Tag: Backpack

Grab your gear and hit the trail. The hot springs in this category can be reached by hiking a few to a couple miles and have nearby camping options.


Gaviota Hot Springs

Gaviota Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara

2 Reviews
Favorite
Gaviota Hot Springs is a rustic and relaxing hot spring located approximately forty (40) minutes outside of the town of Santa Barbara in the unspoiled Las Padres National Forest. Also known as Las Cruces Hot Springs, Gaviota is the perfect spot for a little away time and meditation when you are passing through the town of Santa Barbara. One of Read more...
Sykes Hot Springs Soak

Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur

1 Review
Favorite
If you’re looking for an adventurous weekend backpacking experience to a secluded hot spring, you’ll want to visit Sykes Hot Spring in Big Sur. The trailhead is a couple of hours south of San Francisco and the Bay Area; these hot springs reopened in April 2021 after five years of closure, prompting mixed reactions. One thing is true; these springs Read more...
Deep Creek Hot Springs

Deep Creek Hot Springs in Southern California

7 Reviews
Favorite
Adventure into the rain shadowed desert foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains to a cluster of undeveloped hot springs on the Deep Creek fork of the Mojave River. Surrounded by lush vegetation of willows and other various trees, the natural hot pools transport you into a parallel universe. The cool waters of the Mojave River provide a refreshing reprieve while Read more...

Soak by Feature

No Soap or Shampoo!

Public hot springs in California are not bathing facilities and do not have ‘plumbing’ like that of commercial, improved hot springs.

Soap and shampoo, including bio soap and shampoo, do not break down naturally and pollute our fragile ecosystems.

FYI, this is also illegal in most wilderness and public lands areas. Please report suspicious activity to public lands officials (take pics).

Leave No Trace

It is important to remember when visiting hot springs in California or any state to leave them in better shape than when you arrived.

Please leave no trace, bring no glass and embrace the experience.

We recommend cleaning up the area and hot springs before soaking as it makes for a more natural experience and reward for your stewardship efforts.