Natural Hot Springs in California
California is blessed with an abundance of both public and private (commercial) natural geothermal hot springs. Being the third largest state in the nation with over 163,000 square miles, California’s terrain is vast and sweeping. It is one of the most geographically diverse states from mountains and coastal ranges, valleys, rivers and lakes to the incredible Mojave desert. California is also part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, comprised of a chain of volcanoes. This volcanic activity is where California’s hot springs were born.
Natural hot springs have been around since before the dawn of man. Throughout the world, they have been utilized for their perceived medicinal benefits along with being centralized locations for religious rites and ceremonies. In the United States, Native Americans held hot springs as sacred places. Often, hot springs were a place of neutrality that even warring tribes could come together and be at peace.
As the States became more populated, many hot springs took a turn towards decadence and posh. Resorts and spas boomed for an era, offering the well to do somewhere to indulge in the rejuvenating waters, especially in the late 1800’s. This fad was not to last. Hot springs resorts began to lose their luster and many were abandoned and left to ruin. Today, hot springs are still revered and sought after. From the rustic natural hot springs to the more commercialized, five-star resort, California brings the soak seeker whatever their heart desires.
It is important to remember when visiting a hot springs to leave it in better shape than when you arrived. Leave no trace, bring no glass and embrace the experience.
California hot springs listings on this website contain access information, hours, directions, maps, rates, facility information, ratings, pictures, video clips and more!
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Enjoy Hot Springs in other states? Thought so! Visit our sister websites for Idaho and Oregon hot springs.