Travertine Hot Springs

With clear skies and views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains, Travertine Hot Springs is a special treat. Unsurprisingly, they are one of the most-visited mineral hot springs in California. Despite its remote location in Northern California, this natural wonder is much-loved.

Travertine Hot Springs Near Bridgeport

Outside the small, rural town of Bridgeport, California, you’ll find Travertine Hot Springs at the end of an unpaved road. Located off Highway 395, these springs aren’t a secret, and most tourist maps will include them. These springs are relatively crowded. However, if you arrive in the morning or on a weekday, you’ll have enough space to experience a natural pool quietly.

Mineral groundwater feeds the Travertine Hot Springs in varying degrees of heat. Travertine is lovely to visit in the late spring, summer, or early fall when the springs are warmer, and the ground is free of snow or ice. The springs may still be warm in the winter, though visitors cannot easily access them in the unplowed snow.

Why “Travertine”?

Travertine is a natural product of dried, hardened limestone. The limestone is often white and looks like dried salt. Many hot springs produce this sedimentary rock, which builders have created floors, walls, bridges, and even pottery. In other words, these hot springs are named after this geological feature.

Seasonal Access Information

The water temperature at Travertine Hot Springs typically ranges from 70°F to 120°F, depending on the specific pool and the time of year. The hottest pool is closest to the source of the spring, and the temperature cools as the water flows downhill.

Here are some additional details about the water temperature at Travertine Hot Springs:

• The source of the spring is very hot, around 180°F.
• The temperature of the water in the pools can fluctuate depending on recent rainfall or snowmelt.
• The pools are generally cooler in the winter and hotter in the summer.

There is a chance of rain or snow in October through April, and nighttime temperatures drop as low as 15°F. If you are interested in a visit during these months, it’s better to stay in an RV or get a hotel room in Bridgeport.

The air quality in Bridgeport is excellent, better than the national average. It is also sunnier than the national average, with 277 days of sunshine.

Travertine Hot Springs Camping and Overnight Options

No camping is allowed at or near the hot springs and is routinely enforced by local authorities. There is very rustic, dispersed public land camping available in the vicinity.

If you’d prefer to camp at a developed campground with fire pits and running water, the closest option is Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground, where visitors can stay at one of 17 sites overlooking the marina (RV sites are also available). This campground is only a 10-minute drive away from the hot springs.

However, if you’d like more amenities and central heating, downtown Bridgeport has good options. The Bridgeport Inn is located two miles away from the springs and has an on-site restaurant. The pet-friendly Ruby Inn is another well-rated choice.

History

People have revered these hot springs for generations, as far back as the first nations of this country like the Miwok, Mono, Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe people. For instance, according to Joseph Lent, a tribal historian for the Bridgeport Indian Reservation, this is sacred, created land. The Northern Paiute nations continue to live in the Bridgeport area.

Nudity and Hot Springs

Nudity is common at many hot springs in California, and Travertine is no exception. No visitor is required to soak in the springs naked, and some will wear swimsuits.

Politeness and Other Considerations

First, remember that this is considered sacred land to many Native people, so it is worth treating with respect. Take trash with you and pick up others’ garbage. In addition, bring water to drink since the heat of the springs can dehydrate visitors. Check snow conditions during the winter, as snow may prevent a visit. Finally, review the county’s fire regulations for any restrictions on stoves, fireworks, and smoking.

Driving Directions to Travertine Hot Springs

From Reno or Lake Tahoe, drive the 395 South freeway until you reach Bridgeport. From Bridgeport, go south for approximately one mile before turning left on Jack Sawyer Road. If you are traveling north from Southern California, you’ll take the 395 North freeway before exiting left on Jack Sawyer Road, one mile south of Bridgeport.

Approximately one mile down Jack Sawyer Road, you will arrive at Travertine. From there, you’re a few feet away from the hot springs.

Hiking Directions to Travertine Hot Springs

Once you park at the parking lot with a vault toilet, you will only be a one-minute walk from the springs, where you’ll find four pools fed by warm groundwater.

Map

View statewide hot springs map

Travertine Hot Springs Soak Stats

Season: Spring, Fall, Winter (access road may be impassable when wet and is not maintained during winter)
Type: Roadside (1 mile of dirt road driving)
GPS: 38.2458651 -119.2054099
Map Quad: Big Alkali
Elevation: 6,700 ft (2042 meters)
Land: Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest
Fee: None
Restrictions: No camping near hot springs, high clearance vehicle recommended
Usage: High
Visibility: Low
Temp: Between 70°F (21°C) to 200°F (93°C)
Water Clarity: Murky
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: Benton Hot Springs, Buckeye Hot Springs, Long Valley Area Hot Springs
Closest Food/Gas: Bridgeport
Trash: High
Bugs: Moderate
Reported Red Spider Mites: Yes
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground and nearby public lands, primitive camping along a 1-mile dirt road, camping is prohibited at or near the hot springs
Clothing Optional: Yes
Pit Toilet: Yes, in the parking area