Natural hot springs in California

Q: How many natural hot springs are located in California?

There are 65 thermal springs and geothermal soaking pools cataloged across California. Reported temperatures vary — always test water and verify access before visiting.

Q: Are natural hot springs free to visit in California?

24 of the 65 thermal springs in California are listed as free in directory records. Land status and fees change — verify with the managing agency (BLM/USFS/NPS) before visiting.

Q: What is the average soaking temperature for California hot springs?

Natural geothermal soaking pools in California typically range from 98°F to 106°F (36.5°C to 41°C). Geothermal source temperatures at the spring origin can reach higher levels, so always test water temperature before entering.

Q: Are clothing-optional hot springs available in California?

36 thermal springs in California are listed as clothing-optional in directory records. Policies change — verify current rules before visiting.

65 cataloged springs — 24 listed free, 36 clothing-optional.

By the HotSpringsFind editorial team · How we compile records · Reviewed September 2026

Travertine terraces and the soaking pools at Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport, California — The travertine mound and pools at Travertine Hot Springs, Eastern Sierra — photo: noelwaters, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Quick picks in California

Selected from directory records — each list states its criteria. Verify access before visiting.

Easiest to reach

Roadside access reported

Keough Hot Ditch100°F

Resorts & facilities

Developed resort

Wilbur Hot Springs105°F Drakesbad Hot Springs96°F Franklin Hot Springs98°F

Worth the walk

Primitive — reported trail

Buckeye Hot Springs104°F Travertine Hot Springs103°F Wild Willy's Hot Springs102°F

Reported free

No fee in directory records

Iva Bell Hot Springs98°F Steep Ravine Hot Springs102°F Slab City Hot Springs (Barraza Hot Springs)100°F

California springs (65 of 65)

Choose a town for an overnight stay

Pick the town closest to the springs you plan to visit.

Bridgeport

A US-395 town base for Travertine and the Buckeye turnoff. Check snow and dirt-road conditions before driving to the pools.

Find stays in Bridgeport

Mammoth Lakes

Choose town lodging for the Long Valley springs reached from US-395 and Benton Crossing Road. The pools are outside town on separate access roads.

Find stays in Mammoth Lakes

Desert Hot Springs

Choose a room in Desert Hot Springs; mineral pools and guest access depend on the property you book.

Find stays in Desert Hot Springs

Calistoga

Stay in the Napa Valley’s hot-springs town. Check each property’s pool and day-spa access separately.

Find stays in Calistoga

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Hot springs near California travel hubs

Springs clustered around the state's main gateway cities:

Near Mammoth LakesWithin 50 miles

Near BridgeportWithin 45 miles

Near BishopWithin 50 miles

Near Lake Tahoe & SierraWithin 50 miles

Complete index — all 65 springs in California

Buckeye Hot Springs Travertine Hot Springs Wild Willy's Hot Springs Keough Hot Ditch Wilbur Hot Springs Iva Bell Hot Springs Drakesbad Hot Springs Steep Ravine Hot Springs Children's Play Tub (Saline Valley)Crystal Pool (Saline Valley)Sunrise Pool (Saline Valley)Upper Warm Spring (Saline Valley)Volcano Pool (Saline Valley)Wizard Pool (Saline Valley)Franklin Hot Springs Slab City Hot Springs (Barraza Hot Springs)Tecopa Hot Springs Remington Hot Springs East Fork Carson River Hot Springs Kern Hot Spring Five Palms Hot Springs Montecito Hot Springs Sierra Hot Springs (historic Campbell Hot Springs)Alkali Lake Hot Springs Little Hot Creek (Siphon Hot Springs)Crab Cooker Hot Spring Little Caliente Hot Springs Dirty Socks Hot Spring Holtville Hot Springs (BLM Hot Springs)Shepherd Hot Springs Rock Tub Hot Springs Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey's Pool)Grover Hot Springs State Park Vichy Springs Resort Orr Hot Springs Resort Harbin Hot Springs Avila Hot Springs Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Gaviota Hot Springs Mono Hot Springs Resort Benton Hot Springs Keough's Hot Springs Resort Surprise Valley Hot Springs Sespe Hot Springs Willett Hot Springs Esalen Institute Hot Springs Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring (Spa at Séc-he)Sam's Family Spa & Hot Water Resort Two Bunch Palms Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa El Morocco Inn & Spa Indian Springs Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Calistoga Spa Hot Springs Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Tassajara Hot Springs (Zen Mountain Center)Glen Ivy Hot Springs Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Agua Caliente County Park Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel Mercey Hot Springs Resort Fountain of Youth Spa & RV Resort Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa Glamis North Hot Springs Resort

Check status before visiting

These California records are documented but not currently listed as recommended visits — they may be closed, restricted, view-only, or have unconfirmed access. Each page carries the latest reported status and the official source to confirm with.

Deep Creek Hot Springs — Closed — verified below

Terminal Geyser — View only — no soaking

Bat Pool (Saline Valley 'bathtub') — Closed — verified below

Reds Meadow Hot Springs — View only — no soaking

Delonegha Hot Springs — Not a visit recommendation

Paso Robles Inn Hot Springs — View only — no soaking

California guides & status reports

Big Sur hot springs guide

Sykes Hot Springs status

Stewart Mineral Springs closure

California hot springs FAQ

How many natural hot springs are located in California?

Are natural hot springs free to visit in California?

What is the average soaking temperature for California hot springs?

Are clothing-optional hot springs available in California?