Dall Hot Springs

Fairbanks North Star Borough County, Alaska · Near Ester
66.2170°N, 149.5470°W · 409 ft
129°F 39°F air · Good soaking weather 409 ft Backcountry Camping nearby (22.1 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Dall Hot Springs

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Dall Hot Springs is a Fairbanks North Star Borough spring a hundred miles from Ester, the nearest town the record names, and sixteen miles from anything called a road. The water is hot, past comfortable soaking without cooling. Ownership and access are both blank on file. Chemistry, too.

Location

The closest road goes by the name Winter Trail and sits over sixteen miles off, so this is a true backcountry approach. Elevation is low, around four hundred feet. Climate follows the dry, cold Interior pattern: an average in the twenties and three feet or so of snow. Five Mile Campground is the nearest on record, twenty-two miles away.

Deep winter rates highest of the months on record. Let the water cool off before you get in. Both the landowner and the right to visit are unanswered, so start there. Five Mile Campground is the only camping noted, and it is nowhere near the spring.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Gentle slope
The ground tilts gently up to the northeast.
Highest ground nearby
160 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northeast
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Monthly Climate
-11°
Jan
-4°
Feb
Mar
27°
Apr
47°
May
61°
Jun
63°
Jul
56°
Aug
43°
Sep
23°
Oct
Nov
-6°
Dec
Annual Precip: 12.0 in Annual Snow: 35.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air -11°F · Water 129°F · +140° contrast
December Air -6°F · Water 129°F · +135° contrast
February Air -4°F · Water 129°F · +133° contrast
January offers 74°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
39°F
Partly Cloudy N 20.9 mph 89% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 42° Low 36° Rain Showers 92% precip
Spring is +87° warmer
Wednesday 50° Low 38° Rain Showers 80% precip
Spring is +79° warmer
Thursday 51° Low 42° Chance Rain Showers 42% precip
Spring is +78° warmer
Friday 50° Low 38° Chance Rain Showers 27% precip
Spring is +79° warmer
Saturday 47° Low 38° Slight Chance Rain Showers 16% precip
Spring is +82° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Five Mile Campground 22.1 mi away

Five Mile Campground is located approximately 4 miles north of the Yukon River crossing, at Dalton Highway milepost 60. Newly improved in 2022, it offers a vault toilet, potable water in an artesian well, the only RV dump station along the Dalton Highway, and 7 gravel campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. A campground host may be present from late May to early September.  July 5, 2023:  The RV dump station is not available for use at this time due to unforeseen damage. Repairs ar...

Fee No fee
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
129°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 129°F (54°C)
Avg Air Temp 26°F
Above Ambient +103°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Winter Trail
Distance to Road 16.4 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Dall Hot Springs?
Dall Hot Springs has a water temperature of 129°F (54°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dall Hot Springs located?
Dall Hot Springs is located in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska at 409 feet elevation, near Ester. Coordinates: 66.2170°N, 149.5470°W.
How do I get to Dall Hot Springs?
Dall Hot Springs has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Winter Trail (16.4 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Dall Hot Springs?
Yes, Five Mile Campground is located nearby (22.1 miles away). No fee.
Is it safe to soak at Dall Hot Springs?
With care. At 129°F Dall Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.