The next time you visit the Southern Sierras of California, stop by Remington Hot Springs, located three hours north of Los Angeles. The springs are easily accessible by car and are greatly loved. Local artists have added a swing and bejeweled the hot spring pools. Visit during the spring or fall for an idyllic soak.

Remington Hot Springs Near Lake Isabella

These hot springs are in Sequoia National Forest, only one and a half miles away from the popular Miracle Hot Springs. A short, steep 20 minutes of hiking will take you to three hot spring pools located next to Kern River. Remington Hot Springs are highly visited.

Best Time to Visit Remington Hot Springs

The best time to visit these springs is the shoulder season: spring (March through May) and fall (September through late October). However, be prepared for wildfires or wildfire smoke in the fall.

This region has hot summers, so visiting between June and August can feel uncomfortable. Summer heatwaves typically reach 100°F or higher. Similarly, winter can be extreme, with temperatures as cold as the mid 30°F. If you visit in the winter, it is better to stay at a hotel in Lake Isabella.

Regardless of the season you visit, the springs are always popular so you should start your hike as early as possible during the day. Visiting the springs before 8:00 am still will not guarantee that you have the pools to yourself.

Camping Near Remington Hot Springs

It is illegal to camp at Remington Hot Springs. The closest place to camp near Remington Hot Springs is Hobo Campground, 1.7 miles from the springs. Hobo is open April through September. Another campground is Sandy Flat, 2.8 miles from the springs. Sandy Flat is open between late May and late October.

Other Accommodation Options

If the two campgrounds are full, you can stay at one of the multiple campgrounds around Lake Isabella like Old Isabella campground (open year-round). If you don’t want to camp, you can stay at motels near Lake Isabella like Lakeshore Lodge or Barewood Inn and Suites. For dinner, there are some fast-food restaurants in the city of Lake Isabella.

History of Remington Hot Springs

The Kern River is the homeland of many Indigenous people such as the Tübatulabal, of which a few hundred still live in the area and are seeking federal recognition. These indigenous people built villages near the springs.

Similarly, this area drew many gold rush miners who lived near the river to pan gold. The hot springs provided miners with a way to stay clean and warm.

In contemporary times, the springs are polemic. As they are free and easily accessible, Remington has been so popular that people have littered and vandalized them. The U.S. Forest Service has been considering closing them. In response, many “Angel” volunteers clean and try to protect these springs from closure.

Directions to Remington Hot Springs

If you’re in the Sequoia National Park visitor center, you’ll drive 150 miles south to the Remington Hot Springs parking lot. If you’re in Los Angeles, you’ll drive 150 miles north. Both drives will take approximately three hours. The hike is short and steep.

Visiting Remington is more advantageous if you’re already located in Southern California; those aiming to visit Remington from Northern California will have a long drive.

Remington Hot Springs Map

Driving Directions

From Los Angeles, drive the 101 North, the 170 North, the 5 North, then the 99 North to Bakersfield. From Bakersfield, take the 178 East highway for 30 miles before turning right on Kern Canyon Road. On Kern Canyon Road, you’ll drive 7.8 miles to the stop for Remington Hot Springs. Use your odometer to find the parking lot, where you can see a generic, brown U.S. National Forest sign. Parts of the road aren’t well-developed, so drive carefully.

If you’re driving from San Francisco or surrounding areas, you’ll drive for more than 300 miles or five hours. Drive to Bakersfield and follow the same directions from there.

Hiking Directions to Remington Hot Springs

Hiking to Remington Hot Springs will take you along a 0.4-mile, steep, and mostly unmarked trail to the river. To avoid the heat of the day, start as early as possible. Consider downloading the offline map of the trail on AllTrails so you won’t get lost.

Nudity and Hot Springs

As with any hot spring, Remington attracts nudity. However, nudity is prohibited in the National Forest and rangers may ticket visiting nudists. View a listing of hot springs in California where nudity IS allowed.

Trash, Toilets, and Other Considerations

The trail and springs are often trashed and vandalized. For goodwill, take your trash – and maybe others’ – out with you when you leave. There is a trash dumpster in the parking lot. There are also a few porta-potties at the parking lot.

Always bring water to drink, because this is a low-elevation hike in the desert, and sitting in hot springs can dehydrate you. Bring a water filter if you prefer to drink water from the river.