Alright hot springers, we knew this one was coming… as of today – May 25th, 2012 Skinnydipper AKA Mile Marker 4 Hot Springs is temporarily closed from sundown to sunrise. This comes directly from the BLM and is effective immediately.
BLM has temporarily closed Skinny Dipper Hot Springs to night-time use. The closure will help provide for public safety. Since 2004, there have been several fatalities, assaults and numerous injuries associated with night-time use of the area. Due to its location the public does not have cellular phone access, which adds to concerns regarding night-time use.
View the official press release
People have been going too crazy here for a very long time, and now the irresponsible many outweigh the responsible few, who take very good care of this special place.
Please please please please please respect this temporary closure. Not doing so could result in temporary becoming permanent – something that no hot springer wants. The BLM are just doing their job. Remember that Skinnydipper is located on critically endangered land that is under management of the BLM. Respecting this closure and the environment that surrounds Skinny is of the utmost importance and will hopefully lead to the temporary closure being lifted.
Learn more about Skinnydipper Hot Springs in IdahoHotSprings.com
It still makes me so sad to think some Jackhole started the Springs Fire up there. 🙁
I completely agree… 🙁
is it still opened after the fires this last summer?
It is currently open to the public… I actually just found out that because a few disrespectful people are choosing to ignore nighttime closure and are continuing to trash the area, Boise County officials are going to try and close it down come May.
So, go visit Skinny while you still can! Such an amazing place!
It seems it was determined that the County has no authority, and as such, Skinny will be left alone save for continued nighttime closure. Whew!
FYI: Yup, you’re right the county doesn’t have jurisdiction. Nor did they appear to care, this was misinformation reported in the various news magazines. And they in fact don’t plan to enforce any of the Federal closure actions, nighttime or other unless called to the scene for assistance by The Feds. The Feds on the other hand can and still will ticket people trying to park there at night. Our outdoor group contacted Boise County back when all of this BS was flying around, see response:
“Thank you for sending us your comments. Information was misreported in the
Idaho World and perpetuated in the Idaho Statesman. Boise County has no
jurisdiction and has taken no position on closing skinny dipper hot springs
temporarily or permanently.
As of today, I have seen nothing in the federal register on any temporary
closure and this is the requirement. Last year when the BLM closed the hot
springs from sunset to sunrise, Boise County made it clear we would not
enforce their closure. We will respond if requested by federal law
enforcement for an officer assist.
It would be great if you would help stop the rumors!”
Best regards,
Jamie Anderson
Boise County Commissioner
208.462.3439