim suit and sandals and walk to the hot springs. Don't worry about how cold it is outside; this is part of the fun. It may be dark outside and blowing snow, but you will be plenty warm once you get to the springs. Jog if you have to.

3. Relax. Dig your feet into the soft pebbles that line the bottom of these natural hot springs. Sit on the man-made concrete steps and pool walls that have been built around the springs and take it all in until the skin on your toes get wrinkled.

4. Head for the nightlife afterward. Granted, there's not much of it in Lava Hot Springs, but it still exists and is well-worth taking in. The handful of bars in town cater to the local country-western and classic rock crowd, but they are friendly establishments with lots of local flavor. The Blue Moon Bar and Grill has a house band and a dance floor, and they cook the food right there behind the bar. When I ordered the veggie burger that was on the menu, a cowboy seated nearby yelled out "And don't hurt it!" to the cook. Then he gave me a friendly slap on the back and bought me a beer.