California Eastern High Sierra Hot Springs: Where to Find Them

The Eastern Sierra region of California offers many opportunities for adventurous travelers to unwind and rejuvenate their senses. Numerous hot mineral water pools are available from the upper Owens Valley to Bridgeport. The locals maintain many primitive natural hot springs, while others are in a natural state.
Southern California Hot Springs– Nevada Hot Springs

Northern California Hot Springs

Keough Hot Ditch Pool Bishop, California

The hot mineral water that fills hot ditch pools drains from Keough’s Hot Springs Resort. Hot Ditch is a series of pools made by rock dams across a creek. The water temperature runs about 80- 90 degrees, perfect for a relaxing dip. Keough’s Hot Springs Resort was established in 1919 and is home to the most significant natural hot springs pool in the Eastern Sierra. A day at the resort costs ten bucks. Taking a dip in the Hot Ditch pools is free. If you are traveling with family, we recommend using the resort facilities for your hot springs experience. Keough’s Hot Springs is located 8 miles North of Big Pine along Highway 395.

Mammoth Hot Creek: A Geothermal Wonderland

Mammoth Hot Creek Geologic Site is a fascinating destination with cool creek water and boiling pools. However, it is not advisable to swim or bathe here, even though many people do. Some hot springs here are hot enough to cause severe burns, so caution is paramount. If you want to take a dip, you must find a balance between the two temperatures. The Hot Creek Geologic Site is an exciting place to visit, whether you go for a swim or not. Directions: travel three miles south of Mammoth Junction on US 395 and exit Airport Road. Pass the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery to reach the parking lot. A trail leads down to the creek.

Crowley Hot Spring (Wild Willy’s): A Stunning 360-degree Panoramic View

Crowley Hot Springs, also known as Wild Willy’s, is just a few miles from Mammoth Lakes. This hot mineral pool maintains a temperature of around 103 degrees all year round and can accommodate large groups. As with many other hot springs, clothing is optional here. There are two pools to choose from, the larger one shown in the picture and a smaller one further down the creek. Directions: Wild Willy’s hot springs, take the US 395 exit on Benton Crossing Road. Drive for a little over two miles and cross over two cattle guards. After the second cattle guard, turn right and follow the road for about a mile until you reach the parking area. From there, follow the wooden boardwalk to the mineral pools.

Dirty Socks Hot Spring Owens Lake, California

Dirty Socks Hot Spring is located on the southeastern edge of Owens Lake and used to be a popular camping spot for travelers. However, today, the hot pool is overgrown with green algae, and only the most adventurous hot spring fans dare to dip in the 90-degree water. The pool has a diameter of 78 feet and a constant water temperature of 94 degrees. It is fed by an artesian well that flows approximately 200 gallons per minute. The minerals predominantly found in the water are calcium, magnesium, and sulfates.

Hilltop Hot Springs, Also Known as Pulky’s Pool

Hilltop is a well-known concrete tub filled by a hot spring near Mammoth Lakes. Due to its proximity to Benton Crossing Road, you won’t be alone long. The pool temperature remains around 110 degrees. The best part about Hilltop (Pulkey’s Pool) Hot Springs is the breathtaking view of the Sierra Mountains. Directions: Hilltop Hot Springs from Mammoth Lakes, head south on US 395, take a right turn on Benton Crossing Road, and you will be able to spot the hot springs on your left side of the road, just under three miles away. A dirt road will lead you to a small parking area. There are several other hot springs nearby, like Shepherd Hot Spring.

Travertine Hot Springs: A Steamy Pool of Mineral-Rich Water

Travertine Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located just off Highway 395 before you enter the town of Bridgeport. The mineral water flows down a rock face into several pools, varying temperatures around 110 to 90 degrees. The hot springs are easily accessible, as you can drive within a few hundred feet of the area. While soaking in the larger pools, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Sierra Mountains. Although a smaller concrete pool is next to the parking area, it’s best to avoid it as it can be scorching. Directions to Travertine Hot Springs: Take the road behind the ranger station south of Bridgeport off 395. Follow the road for just over a mile to the parking area with a portable toilet. Hot Springs are just a short walk away.

Buckeye Hot Springs is a Collection of Pools, Some Hotter than Others

Buckeye Hot Spring is located North of Bridgeport near Twin Lakes Resort. This incredible hot springs pool is on the bank of Buckeye Creek, separated from the creek by a rock dam. Hot mineral water flows over a cliff and drops into the pool. Buckeye Hot Spring is located on federal land and has a clothing-optional policy. It’s not uncommon to see people skinny-dipping in the pools. The hot spring has several pools, each with its temperature, but none are too hot. The trail to the spring is steep and slippery, but the effort is worth it—directions: Buckeye Hot Springs, exit 395 to Twin Lakes Road from North Bridgeport. Travel 7 miles and turn right onto Buckeye Campground Road. At the top of the hill, there is a parking area. Follow the trail from there to reach the hot springs.

Benton Hot Spring: A relaxing, Scenic, and Steamy Getaway

Benton Hot Springs is a former stagecoach stop that houses the Benton Springs Inn. The town once had a population of around 5,000 and was a stop on the Carson and Colorado Railroad. The city has only a few residents today, but it still attracts visitors who soak in the hot mineral water tubs. The Inn at Benton Hot Springs features 10 Camping Sites with hot tubs. It also offers rooms and a two-bedroom cottage for guests. All tubs are clothing-optional. Guests staying in one of the rooms at the Inn share three private outdoor soaking tubs and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Benton Hot Springs is located 31 miles north of Bishop on Highway 6.

Crab Cooker Hot Springs: Concrete Tub in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains

Crab Cooker Hot Springs Tub can be found in the same area as Shepard’s Hot Springs and Wild Willy’s. These hot springs are near Little Alkali Lake, off Benton Crossing Road from Highway 395, near Mammoth Lakes Airport. The water temperature in the Crab Cooker is around 100 degrees since it is supplied with water through pipes from the source. This allows the mineral water to cool down before flowing into the tubs—an inlet valve and a drain plug control the Crab Cooker water. The tub can accommodate up to four people. If the tub is occupied, you can visit one nearby hot spring.

Mono Hot Springs Historic Cabins and Mineral Pools

Mono Hot Springs is located northeast of Fresno, within the Sierra National Forest. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, with Old Pedro and Iodine Springs being two of the most popular ones that can be easily reached on foot from the resort. These hot springs are lined with concrete and maintain an average temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which remains consistent throughout the year. To reach the resort from Fresno, take Highway 168 toward Huntington Lake. Watch for the Mono Hot Springs exit sign on Highway 168 just before the town of Lakeshore once you reach Huntington Lake. This is the last chance to fill up your car’s gas tank. From there, travel 16 miles along Kaiser Pass Road to the resort.

Orr Hot Springs A Clothing Optional Resort

Orr Hot Springs Resort is a secluded resort near Northern California’s Montgomery Woods State Reserve. The resort offers various types of accommodations, including rooms, cabins, and yurts, as well as day-use facilities. They were initially known as Orr Hot Sulphur Springs; the resort once stopped on a stagecoach line to Mendocino. The resort features private and communal tubs filled with natural hot spring water that ranges from 100-105 degrees. Additionally, clothing is optional at the resort. To learn more about the lodge, visit their website. The address of Orr Hot Springs Resort is 13201 Orr Spring Road, Ukiah, California.

Grover Hot Springs State Park: A Mineral-Rich Pool Fed by Six Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs State Park is a 553-acre park established in 1959. It features a pool built in the 1950s that contains hot spring water. On a cold winter’s day, visitors can relax and soak in the greenish-colored waters that refract the mineral deposits on the pool’s bottom. Grover Hot Springs State Park is four miles west of Markleeville and at the end of Hot Springs Road. It is situated approximately 120 miles east of Sacramento on US-50.

Mercey Hot Springs a Tranquil Oasis in Fresno County, CA

Mercey Hot Springs has been operating since the 1930s, located in the rolling hills of Fresno County. It’s a historic resort that offers natural mineral water tubs for visitors to soak in. You can purchase day passes if you’re looking for a quick soak, but if you want to stay longer, you can rent a cabin or camp at the site with your RV or tent. The water temperature in the natural spring is around 110 degrees, but it drops to about 104 degrees when it reaches the soaking tubs. The resort swimming pool is kept at a comfortable 85 degrees. The mineral-heavy water in the tubs and pool has a slight sulfur smell. Visit website.

Southern California Natural Hot Springs

Deep Creek Hot Springs in The San Bernardino Mountains

Deep Creek is a popular skinny dipping destination in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. A moderate two-mile hike takes you to one of California’s most famous hot springs.  Five hot pools are adjacent to and in the rocks above the creek. Nude bathing is the norm here, with some visitors taking the extra step to hike to the springs in the nude. Deep Creek Hot Springs is day-use only; no camping is allowed here.

Saline Valley Hot Springs in A Remote Area of Death Valley National Park

Warm Springs is situated in a remote area of Death Valley National Park, being 50 miles away from the nearest paved roads. Despite the challenges, those who brave the desert to reach the Saline Valley have an incredible opportunity to soak in hot mineral springs. It is important to note that the area has no services, paved roads, and limited cell phone connections. While a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended, many people travel in 2WD cars. To ensure a safe journey to Saline Hot Springs, it is vital to come prepared by camping for at least one night and traveling with a group if possible. National Park services are unavailable in the area, so bringing everything you need is essential.

Remington Hot Springs Kern River Freson County, California

Remington Hot Springs is located along the Kern River at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range. Locals manage the hot springs and do their best to keep them clean. However, some people leave a mess. Remington Natural Hot Springs is very popular. You must wait for a dip if you see the parking lot full. Do not leave any valuables in your car, especially if you visit in the evening. You can soak in the hot tubs and enjoy the fantastic view of the Kern River.  Remington Hot Springs is near the hobo campground along Kern River Canyon Road.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Mud Baths and Mineral Water Pools

Glen Ivy is the perfect place if you’re looking for a relaxing experience in hot mineral water without straying too far from the main path. One of its top attractions is Club Mud, where you can cover yourself with mud, let it dry, rinse off, and enjoy your skin’s smooth and soft feel. Remember that a day trip to Glen Ivy Hot Springs can be costly, but it’s worth the investment in yourself. You can find Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa at 25000 Glen Ivy Road, Corona, California.

Tecopa Hot Springs Near Death Valley

If you’re looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience after a long day of hiking, the spring water at Tecopa Hot Springs will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Tecopa is home to public natural hot springs and a few older spas that charge a daily fee. Nude dipping is a common practice here. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Tecopa Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including motel rooms, cabins, and a campground with soaking tubs. The resort also provides day-use tubs for a fee, which are available to guests and non-guests.

Desert Hot Springs, California

Desert Hot Springs is a tranquil spa town that boasts abundant streams of hot mineral water piped to the surface to fill the pools and tubs of hotels and spa resorts. It’s an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and soak in the rejuvenating hot mineral water. Most spas offer day passes for a quick dip, while many of the town’s reasonably priced resorts and hotels can be found along Hacienda Avenue. Most of these facilities have thermal wells, and guests can purchase day passes to enjoy the hot mineral water. However, we recommend staying at least one night to unwind and rejuvenate fully.

Sycamore Springs Avila Beach, California Central Coast

Sycamore Springs is a resort in Avila Beach along the California Central Coast, famous for its natural hot springs. The resort allows guests to rent a hillside hot tub by the hour and stay overnight in rooms with a private balcony with a mineral water hot tub. Sycamore Springs Resort is located at 1215 Avila Beach Drive in San Luis Obispo, California. Visit the resort’s website for more details and reservations.

Agua Caliente Springs Park Hot Springs

This popular destination is situated in a remote area. It boasts three pools that are heated naturally by hot springs. The outdoor pool is maintained at 90 degrees, while the indoor pool is heated to 102 degrees. The park also features a large campground with 140 campsites and seven rented cabins. The park is at 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, California.

Gaviota Hot Springs Pool Santa Barbara County, CA

Gaviota Hot Springs is a small pool off Highway 101 near Gaviota Beach State Park. From the parking area, the hike is about a 1/4 mile. There is a small parking fee, be sure to pay the park rangers to give out tickets. The pool is relatively small, and water temperatures are lukewarm at best. But if you are in the area, it’s worth a look. Please note that poison oak is along the trail, so it’s essential to be careful while hiking to Gaviota Hot Springs from Santa Barbara. To get there, you must follow Highway 101 north until it turns inland at Gaviota Beach. After passing the tunnel, take the Highway 1 exit (Lompoc Exit) and turn right at the stop sign. Follow the road adjacent to 101 for about a quarter mile until you reach the parking area. From there, the trail to the hot springs begins.

San Juan Hot Springs Ortega Highway

San Juan Hot Springs was a well-liked resort in the late 1880s, offering visitors large swimming pools, a dance hall, and cottages. However, by the early 1940s, the resort had become dilapidated and was eventually deserted. In the 1960s and early 70s, the springs were still a popular hangout for bikers and hippies despite their rundown condition. Although a private developer attempted to revive the resort, it was short-lived, and the springs were finally abandoned. Fortunately, some of the hot pools on the property have been recently cleaned up and are still operational.

Colorado Hot Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Springs is home to some of the most fantastic geothermal wonders you’ll ever soak in. Iron Mountain Hot Springs boasts 16 natural geothermal pools, each with its own unique mineral composition and temperature. For the outdoorsy types, Glenwood Springs has many hiking trails to explore. The Grizzly Creek Trail runs 3.4 miles along a river, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail is easy for all ages, crossing the entire length of the canyon.

Safety Tips For Natural Hot Springs

• Before entering a natural hot spring, it’s essential to test the water temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s safe for you.
• It is advisable to avoid submerging your head in hot springs and other untreated geothermal waters. Doing so may expose your mouth, nose, and eyes to bacteria, which can cause infection.
• Limiting your time in the hot spring is vital to avoid dehydration, dizziness, and other health issues. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid hot springs if you have broken skin, making you vulnerable to infection. Pregnant women should also avoid using hot springs.

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