Banbury Hot Springs

Current status

Banbury Hot Springs closed to the public on October 3, 2022. The owner, Enoch Olsen, told local station KMVT that the facility was more than 100 years old and needed major repairs: new water lines throughout, substantial work on the main pool, and rebuilt dressing rooms and lobby. He hoped to reopen in phases starting the following summer, but did not set a firm date.

As of October 2026, Visit Idaho still lists Banbury as temporarily closed. The owner’s website tells a slightly different story. It describes the pool, private tubs, a cabin and an RV park, and has “Book Now” links, but it posts no hours, prices or reopening date. We have not found a public announcement that the main pool is open again.

So treat Banbury as closed until the owner tells you otherwise. Call (208) 543-4098 or email through the website before you drive out. If you are already in the valley, Miracle Hot Springs, under the same owner, stayed open through the closure.

What to expect

Banbury is an old-style Idaho plunge on the Snake River, in the Hagerman Valley along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. The centerpiece is a large artesian swimming pool fed by both hot and cold springs, with a shallow end, a deep end, a diving board, a floating log and a basketball hoop. It is the kind of place where local kids learned to swim.

According to the owner’s site, the springs rise at about 138°F59°C and are cooled to between 89 and 102°F32 and 39°C. The main pool is adjusted with the seasons: about 89°F32°C in summer, when it works as a warm swimming pool, and up to about 104°F40°C in winter, when it is closer to a hot soak.

The owner’s plans also include private tubs for groups of up to six adults. Each faces the river, has its own changing area and temperature control, and is booked in 90-minute sessions. Older listings described the private tubs as mineral water rooms, which have long been part of Banbury’s draw.

A tree-shaded campground takes up much of the 10.5-acre property. It has RV, tent and van sites around a big lawn with fire pits, and campers pay separately for pool access. The owner’s site also lists one dry Queen Cabin, with heat, air conditioning and a mini fridge, a short walk from the shared restrooms and showers. Swimming is included with the cabin.

History

Banbury’s main buildings date to around 1920, according to the owner. The property has changed hands more than once. In 2014 it reopened under new owner Bob Jensen, who bought it after the previous owners retired. By 2022 it was owned by Enoch Olsen, who also runs Miracle Hot Springs nearby, and the age of the plumbing and pool forced the current closure.

Getting there

The address is 1128 Banbury Road, Buhl, ID 83316. Visit Idaho places it about 10 miles northwest of Buhl and about 9 miles south of Hagerman, just off US Highway 30.

• From Twin Falls: Drive west on US-30 through Filer and Buhl, continue north on the byway, and turn east toward the river on Banbury Road.
• From Hagerman: Drive south on US-30 past 1000 Springs Resort and watch for the Banbury Road turn.

The roads are paved to the property and suit any car. The pool and campground sit beside the river.

When to go

When Banbury is running, it is open year-round. Summer suits the cooler main pool, swimming and camping. Winter is when the warmer pool and private tubs feel best.

Right now, the only good time to go is after you have confirmed what is open. Do not plan a trip around the main pool until the owner announces that it has reopened.

Prices and booking

Banbury’s website does not list prices, only booking links for private tubs, the cabin and campsites. Older third-party listings show admission and private tub prices from before the 2022 closure, and they are almost certainly out of date after a rebuild. Ask for current rates when you call.

Where to stay nearby

• On site: Banbury’s own campground and cabin, if they are taking bookings.
• Miracle Hot Springs: A few miles away near Buhl, with outdoor pools and private soaking pools. It is open Monday to Thursday 8am-10pm and Friday and Saturday 8am-11pm, and closed Sundays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
• 1000 Springs Resort: North on US-30 toward Hagerman, with an RV park, tent sites, cabins and a covered geothermal pool.
• Buhl, Hagerman and Twin Falls: Motels in Buhl and Hagerman, and full services in Twin Falls, about 40 minutes away.

Safety notes

• Construction: If you visit while work is going on, stay out of fenced or closed areas. Old pool decks and buildings under repair are not safe to wander.
• Hot water: The source water is about 138°F59°C. Never touch pipes or outflows, and test private tubs by hand before getting in.
• The river: The Snake River runs right below the property. Its current is strong and the water is cold. Supervise children near the bank and the boat area.

Nearby stops worth adding

Blue Heart Springs, a deep, clear blue spring pool beside the Snake River a short way north of Banbury, is usually reached by kayak or boat. Miracle Hot Springs lists Banbury Adventures Kayaking, which runs seasonal paddling trips from Banbury, Monday through Saturday. The owner’s site shows a Blue Heart Springs offering as coming soon.

Further north, Thousand Springs State Park and Ritter Island give close views of the springs pouring out of the basalt cliffs.