Donnelly, Idaho · Family Attractions, Pools & Swimming
Gold Fork Hot Springs near Donnelly offers six mineral-water pools in a wooded outdoor setting. Families should check the age restrictions and winter schedule before visiting.
- Admission
- Cash only. The operator lists $15 per person age one and older under a 2026 Summer Season heading; current winter pricing remains unconfirmed. Spectators pay regular admission.
- Hours
- Winter schedule beginning October 1, 2026: Wednesday through Monday, noon–8 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Last entry 7:30 p.m. Thursdays are ages 18+ only. Children under 13 must leave by 4 p.m.
- Parking
- On-site private-lot parking is reported by visitor sources. Fees and designated accessible spaces are unconfirmed.
- Restrooms
- A July 31, 2026 Yelp review reports outhouse-style restrooms. Visitor guides also report changing facilities. Current availability and accessibility need confirmation.
- Access
- Accessible parking, routes, restrooms and pool-entry assistance have not been confirmed.
- Setting
- Outdoor
Family visiting rules
- The operator limits visits to two hours. Reservations are not required, and large groups are discouraged.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children in diapers must wear swim diapers.
- The current policy for babies under one is not explicitly stated. A July 2026 visitor reported bringing a five-month-old, but that does not establish the current admission policy.
- Bring cash, swimwear and towels. Alcohol and glass are prohibited. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in designated areas.
Pools and reported amenities
The official FAQ describes six flow-through pools and a sandy pool for children. Visitor sources report on-site parking, restrooms, changing areas, shade and seating. HotSprings.co also reports warm showers, but shower availability is not operator-confirmed. These reports do not establish wheelchair accessibility or current facility condition.
Directions and conditions
The operator publishes 1026 Gold Fork Road, Donnelly, Idaho. Its embedded directions link points to a different location from the Google Maps business pin supplied for this review; the precise entrance and navigation pin still need confirmation. The access road is dirt and conditions vary seasonally. The operator strongly recommends all-wheel drive in winter. Check current road and weather conditions before travel.
Severe weather, electrical storms and heavy visitor traffic can interrupt operations. The operator’s rules page says “daily,” but the dated winter homepage notice specifically states that Tuesdays are closed. The current notice does not state a holiday exception to adults-only Thursdays. Follow the dated winter notice and confirm any holiday changes.
Still needing confirmation
Current winter admission price; admission and fees for babies under one; correct entrance/map directions; parking fees and accessible spaces; accessible routes, restrooms and pool-entry assistance; current restroom/changing-facility availability and reported showers. Future summer hours should be rechecked when that season approaches.
Sources: operator’s winter notice and admission information, official FAQ, official rules, Yelp attributes and July 31, 2026 visitor review, HotSprings.co guide dated January 3, 2026, and Mammoth Cave visitor article dated February 10, 2025.
Content reviewed: October 16, 2026. Reported amenities and unresolved details are distinguished above. Yelp’s payment attributes conflict with the operator; follow the operator’s cash-only instruction.
Good to Know
Winter notice effective October 1, 2026: noon–8 p.m., closed Tuesdays; last entry 7:30 p.m. Thursdays ages 18+ only. Under 13s must leave by 4 p.m. Two-hour maximum visit. Cash only. Winter price, under-one policy, accessibility and entrance directions remain unconfirmed. Visitor sources report restrooms, parking and changing areas.