Why Nimrod Hot Springs Near Missoula Is Now Off Limits

I've gone to Nimrod Hot Springs quite often over the years. It's one of those Western Montana places that never seemed like it was going to be a huge tourist destination, although a number of people did know about it. Located on I-90 in an area roughly halfway between Missoula and Drummond near the Bearmouth Exit, Nimrod has traditionally been a spot where people would stop off the highway, walk to the water, and soak in a natural hot spring without all the resort-type things.

To me, one of my best parts of Nimrod was always the underwater cave. Swimming down into an underwater cave at a natural hot spring, it seems, is just one of those strange little things that make a place special. But, based upon what I read recently, these trips will likely be nothing but memories.

Nimrod Hot Springs Was Always Private Property

In a recent post from the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, the property owners revoked public access and posted signs warning visitors that they are trespassing and could face prosecution if they choose to visit.

It’s essential to understand that Nimrod did not suddenly become private property. It was private from day one. The public had historically been allowed to access the springs with the permission of the landowners. That permission has now been withdrawn.

a no trespassing sign is posted on a tree — Photo by chris robert on Unsplash

If you search for “Nimrod Hot Springs” using your favorite search engine and find information that includes instructions on getting to the location, keep in mind that while some of this information is outdated, most (if not all) of these directions were created during a time when public access to the spring was permitted. Do not use old information as justification to trespass on someone's private property today.

Losing Access Sucks, But Private Property Is Private Property

While I am sad, I do have fond memories of visiting Nimrod. I’m positive there are plenty of other people living around Missoula and western Montana who feel the same way. While it is unfortunate to see another place we’ve spent countless hours enjoying over the years become closed off, I’m a firm believer in respecting the rights of private landowners.

We hunters ask landowners for permission to hunt on their properties almost every year. And in exchange, we offer them our word that we’ll close gates behind us, take out trash, repair fences if we break them, etc. Basically, don't be a jackass and ruin it for everybody else.

Respect needs to flow both ways.

Although Nimrod may have appeared like a public hot spring due to its popularity for several decades, it never was. The current property owner has removed his previous permission allowing members of the public to access the property.

Nimrod may have felt like a public hot spring because people were allowed to enjoy it for so many years, but it wasn't. The property owner has now withdrawn that permission.

I don't have to like losing access to Nimrod, but I can certainly respect their right to say no.