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Best Natural Hot Springs in California: Where to Soak
California’s best natural hot springs on 395, in the desert and along the Kern, with road access, current closures, safety rules and soaking etiquette.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
Natural and primitive hot springs on Highway 395, the Kern River and in the desert, plus a few developed pools. Most are on unstaffed BLM or Forest Service land.
For resorts with rooms, see my California hot springs hub.
In This Guide
- Hot Spring Etiquette and Safety Rules
- Eastern Sierra Hot Springs Near Bridgeport
- Mammoth Area Hot Springs on Benton Crossing Road
- Keough’s Hot Ditch Near Bishop
- Southern California Hot Springs: Remington and Deep Creek
- Desert Hot Springs: Tecopa and Saline Valley
- Grover Hot Springs State Park
- Closed Springs: Sykes and Esalen
- What to Pack for a Hot Spring Trip
- FAQ
Hot Spring Etiquette and Safety Rules
Test the water with your hand first; temperatures shift.
Keep your head above water. Some geothermal pools carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Pack out everything, including bottle caps and fruit peels
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the water
- No glass near the pools
- Soak in short sessions and drink water
- Keep voices low and rotate out if people are waiting
- Clothing is often optional at primitive springs
- Camp only in established sites, never beside a pool
Eastern Sierra Hot Springs Near Bridgeport
The two springs near Bridgeport are about 25 minutes north of Mono Lake, an easy stop on a Highway 395 road trip.
Travertine Hot Springs
Travertine is just southeast of Bridgeport, with several pools on travertine ridges facing the Sawtooth Ridge. The road off Jack Sawyer Road is mostly paved, with rough dirt at the end.
The BLM closes it periodically for Tribal ceremonial use. Check the BLM Bishop Field Office page.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye is up Twin Lakes Road from Bridgeport, then a dirt road and a steep walk down. Rock-lined pools sit at the edge of Buckeye Creek.
Go in summer or fall. High spring flows can swamp the lower pools.
Mammoth Area Hot Springs on Benton Crossing Road
Benton Crossing Road, east of Highway 395 near Crowley Lake, leads to the most popular primitive soaks in the state.
Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Hot Springs
Wild Willy’s has a boardwalk to a large main pool and a smaller heart-shaped one. Hilltop, or Pulky’s Pool, is a single tub on a rise with a good sunset view.
No facilities. See my summer in Mammoth Lakes guide for nearby trails.
Hot Creek Geologic Site
Hot Creek has steaming blue pools and boardwalk views, but no soaking. The Inyo National Forest bans entering the water because boiling springs can erupt.
Keough’s Hot Ditch Near Bishop
About 8 miles south of Bishop, Keough’s Hot Springs is a historic developed resort with a large pool. Up the road, the free Keough’s Hot Ditch is a string of small pools on a warm runoff channel.
The ditch is warm, not hot, so it works in July.
Southern California Hot Springs: Remington and Deep Creek
Remington Hot Springs is on the Kern River below Highway 178, between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella. A few tubs sit above the water, down a short, steep path from a pullout.
Stay out of the river. The Kern has strong currents and a long history of drownings.
Desert Hot Springs: Tecopa and Saline Valley
Tecopa, south of Death Valley, has mineral pools at Delight’s Hot Springs Resort and Tecopa Hot Springs Resort for a day-use fee.
It fits a Death Valley winter trip.
Saline Valley Warm Springs
Saline Valley, inside Death Valley National Park, is hours of rough dirt road from services.
A September 2026 fire burned part of the Lower Spring area, which is closed; the rest of the campground reopened. Bring high clearance, two full-size spares, extra fuel and water.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park, outside Markleeville, has a developed hot pool, a swimming pool and a campground.
The pools are listed as closed in 2026, though the park is open. Call first.
Closed Springs: Sykes and Esalen
Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur is closed; the 2026 Timber Fire shut the Pine Ridge Trail again. Check Los Padres National Forest alerts.
Esalen is private and open only to guests and program participants. Don’t trespass.
What to Pack for a Hot Spring Trip
Most of these springs have no shade, restrooms or trash cans.
- Quick-dry towel and a warm layer
- Sandals or water shoes for slick rock
- Headlamp for night soaks
- Water and an electrolyte mix
- A trash bag
- Offline maps, since cell service is spotty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural hot springs in California free?
Most primitive springs on BLM and Forest Service land are free, including Travertine, Buckeye and Wild Willy’s. Developed pools in Tecopa and at Grover Hot Springs charge a fee.
Is Deep Creek Hot Springs open?
No. It is closed under a San Bernardino National Forest order running into June 2027.
Can you swim at Hot Creek near Mammoth?
No. Entering the water is prohibited because boiling springs can surge. You can walk the trail and viewpoints.
What is the best time of year for Eastern Sierra hot springs?
Late spring through fall has the easiest road access. In winter side roads can become impassable, so check conditions and carry chains.
Is it safe to put your head under water in a hot spring?
No. Some geothermal water carries Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba that enters through the nose.
Destination guide
My Mammoth hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
