17 Stunning, Soak-Worthy California Hot Springs

17 Stunning, Soak-Worthy California Hot Springs

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Need some R&R? These warming pools are as soothing as they are beautiful.


While you may be eagerly anticipating a luxurious few hours to yourself loitering in one of nature's finest hot spring, you may meet with several like-minded individuals who motivated a little earlier than you did. Great minds thinking alike? Maybe so, and maybe you'll meet some wonderful people. Still, the hot spring posse wasn't quite what you had in mind.

Soaking in relative peace and isolation can be a tall order in a state of 39 million people; on the other hand, California is also one of the nation's largest and most geographically diverse. This means that finding your pool is often just a matter of getting a little farther away, out where the views are expansive and the access is remote.

Eastern California hosts quite a few of these incredible hot spots, from the Sierra to the Mojave and Death Valley.Make sure you arrive early or on weekdays if you're hoping to avoid a crowd.

We've assembled a list of some of our favorite spots, including a few options for those who prefer a more developed facility.


Leave no trace.
The Forest Service and other local management agencies are considering closing access to many of these sensitive locations due to excessive trampling of plants, large amounts of garbage, cans and glass bottles, human waste, and toilet paper left behind. They simply do not have the staff or the funding to attend to these issues. If you want to continue enjoying these areas, pack out all garbage and toilet paper and dispose of it properly, use vault toilets and other restroom facilities when provided, and stay on established paths. Using these areas responsibly will increase the chance that people can continue to enjoy them.

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