This hot spring is located across the river on foot.
It was completely removed in 2009, but has been restored by volunteers.
Shining Rock Surface
South Middle Fork Road, a dirt road heading north from Garden Valley/Crouch, is said to be the busiest forest road in Idaho.
![Tacoma 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs21.jpg)
Many campgrounds are scattered along the Middle Fork Payette River, and the Silver Creek Plunge Resort is also famous.
![Across the River 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs01.jpg)
On a cliff across the river from the road, I found a rock face that glowed a different color than the surrounding ground.
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
![Slope 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs02.jpg)
The forest road was wide enough to park a few cars on the shoulder, so I decided to get out of the car and walk across the river.
![Middle Fork Payette River 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs03.jpg)
In December, the water in the Middle Fork Payette River was very cold.
![Middle Fork Payette River 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs04.jpg)
The water was as deep as my thighs and I had to step on it to keep from being swept away.
Hot Springs on the Opposite Shore
![Riverside 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs05.jpg)
The water level usually drops from late summer to early fall, so it is wise to visit during this time if you are concerned.
![Riverside 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs08.jpg)
There were several rock pools along the river below the rock face mentioned earlier.
![Slope 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs20.jpg)
This is Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.
![Pools 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs09.jpg)
Although this slope appears to have collapsed naturally, it actually has a history of human destruction.
![Soaking 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs11.jpg)
The incident occurred in 2009.
![Soaking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs12.jpg)
Prior to that, there were about five mortar-reinforced pools that were completely removed by the Forest Service, in part due to protests from local tribes concerned about environmental damage.
![Waterfall 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs10.jpg)
Originally a popular spot, the pools were soon rebuilt.
![Pools 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs19.jpg)
At the time of my visit, two pools were set up halfway up the slope.
![Water Temp 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs07.jpg)
Each was large enough for about two soakers and had a reasonable depth.
The water temp was 104 degrees F.
![Waterfall 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs13.jpg)
Clear, colorless, tasteless, odorless water was flowing down from above.
![Waterfall 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs16.jpg)
After carefully climbing up an extremely slippery slope, I found the sources.
![Source 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs15.jpg)
The surroundings looked attractive, brightly colored with mineral deposits, but there were no soaking spots available here.
![Source 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/rocky-canyon-hot-springs18.jpg)
Summary
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, Garden Valley, Idaho, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 104 degrees F
Related Hot Springs
In Idaho, a state full of wild springs, it is not uncommon to find hot springs on the other side of a river with no bridges.
![Brown's Creek Hot Springs 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/browns-creek-hot-springs01.jpg)
At Brown's Creek Hot Springs, I had to give up soaking due to high river levels.