Two famous, accessible Californian hot springs are located in the remote central region near Mammoth Lakes, against a backdrop of the Eastern Sierra mountains. These natural hot springs are called “Wild Willy’s Hot Spring” or “Crowley Hot Spring.” The hot springs are easy to drive to, require only a short walk, and are free to access. The area is undeveloped Read more...

Deep in the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara is a long and dusty backpacking trail that will take you to the hidden Sespe Hot Springs. Because this trail requires at least one day of hiking in warm, exposed conditions, most people do not visit or even know about Sespe. Yet, for those brave enough to Read more...

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 Read more...

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 the 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...

Montecito Hot Springs is a delightful set of hot spring pools tucked into a leafy canyon. The hot springs are a historical site and now sit on protected National Forest land. They are increasingly popular on social media and are likely crowded even on weekdays. However, these hot pools are deserving of popularity: you can reach them after a one-hour Read more...

Whitmore is a non-commercial hot spring located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra and is surrounded by the Inyo National Forest. The hot springs are said to have been formed as a result of volcanic activity more than 760,000 years ago. The area where Whitmore is located is also home to a small community who have enjoyed Read more...

Few outdoor experiences are as relaxing as sitting in a natural hot springs pool. Imagine sitting in a hot spring as a cool creek rushes past you. This is the Buckeye Hot Springs experience, located in northern California. Buckeye Hot Springs Near Bridgeport Located near the tiny, wild town of Bridgeport, California, Buckeye Hot Springs is less visited than their Read more...

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...

If you’re looking for an adventurous backpacking trail to a hidden hot springs tub, drive into the Los Padres National Forest and trek to Willett Hot Springs. These are some of the most remarkable and accessible hot springs for hikers and backpackers in Southern California. Willett Hot Springs Information Near Santa Barbara Tucked into the hills of Los Padres National Read more...

Imagine you’re visiting the urban sprawl of Los Angeles on a foggy spring morning, and you decide to go for a day trip to the coastal mountains where you’ll hike for a couple of hours and soak in a natural hot spring pool. This day trip is possible at Gaviota Hot Springs, located in Gaviota State Park on California’s Central Read more...

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 Read more...