Over Labor Day weekend, we searched our map for something less touristy and away from the holiday crowds. We found Upper Potosi Hot Spring en route to some ghost towns in Southwest Montana. We were pretty excited about this hot spring — it was one of only two within the state located on public land and looked secluded and peaceful. But was it? Read on to find out if we think it’s a To Do or Not To Do.
Table of Contents
The Experience
After unexpected difficulties turned into delight on Bell Lake Trail the previous day, we drove excitedly to the Potosi Creek camping area to walk to its hot spring. It was no wonder we didn’t see anyone on the trail for Bell Lake — they were all here instead. Ready to see what all the fuss was about, we walked the flat and easy one-mile trail to the spring.
Needless to say, we were disappointed. Instead of flowing into a river like some of our favorite Colorado hot springs, this “warm spring” flowed into a tiny, murky pond with chunks of glass in and surrounding the water. Moss and dirt lined every sitting rock and left us feeling dirtier than we arrived. Even worse, some of the people in the spring were awkward — and awkwardly staring at me. This made me incredibly uncomfortable — so after some failed attempts at starting a conversation and easing the situation, we left.
To Do or Not To Do?
Unless you enjoy sitting in warm, murky water where you can feel living organisms breeding on your skin, this destination is a Not To Do in the Practical Vagabonds’ review book. Bad company aside, our time and efforts would have been much better served hiking to some of the beautiful lakes and viewpoints of the region instead. Sometimes things are “free” because they are simply not worth it.
Do you agree or disagree with our review of Upper Potosi Hot Spring? Let us know in the comments below!
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