Hot Springs in Northern California
Photo credit: www.onlyinyourstate.com

Hot Springs In Northern California, also called NorCal, has a lot of things to see and do, and its natural beauty brings in a lot of tourists every year. This includes the beautiful Yosemite National Park, the beautiful beaches, the scenic mountains, and the relaxing hot springs.

There are free hot springs all over Northern California, and some of them are wellness retreats. The mineral-rich waters of the hot springs are said to have healing and calming effects. Because of this, it’s important to choose only the best hot springs, and I’ve made it easier for you to do so. These are the best hot springs in Northern California that you must go to if you want to feel completely refreshed.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Are Hot Springs?

You’ve probably seen or heard about Hot Springs In Northern California, but what are they and how do they form?

A hot spring is a natural flow of water that comes out of the ground hotter than 98 degrees Fahrenheit (36.7 degrees Celsius). When water deep below the Earth’s surface is heated, it rises to the surface and forms a hot spring. Like geysers, many of them form near places where volcanoes are active.

Soaking in hot spring water is not only relaxing, but the minerals in the water could also be good for your health in many ways. It has been shown that sulfur-rich hot springs can help heal skin irritations, infections, arthritic pain, digestive problems, and more. On top of that, it can speed up blood flow, relieve pain, and lower stress right away.

In fact, there’s nothing new about this at all. Hot springs have been used all over the world for thousands of years and are widely accepted as a natural way to treat common illnesses in places like Europe and Japan.

Where Are The Hot Springs In Northern California?

Where Are The Hot Springs In Northern California
Photo credit: www.california.com

East of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the best place in California to find natural hot springs. Here, there are a lot of natural hot springs with amazing views of the land around them.

But the whole state of California is a hot spot (pardon the pun) for hot springs. Most of the natural hot springs are in northern California, while most of the developed hot springs are in southern California. Let’s quickly look at California’s geography so you know where we’re talking about.

Where Is Northern California?

Northern California, or NorCal, is the part of the Golden State in the north. It has 48 counties. This northern part of California has cities like San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and Fresno. It also has amazing landscapes like the Redwood Forests, Mount Shasta, the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley, parts of Lake Tahoe, and parts of the Central Valley.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the beautiful and natural hot springs in California are found in the places above. The heat in these hot springs comes from the inside of the earth.

41 Best Hot Springs In Northern California

1. Travertine Hot Springs 

Travertine Hot Springs is a primitive natural hot spring near Bridgeport and Yosemite National Park. It has both rustic natural pools and a tub that people with disabilities can use. Both are close to the parking lot.

When you sit in the pools at Travertine hot springs, you get a great view of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Unfortunately, because Travertine hot springs are so easy to get to, they can get very busy.

2. Surprise Valley Hot Springs

At dusk, these hot springs’ beauty is even more stunning. Located in Cedarville, a small town at the foot of the Warner Mountains. Find out more about this place to relax here.

3. Wilbur Hot Springs

Wilbur Hot Springs
Photo credit: hotspringsforsale.com

Wilbur Hot Springs is a beautiful place to relax and get away from everyday life. It is two hours from San Francisco and is in a large nature reserve. Minerals in the hot springs are good for your skin, and soaking in one will take away all your stress.

Because of how far away it is, you need to make a reservation to go to the hot spring and/or stay at the lodge. The hot springs cost $59 for a day pass, which is good for up to seven hours (10 am to 5 pm). For as little as $75, you can also spend the night on the property.

4. Buckeye Hot Springs

Buckeye Hot Springs is near Travertine Hot Springs and near Highway 395 in Bridgeport, California. At Buckeye Hot Springs, there are three pools that are always filled with hot water from the springs above. When the heat from the springs gets too much, you can quickly jump over the man-made rock walls and cool off in Buckeye Creek.

The springs aren’t as popular as the nearby Travertine Hot Springs, but they still get a lot of visitors. To get to the springs, you have to walk down a steep, rocky trail from a dirt parking area to the creek. Buckeye Campground is a nearby place to camp.

5. Wild Willy Hot Springs

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs in California is my favorite natural hot spring. This is the one I mentioned at the beginning of the article. I love these because they are in the middle of a big field with views of the mountains in every direction. There are two pools at Wild Willy’s. One is big enough for up to 20 people, and the other is small and looks like a heart.

This is a popular hot spring, so it’s usually full of locals and campers every night. It’s a great place to have a party, pop open a beer (in a can! ), and soak together while watching the sun go down. Mornings are quieter, and if you get there at sunrise, you might have the place to yourself for a while.

Wild Willy’s is outside of Mammoth Lakes. There are three hot springs in this field (the other two are tubs and are in the next section). The gravel road is rough for short cars, but there is a large parking lot. A boardwalk is set up to help you walk a short distance to the springs.

6. Vichy Springs Resort, Ukiah

The Vichy Springs Resort in Ukiah, California, is a well-known hot springs resort that dates back to the 1800s. It has lots of mineral pools and baths where people can soak and relax.

The resort is known for its naturally warm springs, which are the only carbonated springs in North America. This means that there will be a lot of tiny bubbles crawling over the skin, making it feel like you’re drinking champagne. Also, the springs have carbon dioxide, which is the same healthy mineral found in the famous water of Vichy, France, from which the springs get their name.

7. Shepard Hot Springs

Shepard Hot Springs
Photo credit: avalancheranch.com

Shepard Springs is a single cement pool built right next to the source of warm water. With a pipe, hot water goes straight from the source to the tub, and a valve on the pipe lets you change the temperature.

This hot spring is easy to find, so it is usually one of the most popular in Mammoth Lakes. Shepard Springs is right next to the dirt parking lot, which is different from the other hot springs in the area, which you have to look for on unmarked dirt roads.

8. Orr Hot Springs

The springs are right next to Montgomery State Park, so take a nice walk through the Redwoods before you jump in the water. You can also stay in a yurt, which is great for people who want to connect with their inner herder. Visit the website to learn more.

9. Sierra Hot Springs

This spa and hot springs resort are in a California lodge that was built in the 1870s. Sierra Hot Springs is a great place to soak because they are quiet, out of the way, and full of friendly, experienced staff.

This hot spring is only open by reservation, and people can’t just stop by for the day. You can book a room in their lodge for two or three nights, or you can camp for as long as you like if you call ahead. Their massages, hot springs, and cafes will help you relax. Prices for rooms start at $82 and prices for camping start at $38.

10. Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is another off-the-beaten-path hot spring. It’s about 45 minutes from Bishop, California, and Mammoth Lakes, California. Each campsite at this campground has a private hot tub and a view of the White Mountains that can’t be beaten. Only 11 campsites are available, and each one is pretty private.

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see the White Mountains. When the stars come out, you’ll be right in the middle of the dark night sky with no city lights to get in the way. Camping at Benton Hot Springs is a must for outdoor lovers who want to really get away from it all. The Inn at Benton Hot Springs is a bed-and-breakfast where you can stay if you don’t want to camp.

11. Feather Creek Hot Springs

On our way back from Lassen National Park in the fall, my husband and I hope to stop at Feather Creek Hot Springs. On the land of a small, rustic resort is this hot spring tub. We want to rent one of their cabins, which comes with the use of the hot tub. The tub looks like it’s next to a river and there are a lot of trees nearby, so soaking in it with a cup of coffee in the morning should be fun.

This is another mountain resort with hot spring tubs and a rustic feel. The Inn At Benton Hot Springs has 12 tubs, and only the people who rented it for the night can use them. This is different from a camp, where everyone uses the same tub, so you don’t have to worry about getting too close to strangers.

I also want to stay at this Inn. They have rooms, cabins, and RV/camping sites with hookups, so any kind of traveler can stop by and have a good time.

12. Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown

Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown
Photo credit: harbin.org

Back in 2015, fires swept through the area and destroyed this non-profit wellness retreat. But after being fixed up, Harbin Hot Springs is back to being one of the best hot spring resorts in Northern California. It is in the middle of nature and has several springs and pools that visitors can enjoy.

There is a range of temperatures to choose from in the mineral springs, from ridiculously hot to warm. It’s a resort where you don’t have to wear clothes, but only in the pool area. In addition to the spring, there is a dry sauna, a number of hiking trails, massages, and yoga classes.

Make sure you get your membership before you go to this resort because you’ll need it to get in. Get a one-month membership for $10, an annual membership for $30, or a membership for life for $300. Each person will pay $30 for a 6-hour visit, and each person will pay $45 for anything longer than 6 hours.

13. Crab Cooker Hot Spring

This one is called “Crab Cooker Hot Spring” because it is very hot. This hot spring is fed by a pipe from the source, just like many of the springs in Mammoth Lakes. The temperature can then be changed with a valve. When we first got to the crab cooker hot spring, the water was so hot that we couldn’t get in the tub. Before we could even put a toe in the water, we had to wait for it to cool down.

14. Grover’s Hot Springs

This little gem of a hot spring is in Markleeville, at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. The greenish-yellow color of these pools is caused by the way light bends and mineral deposits. Don’t want to soak in the hot springs for a while? Enjoy the hiking trails or go camping with the kids instead. Here, you can learn more about this beautiful place.

15. Sykes Hot Springs

You won’t have any trouble getting to Sykes Hot Springs if you like to backpack or go on day hikes. To get to Sykes, you have to take a beautiful 20-mile round-trip hike along the Pine Ridge Trail to get to three natural hot springs pools next to the Big Sur River. This one is probably the most remote and hard to get to, but taking a soak after a long day of hiking is well worth the trouble!

Along the Pine Ridge Trail, the trip to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10 miles one way. This trip is great for backpacking, but you can also do it as an out-and-back hike from the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park campgrounds (if you are used to hiking 20 miles in one day).

To get to the pools, you’ll have to cross two rivers and climb over some rocks during the hike. When you get to the pools, don’t expect anything fancy because they aren’t that fancy. But, hey, the trip is just as important as the destination!

If a 20-mile hike doesn’t sound fun, there are three hike-in campgrounds you can stay at Terrace Creek, which is about 5 miles in, Barlow Flat, which is the biggest and is 7 miles in, and Sykes Campground (right by the springs).

16. Mono Lake Hot Springs Resort

This place is deep in the wilderness of the Sierras. This resort is harder to find information on because its website doesn’t seem to have been updated much since 2018, but from what I can tell, it’s in Mono Lake Hot Springs. Not to be confused with Mono Lake! This resort is in the middle of nowhere and has lots of trails, cabins, campsites, and, of course, hot springs.

From the pictures, most of the hot springs look like they are tubs, but a couple of them might be natural pools. I think there are a few tubs on the same trail, so it might be fun to take a road trip, rent a cabin, and spend a day just jumping from hot spring to hot spring.

17. Feather River Hot Springs, Twain

Feather Creek Hot Springs in Twain is a place to get away from it all surrounded by beautiful plants and one of Mother Nature’s rivers. The average temperature of the hot springs at this retreat is between 99° F and 104° F. There are pools and hot tubs all over the property, each with a great view of the river or the trees.

To get to the springs, you have to walk along a rocky path with beautiful views. Soak in one of the makeshift pools or sit in the tub and watch a beautiful California sunset. I’d suggest taking a dip in the cold river to cool off and make your relaxing time last longer.

If you are a member of the Friends of Feather River Hot Springs, you only have to pay $10 per person for a two-hour soak. No one can just walk in; they have to make a reservation first.

18. Tassajara Zen Center

Tassajara Zen Center
Photo credit: gallowaykitetrail.com

The Tassajara Zen Center is the oldest Japanese Buddhist St Zen monastery in the United States. It is in a remote part of the Ventana Wilderness in the Santa Lucia Mountains. There is also a Japanese-style hot springs facility on the property.

Even though it is mostly a Zen Buddhist monastery in the fall and winter, it opens its doors to visitors from mid-April to September for the Summer Guest Season.

Guests are welcome to soak in the hot springs, cool off in the creek, hike the trails, try their famous gourmet vegetarian food, float in the pool, and even take part in a retreat. Guests can also join the residents every morning and evening for meditation and chanting.

Men and women can use different parts of the hot springs bathhouse. Each area has a tiled indoor hot pool, an outdoor pool, a steam room, showers, and large decks that are great for sunbathing, stretching, and yoga.

19. Calistoga Mineral Springs

We love the cute town of Calistoga in upper Napa Valley, which is in wine country. This town is on a geothermal hotspot and is known as the best place in California to take a mud bath. Most hotels also have some kind of mineral pool.

20. Esalen Institute, Big Sur

The Esalen Institute is one of the best and most popular places to get healthy in California. It is in Big Sur. It’s between the ocean and a mountain, and there are hot mineral springs on a cliff by the ocean.

Their hot springs are in a very private place where you don’t have to wear clothes. From the tubs on the water, guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, only Esalen guests who take part in their workshops can use the hot springs. I recommend the workshop if you want to go on a journey of self-discovery and change with a group of experienced teachers. If that doesn’t sound very appealing, you can reserve a spot for the public between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Even though it seems crazy, can you really say no to a time when all you hear is the sound of waves crashing? I doubt it.

21. Hilltop Hot Spring

The hot spring on Hilltop is sometimes called Pulkys Pool. This hot tub is near the parking lot off Benton Crossings Road. But because this hot spring is easy to get to, it can get very busy. From the parking lot, you have to walk about a half mile to get to Hilltop hot Springs. But the views from this one make it our favorite by far. Soaking in a hot spring on top of a hill looks like something out of a postcard.

22. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Hot Springs Resort in Calistoga is another high-end day spa named after chiropractor Dr. Wilkinson. This resort offers wonderfully modern accommodations, geothermal mineral pools, and a variety of spa treatments for unbeatable pampering.

The mineral baths are the main attraction and what people primarily come for! There are separate sections for men and women, featuring mineral steam rooms, mineral water whirlpool tubs, and mud baths.

This place is very cute, despite the name of the resort. It sports a new mid-century-inspired design, 50 completely refreshed guest rooms, a brand new restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and a completely re-imagined spa.

23. Stewart Mineral Springs

Stewart Mineral Springs
Photo credit: www.pexels.com

I haven’t stayed here, but the tourism website describes it as a remote wellness center with mineral pools to soak in, spa treatments, and camping. I love the Shasta area so much because it has McCloud Falls, which is my favorite waterfall in California to swim in.

24. Roman Spa Hot Spring Resort

The three mineral pools at the Roman Spa hot spring range in temperature from 92°F to 104°F. A full spa menu with aromatherapy and mud baths, which are said to have natural healing properties, is also available.

The resort has beautiful flowering Mediterranean gardens, private patios, and fountains that splash. The rooms are designed in the Tuscan style. In the private suites, there are bathrooms that look like Roman spas and are made of stone and mosaic tiles.

25. Indian Springs Resort

Indian Springs Resort is a high-end resort that you shouldn’t miss. It’s in the charming town of Calistoga, which has a lot of hot springs. This is the place to stay if you want a relaxing and healing soak, an iconic mud bath, and a truly unique place to spend the night. People have been going to Indian Springs for over a hundred years to relax and feel better. As one of the first spas in California, they offer thermal mineral waters, mud baths, and special treatments that draw people who want a spa experience that has been around for a long time.

Natural geyser water fills an Olympic-sized mineral pool and a few smaller pools at Indian Springs. The spa next door offers a variety of body treatments, including Calistoga’s famous mud baths. After you’re done getting pampered, grab a drink at Sam’s Social Club and relax in one of the property’s historic cottages, luxurious bungalows, or luxurious 2- to 3-bedroom homes.

26. The Natural Hot Springs

Once you get to the parking area, you’ll have to walk down a gravel and dirt path for 0.25 miles. Don’t forget to look up and take in the amazing views of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. When you get to the hot springs, you’ll see that there are two spots to soak. A hot creek with a few different levels where people can sit or a heart-shaped blue pool about 50 yards away.

27. Beverly Hot Springs, Los Angeles

At Beverly Hot Springs, you can soak right in the middle of the city. The site says, “The spa is fed by a strong flow of 96- to 105-degree water from the artesian well that Richard S. Grant found when he bought the land, which was a wheat field at the time, to divide it for a housing development in 1910.” While drilling for oil, Grant found another treasure: a 2,200-foot well.

First, the water was put in bottles and sold. According to the site, it was especially popular with red-eyed men who found the sodium bicarbonate and other minerals in it to be soothing on Monday mornings. Now, you can soak away a hangover or just go for a healing swim in the coed pool and get a massage or body treatment as a bonus.

28. Avila Hot Springs

Avila Hot Springs
Photo credit: www.avilahotsprings.com

About 9 miles south of San Luis Obispo, Avila Hot Springs is a popular spot on California’s central coast where people of all ages can relax, play, and even stay the night. With the day-use fee, you can use two different pools. The mineral-rich hot springs soaking pool is 2 feet deep, heated to about 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and open to people ages 8 and up. The heated, freshwater pool with a shallow end and a deep end, and two twisty water slides is open to people of all ages. On-site is the Avila Massage Spa, where you can relax with a Swedish, sports, prenatal, or hot stone massage. With any of these services, you can use the pools for the day for free.

And if you want to turn your trip to Avila Hot Springs into a vacation, there are places to dry camp and park RVs that are less than 25 feet long. Each rustic cabin has a queen-size bed and a set of bunk beds, so it can fit up to four people. There are places to rent bikes, and the start of the paved Bob Jones Trail is less than half a mile away.

29. Desert Hot Springs

This resort city is in the middle of a desert in Southern California, not far from Palm Springs and about two hours east of Los Angeles. Desert Hot Springs has more than 20 spas with hot springs (the largest collection of warm springs in the US). Most are happy to have guests both for the day and for the night. Desert Hot Springs is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, making it a fun place to go for a spa day.

There are many resorts that are mid-range or even cheap, but only one is high-end. The Two Bunch Palms resort is at the base of some hills and looks out over the city. The stylish, environmentally friendly resort has mineral-rich hot springs that are used to fill tubs, pools, and baths.

There are also mud baths and a full-service spa for everyone to use. Resort guests are the only ones who can get treatments and use the springs. The mineral hot springs in Desert Hot Springs are unique in that they have no smell (some in other places can be a bit stinky due to sulfur content). The area is also different because it has both hot and cold springs.

The nearby Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a huge outdoor area with miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking that is great for outdoor activities. The Mission Creek Preserve is also close by. It is a unique place because it is where the Mojave and Sonoran deserts meet. There is an easy trail along a river, and dogs on leashes are allowed in this park. It is also about 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. It is called DHS.

30. Dirty Socks Hot Spring

Dirty Socks Hot Spring used to be a popular place for travelers to camp. It is on the southeast side of Owens Lake. Today, green algae have taken over the hot pool, and only the most daring hot spring fans swim in the 90°F water.

31. Tecopa Hot Springs

People who like and visit this hot spring in Southern California call it “special.” The hot springs are in a small, friendly town in California called Tecopa. They are known for making sore muscles and joints feel better.

The day-use fee isn’t too expensive, and if you stay at the nearby Tecopa Inn, you can use the soaking tubs for free. The water is always between 38.33°C and 40°C (101°F to 104°F). The mineral content is on the website for the resort. There are also spa services on-site and nearby.

32. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

The Willow Spring Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is one of a kind because it has its own old thermal mineral spring. Yes, just below this luxury resort and 40,000-square-foot spa is a hot spring that starts 1,100 feet below the earth’s surface.

These same springs were used by the local Native American tribes for thousands of years before they were used to fill the resort’s hot tubs and pools. Day guests are welcome at the Willow Spring Spa, and access to the spa is included if you get a massage or beauty treatment and meet the minimum spend requirement.

With each treatment you buy, you’ll get a full hydrotherapy session that includes an exfoliating shower, a warm therapeutic bath, a dip in a Jacuzzi, a visit to a herbal steam room, a dry sauna, and finally a relaxation room. As you can see, it’s a big deal that you definitely don’t want to miss! The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa also has luxurious rooms, a restaurant with a Michelin star, and access to the nearby Sonoma Golf Club, which has a well-known golf course.

33. Deep Creek Hot Springs

Deep Creek Hot Springs
Photo credit: findthesecretspots.com

Deep Creek hot springs in Northern California are natural hot springs in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. They are in the northern part of the Mojave Desert. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Los Angeles.

The easiest way to get to the natural hot springs is by taking Bowen Ranch Road, which goes through private property and costs money to get into. For 2 1/2 miles, the trail goes down steeply to the springs. The Bureau of Land Management takes care of dirt roads that can be used to get around the ranch in other ways. These are slower and work best with cars that can go off-road. You can also walk about six miles east from Arrowhead Lake Road on the Pacific Crest Trail.

34. Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a hot springs resort in Southern California that is only open during the day. It is cool because you can make a day-long trip there to fit your needs by choosing from a variety of amenities in a lush and green setting. You can spend the whole day dipping in and out of mineral and saline baths, hot and cold plunge pools, and even a lap swimming pool. The daily admission also gives you access to Club Mud, where you can put red clay on wet skin, indoor saunas, steam rooms, and Roman baths, and daily exercise classes and wellness activities.

35. Sycamore Mineral Springs

The Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is in the town of Avila Beach in Central California, about 15 minutes off Highway 101 from San Luis Obispo. There are 72 rooms and suites, and there is also a casita with three bedrooms. All of the rooms and suites have their own hot tubs on their balconies or patios. The 100-acre estate that the small, high-end resort is on has a lot of green space and hiking trails.

The resort has a number of outdoor hot tubs that are heated by mineral springs. Both guests and non-guests can reserve them. The private tubs can be booked by the hour, and you have to book them online in advance. You can start making reservations at 9:30 am, and the last time you can do so is at 10:45 pm. The Oasis Waterfall Lagoon is a large spa that looks like a pool and has a waterfall. It can be reserved for groups of at least four and up to 20 people. Guests who are not staying at the resort but who have reserved a tub can order food from the resort’s restaurant to eat in their tub.

Sycamore has 24 outdoor hot tubs with mineral water that is heated naturally. These hot tubs are spread out up and down a green hillside. Other wellness activities include yoga and pilates, and the resort has a large spa with a variety of body, beauty, and skin treatments. The Sycamore is home to the Gardens of Avila restaurant, a very popular Central Coast dining destination with a seasonal, locally sourced (some things from the resort’s one-acre chef’s garden) menu. For a luxurious diversion, take a drive to nearby Hearst Castle, the sprawling mountaintop castle-like estate of William Randolph Hear

36. Pulkey’s Pool Hot Springs

Hilltop is a well-known concrete tub near Mammoth Lakes that gets its water from a hot spring. Because it’s only a few steps from Benton Crossing Road, there’s a good chance you won’t be alone for very long. The water in the pool is around 110 degrees. The great view of the Sierra mountains from Hilltop (Pulkey’s Pool) Hot Springs is the best thing about it.

How to get from Mammoth Lakes to Hilltop hot spring. South of US Highway 395. On Benton Crossing Road, turn right. The Hot Springs will be on the left side of the road in just under three miles. There is a small parking area at the end of a dirt road. Shepherd Hot Spring is near a number of other hot springs.

37. Mercey Springs

Mercy Springs is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. Because of this, it is a popular place for travelers to stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

People from all over the world come to this beautiful place to watch birds. In addition to the mineral-rich hot springs, you can use the sauna, do yoga, go hiking, mountain biking, and look at the stars.

38. Rock Tub Hot Springs

Rock Tub Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs near Mammoth Lakes in Northern California. It is in the Long Valley Caldera area of California, and Mammoth Lakes is only 15 minutes away by car.

This small, simple hot pool is heated by geothermal energy and can comfortably fit 4-5 people. It has amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. The water from the hot spring comes through a pipe, and the temperature stays around 100°F. This is a lot cooler than the other hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. If you want to bring your kids here, remember that they don’t have to wear clothes and there are no bathrooms nearby. Even if you don’t want to swim in the water, though, it’s still worth going to see the beautiful scenery.

39. Sespe Hot Springs

The Sespe hot springs in Northern California are in the Sepse Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. To get to these healing mineral waters, you have to go on a 7.5-mile, moderately difficult hike. There are even longer trails to get to these Southern California hot springs, and you can make a trip to the part of a multi-day backpacking trip. But if you want to take the shortest route, the Ojai Ranger District suggests starting your hike at the Dough Flat Trailhead, which is north of the town of Fillmore.

About 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 40 miles northeast of Ojai is where the trail starts. Sespe Hot Springs is out in the middle of nowhere, so it isn’t always crowded. Make sure to bring a lot of fresh water to drink, because summer temperatures here can reach 100 degrees or more. Autumn and spring have milder weather, but spring rainstorms can make it hard to cross waterways.

40. Grover Hot Springs State Park

Grover Hot Springs State Park
Photo credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Grover Hot Springs State Park is tucked away in a network of famous natural areas that go from Yosemite National Park to Tahoe National Forest and back again. The hot springs are just outside of the popular South Lake Tahoe recreation area. People have been coming to see them for more than a century. One of the most interesting things about them is that mineral deposits can make them look green from certain angles.

You can enjoy everything this historic state park has to offer, including the hot springs, hiking, swimming, fishing (the trout stream is another popular spot), geocaching, stargazing, and camping.

41. Remington Hot Springs Kern River

Remington hot springs in Northern California are near the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range, near the Kern River. Locals take care of the hot springs and do their best to keep the area clean, but some visitors leave messes. People go to Remington Natural Hot Springs a lot. If the parking lot is full, you will have to wait until someone leaves.

Don’t leave anything valuable in your car, especially if you come at night. You can relax in the hot tubs and look out at the Kern River, which is a beautiful sight. On Kern River Canyon Road, near the Hobo Campground, is a place called Remington Hot Springs.

Northern California Hot Springs Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is worth going to see the Northern California Hot Springs. One of the most beautiful places on the West Coast is where these hot springs come from.

When we went to the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, we spent the whole day there. We put on our swimsuits and robes and spent the whole day at hot springs along the way. We still remember it as one of the best days of our road trip across the United States.

When Should You Visit The Northern California Hot Springs?

The best time to go to the hot springs in northern California is in the spring or fall when the weather is nice enough to enjoy the warm water.

To get to many of these hot springs, you have to drive on roads that aren’t kept up. In the winter, snow, and ice can make these roads dangerous, and in the summer, too much heat can damage cars.

Wrapping Up The Best Natural Hot Springs in California

Well, that’s the end of our list of California’s 11 best natural hot springs! We’ve listed hot springs from all over this huge state, so you can choose the ones that work best with your travel plans. Which one of the hot springs will you go to first?

Which Hot Spring Are You Planning to Visit?

It’s clear that Northern California has a lot of great places to soak in hot springs. There are hot springs for everyone, whether you want free natural springs, springs in resorts, or springs deep in the woods. With the information above, you can now choose where you want to go to get the most out of these mineral waters.

Which one will you be going to? Have you been to one or do you think I forgot any? Tell me in the section below for comments.

Conclusion

Hot springs in Northern California are a great way to get away from everyday life. You can go on the spur of the moment or plan a weekend trip for a small amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) Hot Springs in Northern California

Are there free hot springs in California?

The hot springs at Travertine are free to get to, and you don’t have to wear anything. So, if you want to see your family, you should be ready. People go to the hot springs a lot because they are easy to get to. It is a hot spring in California that allows pets, but your dog must be on a leash.

Does California have natural hot springs?

Wild Willy’s is one of the easiest natural hot springs to get to in California. It is one of many beautiful, undeveloped springs in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Are there hot springs in the redwood forest?

Orr Hot Springs, a cute little resort tucked away in the Mendocino Coastal Range’s redwood-covered mountains, is a great place to find peace. The grounds are at the beginning of where the Big River flows into the springs.

Does Mount Shasta have hot springs?

Stewart Mineral Hot Springs is the oldest hot spring in all of California. In the Klamath National Forest, near the foothills of Mt. Shasta, there is a unique retreat with private mineral baths, massage therapy, a wood-burning sauna, and different places to stay, including camping.

Is California Hot Springs Resort Open?

This resort is open all year so you can enjoy the water from their natural hot springs. It’s a great place to get away and relax. This review was written by a Trip advisor member and does not reflect the views of TripAdvisor LLC.

Can you swim in the California hot springs?

There are many natural pools and places to swim where you can enjoy the water at the temperature you like. The best time to go is in the spring because it can snow in the winter and get over 100 degrees in the summer. Even though there are no facilities, you can hike, camp, and backpack in and out of the area.

Where is Hunt Hot Springs California?

The Hunt Hot Springs are in Big Bend, California, not too far from Redding. The springs are on private property, but the owners let people use them for the day. Good tubs and a wooden deck have been added to the three springs.

Does Palm Springs have any hot springs?

Hot mineral springs flow below the surface of Greater Palm Springs and are piped into the spas of hotels and resorts in the area. Many places offer day passes to their spas so that both tourists and locals can try out their mineral waters for the day.

Why is it called Palm Springs?

William Bright says that when the word “palm” is used in a place name in California, it usually means the native California fan palm, Washingtonia filifera, which grows in large numbers in the Palm Springs area. Early names for the city also included “Palmetto Spring” and “Big Palm Springs.”

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