Snowmobile to hot springs in Idaho : Burgdorf Hot Springs

Wear a swimsuit under that snowsuit: This joy ride at Idaho's Shore Lodge ends in some hot water. The country around Shore Lodge, the historic lakefront resort two and a half hours from Boise, is rugged: the Salmon River Mountains, glacial lakes, and 2,600 skiable acres. But the area’s real bragging rights are its 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, on which the resort organizes private daylong, 30-mile backcountry adventures. Go at a leisurely pace to spot elk and moose—or chase your guide, kicking up snow at 50 mph. The endpoint: rustic Burgdorf Hot Springs, which has three mineral-rich pools that have been lowering blood pressure since 1870.

To reach Burgdorf Hot Springs, you’ll need to venture about 25 miles into the Payette National Forest. You can rent snowmobiles for the journey or take one of the guided tours offered by several outfitters in the area. As the forest transitioned to a large valley, a group of wooden structures with the likeness of an Old West town appeared on the horizon. A large wood stove heated the separate men’s and women’s dressing rooms to a comfortable 70+ degrees. With swimsuits on, it was time to hit the water. Burgdorf Hot Springs is open by reservation only to cabin guests and limited day soaks.

Location: 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638, USA