2020 Map of Magic Hot Springs

About this map

Magic Hot Springs serves as a focal point in this remote corner of southern Idaho, where geothermal activity and seasonal water sources dictate the character of the landscape. The terrain is defined by deep incisions such as Mule Creek Canyon and the broad Shoshone Basin, providing a stark contrast between high plateaus and drainage networks. The presence of numerous isolated water sources, including Rattlesnake Springs, Rock Cabin Spring, and Mule Creek Springs, suggests a long history of use by travelers and livestock in an otherwise arid environment. Navigation across this high-desert region relies on a sparse network of tracks like the Mule Creek - Jackpot Rd and Basin Cut-Off Rd, which connect the thermal waters to the surrounding range. The map captures the specialized hydrology of the region, from the seasonal flow of Lost Cr to the eponymous hot springs near Shoshone Cr.