Kanuti Hot Springs

Denali Borough County, Alaska · Near Healy
66.3420°N, 150.8500°W · 957 ft
40°F air · Good soaking weather 957 ft Open Backcountry Bureau of Land Management Camping nearby (15.0 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Kanuti Hot Springs

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

Kanuti Hot Springs is a geothermal spring fifteen miles north of the Arctic Circle, inside what Wikipedia calls an area of critical environmental concern. The record lists the managing agency as the BLM Central Yukon Field Office and access as open. Healy is the closest town named and it is about 174 miles away. No temperature is on record.

Location

Backcountry, with almost nine miles between the spring and the nearest road, and that road carries no name on record. The ground sits a little under a thousand feet up. Mean temperature hovers in the mid twenties. Snow piles up over winter while rain stays scarce. Arctic Circle Campground is the only camping on record.

No best months are named. Nobody has measured the water, so do not assume a soak. Camp at Arctic Circle Campground if you need a base. Open access, no fee on record. Area of critical environmental concern status means special rules may apply; check with the BLM.

History of Kanuti Hot Springs

Wikipedia describes Kanuti Hot Springs as a geothermal spring within the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, 15 miles north of the Arctic Circle, in an area of critical environmental concern.

Terrain

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

Setting
Valley floor
Gentle slopes rise on both sides.
Highest ground nearby
119 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the south
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Monthly Climate
-6°
Jan
Feb
Mar
25°
Apr
45°
May
58°
Jun
60°
Jul
53°
Aug
41°
Sep
26°
Oct
Nov
-1°
Dec
Annual Precip: 17.3 in Annual Snow: 45.7 in
Current Conditions
40°F
NNE 25.0 mph 83% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 39° Low 32° Rain Showers 93% precip
Wednesday 44° Low 33° Rain Showers 86% precip
Thursday 44° Low 36° Rain Showers Likely 70% precip
Friday 44° Low 34° Chance Rain Showers 49% precip
Saturday 42° Low 32° Slight Chance Rain Showers 24% precip
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Arctic Circle Campground 15.0 mi away

Overview Arctic Circle Campground is located on a beautiful mixed forest hillside at the Arctic Circle. It was fully renovated in 2021. There are some views of nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats. It is located ½ mile east (uphill) from the Dalton Highway and Arctic Circle sign. The campground is a perfect stop for those exploring their way up the Dalton Highway. There are 19 accessible campsites.  This location is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Visitors are required to phys...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
No data recorded
Avg Air Temp 26°F
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 8.8 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Central Yukon Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kanuti Hot Springs located?
Kanuti Hot Springs is located in Denali Borough, Alaska at 957 feet elevation, near Healy. Coordinates: 66.3420°N, 150.8500°W.
How do I get to Kanuti Hot Springs?
Kanuti Hot Springs has Backcountry road access (8.8 mi from the road).
Is Kanuti Hot Springs free to visit?
Kanuti Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Kanuti Hot Springs?
Yes, Arctic Circle Campground is located nearby (15.0 miles away).
Sources: Wikipedia