Grover Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs is 4 miles west of the town of Markleeville in Alpine County of the State of California. These hot springs are a commercial facility amid the Sierra Mountains. The park has various facilities such as Hot Spring pools, campgrounds, and many popular hiking trails. 

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Where are the Grover Hot Springs Located?

The Grover Hot Spring park was constructed in the year 1959 and is run by the State Government of California and charges a fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children per day. The park has been a popular destination among travelers from all over the country for decades. Due to which it is often crowded and has higher ratings across multiple social media platforms. The park is spread across an area of 550 acres surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Sierra Nevada National Forest, and it is at an elevation of 5900 feet from sea level.

How to reach Grover Hot Springs?

3415 Hot Springs Road, Markleeville, CA 96120

Grover Springs is only 16 miles from the City of Tahoe in California can be reached by taking the State Highway 88 for 5.8 miles where take a right onto California State Highway 89 and head straight for  6.4 miles and now take a right onto Hot Spring road and head straight for 3.8 miles. Keep a lookout for Grover Springs Park on the right side at the end of the road.

The Hot Springs can also be reached from the Towns of Alpine Village, and Hope Valley. Take California Highway 89 towards the town of Markleeville and now take right onto the Hot Spring Road which will lead you to Grover Springs Park.

The park’s most favorite spots are the Famed Grover Springs themselves. The Facility has a Hot Springs Facility which consists of a natural hot pool and a large swimming pool. These Hot Springs offer picturesque views of the Sierra Mountains and the surrounding Alpine forests. 

Best Time to Visit Grover Springs Pool California

The Hot Springs Pool Facility is open all year long, and it is frequented by numerous Tourists from all over the country during Summer. So it is ideal to visit during summer to soak and enjoy the magnificent views of the Sierra and the surrounding wilderness. 

The Hot Pools facility is closed in September for two weeks for maintenance. It also closed on Wednesdays from September to May for cleaning and maintenance.

This famous tourist destination also consists of various popular activities for you to participate in.

Precautions to take while visiting Grover Hot Springs

 A person needs to take necessary precautions while visiting Hot Springs to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

Carry Plenty of Water

It is ideal to carry and drink plenty of water while visiting Hot Springs because soaking in these steamy pools can lead to excessive sweating which can further cause dehydration. This will help the body to control its temperature and water levels effectively reducing the risk of Dehydration.

Clean yourself before entering Hot Springs

It is necessary to clean or wash yourselves properly before soaking into the Hot Springs. This process will help the steamy water of Hot Springs from getting contaminated and safe for other tourists visiting these Hot Springs.

Do Half Body Bath 

The temperature of the water in the Hot Springs is higher and in turn, it takes some time for our body to get adjusted to this temperature. If you directly soak into the pools your muscles may suffer severe aches, So it is best suited to do half body baths before Soaking into the Steamy pools.

Don’t shower after the Steamy Bath

Hot springs consist of various minerals which help our body in several ways such as increasing blood flow, treating skin infections, treating injuries, etc. So it is highly suggested to just clean yourselves with a towel instead of a shower or bath.

Don’t stay long

Soaking in these steamy pools and witnessing stunning scenery may be pleasant and relaxing. However, if you do not leave the steamy pools for a long time it may cause Burns, Dehydration, Excess Sweating, and many more. So it is ideal to leave the pools after a certain period based on the sweating on your body.

Take Rest

Due to the excessive amount of energy spent in the Hot Springs. It is highly suggested to take a very much-needed rest until your energy replenishes.

Popular Activities Nearby

Encountering Wildlife

Grover Hot Springs State Park is also an excellent location for encountering different species of Birds in their Natural Habitat. There are almost 100 species of birds here. Nighthawks, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Mountain Bluebirds, Barn Swallows, Band-tailed pigeons, and Western Tanagers are some widely known species that call Grover Hot Springs State Park their home. It is an ideal location for Animal lovers from all over the world to witness the magnificent and stunning birds of the Sierra Nevada National Forest in California.

Hiking 

Hiking is a popular activity that you can participate in during your visit. There are many popular hiking trails nearby Grover Springs. The trails are the best way to explore the Sierra Mountain ranges and the surrounding Alpine forests.  Grover Hot Springs State Park Waterfall Trail, Burnside lake trail to Buck Creek, Fourth of July Lake Trail, Woods lake Campground Trail, Bull Run Lake Trail are some widely known Hiking Trails nearby these Hot Springs. The most popular hiking trail is the Grover Hot Springs hiking trail which leads you to the Hot Springs.

Camping Near Grover Hot Springs

Camping is another popular activity that you can partake in while visiting here. There are many well-known campgrounds here in Alpine County of California offering various essential features. Grover Campground, Pamela H.S Land, Crystal Springs Campground, Kit Carson Campground, Indian Creek Campground, and Turtle Rock Park Campground are some best campsites at Grover Springs.

Skiing/Snowboarding

This location is a perfect winter getaway with several famous Ski Areas and parks. Snowboarders from all over the state visit this area during winter and enjoy zipping through the snowy trails at greater speeds. There are many popular Snowboard/Ski resorts nearby Grover Springs such as Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Bear Valley Adventure Company, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe Resort, Hope Valley Outdoor Center, and Skyline Bear Valley Resort, etc.

White Water River Rafting

East Fork Carson River is a famous spot for white water river rafting. The river is near Carson City north of the Town of Markleeville. The river rages through the canyons at higher speeds often taking sudden turns as it passes through California. Due to which it has become a popular spot for adventures of White Water River Rafting/Kayaking. 

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Accommodations nearby Grover Hot Springs

If you are planning to visit this place, there are many popular lodges nearby offering various features and amenities.

Woodfords Inn

This popular lodge is along California Highway 89 in Markleeville and has a top rating across multiple tourism platforms for its Service, Location, Cleanliness, and Value. Woodfords Inn offers Non-Smoking rooms with Air-Conditioning and Refrigerators. This hotel offers several essential amenities like Laundry Service and High-Speed Internet Access for all its customers. This hotel is a perfect place for hiking and camping, due to the abundance of Hiking Trails, and Campgrounds nearby.

Creekside Lodge

This is the next popular hotel in the town of Markleeville after the Woodfords Inn. Creekside Lodge offers two types of rooms as Non-Smoking and Family rooms with essential features like a Washroom, TV, Comfy Bed, and a Seating Area. The Hotel has a large vehicle park beside which is free for all of its customers. Smoking is strictly prohibited in this hotel. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers High-Speed Internet Access. The Hotel has scenic views of the distant mountains and surrounding Alpine Forests.

Best Western Topaz Lake Inn

This popular hotel is in Gardnerville 12.5 miles away from the Town of Markleeville. Best Western Topaz Lake Inn offers three types of rooms Non-Smoking rooms, Family rooms, and Luxury Suites with various features like Air-Conditioning, Desk, Safe, Microwave, Hair Dryer, Coffee/ Tea Maker, Flatscreen TV, and House-Keeping. This facility also offers several amenities like Hot Tub, Fitness Centre with a Workout room, Free Breakfast, and a Business Centre with High-Speed Internet Access. Parking is free and it is located closer to many popular hiking trails leading into the forests.

Famous Restaurants nearby Grover Hot Springs

Being a popular destination the place is surrounding by many famed restaurants offering Tasty Food, Friendly Service, and the Right Value.

Stonefly

Stonefly is a top-rated hotel located along State Highway 89 near the town of Markleeville. It is frequented by many people due to its location south of Lake Tahoe. The restaurant offers American Cuisines and has special diets for Vegetarians and Gluten-free options. It only offers Meals for Dinner. Stonefly has various features like Outdoor Seating, Table Service, Reservations, and Serves Alcohol. Parking is free for all of its customers. Wheel Chairs are also available here.

Alps Haus Café

It is also a popular restaurant located in the Town of Markleeville in California. The cafe is highly accessible due to its location along Highway 89 and is mostly frequented by tourists. The Quick Bite Restaurant offers two types of Cuisine like cafes and Soups. They offer meals only for Breakfast and Lunch. It also offers various essential features like tasty food, Friendly service, Takeouts, and High Chair Seating.

Katie’s Country Kitchen

This popular restaurant is highly known for its tasty food, friendly service, Atmosphere, and Value. Only American cuisine here with meals even during late nights. They also have Vegetarian-Friendly options available along with Gluten-Free. Katie’s Country Kitchen also offers various features like Takeout, High Chair seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol and Table Service. Wheelchairs are also available here.

Hiking Trails nearby

Hiking is a popular activity here in the State of California. People often come from long distances to hike these trails and witness stunning views of the Sierra Mountain Ranges and the Surrounding Forests.

Grover Hot Springs State Park Waterfall Trail

This popular hiking trail is frequented by tourists all year long as it is the only pathway leading to the Hot Springs. The trail is located nearby the town of Markleeville in the State of California. The Hiking Trail is 3.7 km long and is considered to be suitable for hikers with Beginner, Advanced and Medium level skills. This trail is the best suitable for nature trips, and it is frequented by tourists from March to October. Pets are allowed into this trail but must be kept on a leash. The trail features a stunning waterfall and the famous Grover Hot Springs State Park.

 Burnside lake to Buck Creek Hiking Trail

Burnside lake to Buck Creek Trail is considered to be an easy one as it is only 0.8km long. It is ideal for all types of hikers with Beginner, Medium, and Advanced Level Skills.

The trail features a river and a lake and it is frequented by hikers from March to October. The trail is suitable for Hiking, Running, Walking, and Bird Watching. The State Park where the trail is located charges a small number of fees. The trail is pet-friendly, but pets must be on a leash while Trekking this trail.

Fourth of July Lake Hiking Trail

Another popular hiking trail located near the Town of Markleeville in California offers alluring views of the Lake, Sierra Mountains, and Surrounding thick forests. The trail is 17.9 km long and it is suitable for hikers with Medium and Advanced Level Skills. It ventures deep into the Mokelumne Wilderness leading to the Mountain tops where the beautiful Fourth of July lake is nestled.  Popular in the eyes of tourists for various activities like Hiking, Camping, and Fishing from June to October.

Bull Run Lake Hiking Trail

Bull Run Lake Trail is located in the pristine Carson-Iceberg Wilderness nearby Markleeville.  The trail is 12.4 km long, and it is only suitable for hikers with Medium and Advanced Level Skills. It is frequented by tourists all year long and is often used for various activities like Hiking, Camping, and Back-Packing. The trail features a lake at the end, and it has some stunning scenery as the Alpine trees surround the lake in all directions high across the Sierra Mountains. A permit is needed for all the tourists who want to spend a night here in this Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

Freel Peak From Armstrong Pass

This is one of the toughest trails located nearby the Town of Markleeville in California. The trail is located in El Dorado National Forest and it is frequented only from July to October. The Hiking trail is 15.1 km long and it is only suitable for Hikers with Advanced Skills. It ventures deep into the forest also involves rock climbing to reach the Freel Peak which offers stunning vistas of the Mountains and the surrounding Wilderness. The Trail also features a lake and a Mountain peak. Pets are allowed into this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Tourist Attractions Nearby

There are many widely known tourist attractions located close to here. Many hiking trails are the only pathways leading to them and often help the tourists explore this attraction.

Sierra Nevada National Forest

The Sierra Nevada is a popular national forest located in California. The forest is highly known for its Picturesque mountains, Beautiful lakes, and Dense Alpine Forests. This forest is located in the midst of Sierra Mountain Ranges which are surrounded by Yosemite National Park in the Northwest and Kings Canyon National Park in the south. This lush green forest is home to many popular hiking trails which lead to hidden gems of nature. One of the most popular trails located in this Sierra Nevada National Forest is the Grover Hot Springs State Park Waterfall Trail. This trail leads you to a hidden waterfall and the Famed Grover Hot Springs of California. Black bears, Cougars, Wolves, Bob Cats, Coyotes, Foxes, Mule deers, Porcupine, Marmots, and Quail are some of the Popular animals that call this National Forest Home.

Many rivers transverse through this forest making it a prime spot for Fishing. Brook Trout, Golden Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout, and Fingerling Trouts are some popular fish species living here.

East Fork Carson River

This popular river stretches almost 61 miles and passes from Nevada to California. The river passes through the town of Markleeville which is located at a distance of 4 miles from the Grover Hot Springs. This river is a popular attraction for tourists to partake in various activities to spend their time such as Fishing, Boat Tours, White Water River Rafting, and Kayaking. Tourists visit this place from all over the country to participate in the Adventurous White Water Rafting Tours which is perfectly suited due to the raging river and the strong currents. Apart from the White Water Rafting and Kayaking, this place is also a major hot spot for fishing with various fish species like Wild Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Paiute Cutthroats, and Whitefish which swim in this river.

 Burnside Lake

This lake is a popular spot for camping, Hiking, and Fishing for Tourists visiting from all over the State of California. The lake is located in Toiyabe National Forest and is nestled in between the mountains of the Sierra Range. A Hiking Trail is the only pathway leading to this lake and the trail is only 0.8km long. The trail is considered to be easy, and it is suitable for all Tourists with or without Hiking Skills. The Lake offers scenic views of the Blue lake and Surrounding Alpine Forests located in the Midst of the Sierra Mountain ranges.

Also, the lake is located closer to the Grover Hot Springs and Soda Springs. There is a campground located on the banks of the lake where you can set up your camp and enjoy the nature all around you. The Lake is also a major hot spot for fishing. Large Rainbow Trout are usually found in this lake, and it is said that they are quite easy to catch.

Freel Peak

It is one of the Tallest Peaks in the Carson Mountain Range in the State of California. The Free peak is at the Banks of Lake Tahoe and offers stunning views of the Lake and Surrounding Wilderness. Due to its popularity, the Free Peak is visited by Tourists all year long. To reach the Freel peak we need to Trek through the Hiking Trail which is 9.0 km long and is considered to be a hard trail due to its elevation and rocky terrain. 

The Trail is only ideal for Hikers with Advanced skills. The peak marks a boundary between El Dorado County and Alpine County. The Freel Peak is 10,886 Feet in height, and it loves over all the Mountains surrounding and the Lake below. Due to which it is a popular Hiking Spot. Hikers from all over the country visit this location and hike through the Tough Trails towards Freel Peak.

Ebbetts Pass

This scenic driveway way located in the midst of the Sierra Mountain Ranges. The pass is generally a Two Highways 89 and 4 meetings each other at an elevation through the Mountains. Ebbetts pass is a popular highway that is frequented by people from all over the country. People usually choose this road for a Long Drive. The pass also is the only pathway leading to many of the popular touristic attractions like Grover Hot Springs, Bull lake, Burnside lake, and many more. This adventurous pathway is also an excellent location to encounter Wild Animals.

The pathway transverses through two National forests such as Sierra National Forest and El Dorado National Forets. People usually spot wild animals trying to cross this highway often. The pass is named after a trader called John Ebbett who was the first one who dedicated his time to make this pass into a Continental Highway. Unfortunately was killed in an accident. However, the Government in 1893 recognized this pass and constructed a Highway that was named after him. Driving through this famed pass and encountering stunning views all along the pathway is an experience you will not forget.

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Conclusion

I highly recommend people to visit Grover Hot Springs as it is an ideal location to soak into the steamy pools and enjoy the Bird Calls of the 100+ bird species that call this State Park their home. The Grover hot springs are also quite easily accessible due to their location near the Town of Markleeville along State Highway 89.  Also, this location contains many popular attractions close by for you to visit and also can participate in various activities while you are here. Grover Hot Springs is a popular destination for tourists and so it has many famous lodges and Restaurants nearby for you to stay and eat tasty, healthy, and nutritious food.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)