Hot Springs California

California is one of the richest states in the United States. Known for its pristine coastal lines, vast mountain ranges, and alpine fir forests. The star Hollywood, Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Silicon Valley, Mojave Desert, steamy hot springs, blue lakes, Busy Harbors, and a lot more. Now you might know all of this but this popular state has a wonderful collection of Hot springs that will  blow your mind.

Hot Springs California

Historically, the State of California was inhabited by the Native Californian Tribes for thousands of years until it was discovered by the Spanish Explorer and Navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. However, the Spanish forces came into the territory much later in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The Spanish Empire occupied and colonized the territory. The territory was under Spanish rule until 1821 when it became a part of Mexico. The California Territory was ceded to the United States by Mexico after the Mexican-American War. Later on September 9, 1850, the Territory joined the Union and become the 31st state of the United States of America.

The State gained popularity worldwide, after the discovery of gold by John W Marshal in 1848. This sudden discovery led to massive changes through the state for 7 years, widely known as the California Gold Rush (1848-1855). During this period, California observed a sudden influx of immigrants from not only other states but also from other countries worldwide

This period led the state into a new age as it gained global popularity, becoming the front-runner of innovations in Information, Communication, Technology, Entertainment, and many other fields. The state is also the home of the oldest, largest, and most popular cinema industry- Hollywood. Sacramento is the Capital of California, however, the most popular cities are Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

Apart from this, the State of California is also home to many Hot Springs in the Country. The State has several types of Hot Springs like Natural Hot springs, Commercial Hot Springs or Pools, Geothermal Pools, and Warm Springs for you to choose from. 

List of Popular Hot Springs California 

• Wild Willy’s Hot Springs 
• Esalen Hot Springs
• Beverly Hot Springs
• Deep Creek Hot Springs
• Glen Ivy Hot Springs
• Sierra Hot Springs

Best Hot Springs in California

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs California

The Wild Willy’s Hot Springs California is found nearby the Mammoth Lakes of Eastern California. Wild Willy’s are the best natural hot springs in California, quite popular among tourists due to their accessibility and also for their stunning views of the Valley Caldera surrounded by the Sierra Mountain Ranges in the east, and the Glassy Mountain Ranges in the west. The Hot springs are also called Mammoth Lake or Crowley Hot Springs. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs consists of two steamy pools – one popular heart-shaped pool small but has a high water temperature, another larger pool with slightly lower water temperature.

The Wild Willy’s Hot Springs California is one of the many hot springs located near the Mammoth Lakes, High Concentration of Molten Magma or Super Volcano under the surface of the valley is considered to be the reason for the formation of these hot springs. However, Wild Willy’s is the most popular one, and it is frequented by many tourists all year long. During winter, when the hot springs are surrounded by a magical winter landscape as the valley is full blanketed by snow and offers views of snow-peaked mountains in the distance.

Location of Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs California is located south of the Mammoth Lakes nearby State Highway 395.  Head South on Highway 395 from Mammoth Lakes for 8.8 miles. Take a right onto the Benton Crossing Road near the Green Church and head straight for 3 miles. Keep a lookout for the Cattle Farms on the right side, and after passing through the second farm, take the first right towards the dirt road. Follow this road for 1.5 miles, which will lead you to a large Dirt Parking Lot. The Dirt Parking Lot has a wooden boardwalk disappearing into the distance towards the Hot Springs. Follow, this Boardwalk which will lead you to the Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.

Esalen Hot Springs

Esalen Hot springs California are one of the picturesque hot springs as they offer magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. The Hot Springs are operated and managed by Esalen Institute, which is highly known for its New Age Philosophy and self-help experiences. The steamy pools are located on the Cliffside high atop the ocean below. Historically, these hot springs were used by the Indigenous people of California for thousands of years for their mineral-rich water, which offers various medicinal properties. Ironically, the steamy pools are still used for the same purpose by Esalen institute. The Facility consists of several large baths, indoor and outdoor pools, and wooden hot tubs for you to choose from.

California Hot Springs Resort and Spa

The Facility also offers spa treatments like Full Body Massages, Skin Treatments, and many more. However, the most famous activity here is stargazing while soaking in these steamy pools every night from 1 am to 3 am. 

The Hot Springs are open to the public only during this time.

Location of Esalen Hot Springs

The Esalen Hot Springs California is located at a distance of 12.6 miles away from the Seaside Town of Posts located nearby the Famed Big Sur. From Posts, head straight for 12.6 miles towards the Big Creek Ridge. The destination will be on your left side.

Beverly Hot Springs

Beverley Hot Springs California is one of the most popular hot springs located near the Kore Town in the City Of Los Angeles, California. The steamy waters of the Hot Springs were accidentally discovered during Oil Rigging in the 1920s. A Spa is built on the Hot Springs in 1980 and has become quite popular among the residents of Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills ever since. The Spa facility is among the natural hot springs in California. The facility consists of a geothermal hot spring pool, a sauna room, a cold plunge pool, and a Eucalyptus-infused room. The steamy water in the pools is fed by a source underground.

California Hot Springs Resort and Spa

This luxury spa also offers various services like Body treatments, massage therapy, Facials, Hair removal, Sunless Spray Training, and many other Spa amenities.  All the visitors must pay a fee of 45$ for obtaining an entry pass, which will give access to the Hot Spring pool, Cold Pool, Dry, and Steam Sauna for 2 hours. The facility follows a strict 2 hours policy to maintain the site cleaner and from also overcrowding. The Beverly Hot Springs is open from Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 8 pm, and they also have private reservations on Tuesday and Wednesday for Interested customers.

Location of Beverly Hot Springs

Beverly Hot Springs California is located halfway between Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in Korea Town. The Hot Springs can be accessed easily as it is located nearby the Hollywood walk of fame and Santa Monica Blvd on the S Western Avenue Road.

Deep Creek Hot Springs California

Deep Creek Hot springs California are Natural Hot Spring Pools located on Deep Creek Fork nearby the Town of Apple Valley in San Bernardino County, California. The Hot Springs are located in a rocky canyon nearby the Mojave River, and they offer alluring views of the might river snaking its way through the canyons and disappearing behind a turn in the distance. This natural Hot Springs in California is operated and maintained by San Bernardino National Forest. The Hot Springs consists of 7 pools of varying sizes and temperatures, which are surrounded by cold pools nearby.

The Hot Springs can be accessed only by trekking through two hiking trails- one is called Freedom Trail which is 2 miles long starting from Bowen Ranch, another one is known as Pacific Crest Trail which is 6 miles, and it makes its way through the Bradford Ridge Path. Both Trails are hard as they are quite steep and are often littered with many obstacles. Although, the hike may be difficult, soaking in the pools and viewing stunning canyon landscapes is worth it.

Location of Deep Creek Hot Springs

The Deep Creek Hot Springs is located at a distance of 16.2 miles from the Town of Apple Valley. From Apple Valley, head south on Highway 18 for 1 mile towards Third Cross Street. Take right onto the 3rd Cross Street and head straight for 5 miles towards Mariana Ranchos. Now take a left turn onto the Ocotillo Way and follow the road for 2.3 miles. Turn right onto Bowen Ranch Road, and head straight for 6.8 miles. Keep a lookout for the Pack Memorial trail on the left follow this trail for 1.3 miles which will lead you to the Trailheads. 

Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Glen Ivy is among the California hot springs resort and spa facilities(private) located nearby Lake Mathew Estelle Mountain Reserve 57 miles east of Los Angeles City.  The Facility is quite popular among the locals and the tourists visiting California. The facility houses its restaurant and a luxury hotel, and it has a staggering number of 19 pools that are used for various purposes. The steamy water in these pools is believed to contain many essential minerals which have medicinal properties. As a result, it is frequented by many tourists all year around.

The Glen Ivy hot springs California facility is highly known for its Club Mub – where you can undergo Detoxifying Red Mud Baths, Subterranean Grotto where you can participate in hydrating Body-painting, and Spa offering various Body Massages, Treatments, Sauna, and many more. The Hot Steamy pools in these resorts are surrounded by lush green gardens offering stunning views and pleasant experiences. 

Location of Glen Ivy Hot Springs

The Glen Ivy Highway Hot Springs can be accessed easily from Los Angeles City. From Los Angeles, head southeast onto the US 101 Highway and follow this road for 0.5 miles, and merge onto the I-5 State Highway. Drive straight for 17.6 miles and take a right onto California Highway 91 near Buena Park High School. Follow the highway for 37 miles toward the Town of Corona. In this town take a right onto the Temescal Canyon Road which will lead you to the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort after 1.6 miles.

Sierra Hot Springs California

The Sierra Hot Springs are also among the California hot springs resort and spa facilities nearby the Tahoe National Forest. This private facility contains two large pools, one is maintained at a temperature of 98-100 degrees, another pool is at a temperature of 105-110 degrees. The Sierra hot springs have many attractive features like a Restaurant, a Luxury hotel, Geodesic dome consists of two cool plunge pools, a warm pool, Dry Sauna, and an adjacent Sun Deck. The Sun Deck offers alluring views of the Tahoe National Forest and the Scenic Sierra Valley.

The steamy pools in the Sierra Hot Springs are accessible to all visitors during the daytime, and 24/7 for overtime guests.  The facility charges a fee of 15$ for 3-hour use and 20$ for Full Day use. You can also get a monthly membership to access the hot springs anytime during the month for 5$. Apart from the pools, this hot springs resort boosts spiritual lessons and seminars by Popular Healing and Spiritual practitioners.

Location of Sierra Hot Springs

The Sierra Hot Springs sits at the border of California and Nevada. As a result, it can be accessed by tourists from both states. In California, the hot springs can be accessed easily from the Town of Sierraville located along State Highway 49. From Sierraville, head east on CA 49 Highway towards Firehouse Ln for 0.4 miles, take a right turn onto the Lemon canyon road, and head straight for 0.6 miles, turn right onto the Campbell Hot Springs road and follow the road for 0.8 miles, the Sierra Hot Springs Resort will be on the right.

Hiking Trails Nearby Natural Hot Springs California

Hiking is a popular activity here for people visiting these popular hot springs, and it also is the ideal way to explore the diverse state of California. 

Duck Pass and Pika Lake Trail

One of the most popular hiking trails nearby Wild Willy’s Hot Springs California, in the John Mur Wilderness. The hiking trail is 15.3 km long, and it is considered hard as it involves steep climbs, rocky terrain, and dense forest area. The Trail is best suited only for Hikers with advanced skills. The Trail opens from July to October as it offers picturesque views of the valley where the Pika Lake is located. The wonderful blue pika lake contrasts the surrounding green alpine and fir trees of the John Muir Wilderness. The trail starts from the Coldwater campground and heads deep into the John Muir Wilderness towards the stunning valley where the Pika Lake is. The Hiking Trail offers various activities like Trekking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Camping, Nature Trips, Bird Watching, etc.

Creamery Meadow, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Loop Hiking Trail

The best hiking trail is located near Esalen Hot Springs California, offering gorgeous views of the Famed Big Sur and the vast Pacific Ocean. The Sea-side Hiking Trail is 12.9 km long, and it is only suited for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Level Skills. Apart from the scenic sea views, the trail also features a mighty river emptying into the vast Pacific Ocean. The Trail is located in Protected Andrew Molera State Park, which maintains the Hiking Trail. The Trail is often visited by tourists for various activities like hiking, Bird Watching, Camping, Nature Trips, Bird Watching, and Encountering Wild Life. Pets are strictly prohibited from entering this sea view hiking trail.

Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive Hiking Trail

The popular hiking trail is frequented by tourists from all over the world, and it features the famed Hollywood Sign and Canyon Drive of Los Angeles. The hiking trail is located nearby Beverly Hot Springs California, in Griffith Park. The Hiking Trail is 9.7 km long and is considered moderate and only best suited for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Level Skills. There are many other popular hiking trails nearby for you to access through this trail. The Trail also features a beautiful river, and it offers stunning views of Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles Downtown in the distance. The Trail is frequented by tourists from all over the world, and it offers various activities like Hiking, Camping, Nature Trips, City Views, Running, and Encountering Wildlife.

Deep Creek Hot Springs Hiking Trail

This popular hiking trail is highly frequented by Tourists visiting the Deep Creek Hot Springs. The Trail starts from Bowen Ranch where the Parking Lot is located and heads deeper into San Bernardino National Forest towards the hot springs. The Hiking Trail is 5.8 km long, and it is considered a hard one as it has steep climbs, rocky obstacles, rugged terrain, and slippery sandstone. So the trail is best suited only for hikers with advanced level skills. The Hiking Trail offers many activities for the tourists such as Hiking, Walking, Running, Soaking, Nature Trips, and encountering wildlife. Pets are allowed onto this hiking trail but must be kept on a leash.

Skyline Drive to Beeks’s place Hiking Trail

This top-rated Hiking Trail is near the Glen Ivy Hot Springs California in the Cleveland National Forest. The Hiking Trail features beautiful patches of colorful wildflowers all along the pathway, and it also offers unforgettable views of the pristine valley below. The Hiking Trail is 17.5 km long, and it is only ideal for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Level Skills. Apart from hiking, the trail is also frequented for various activities like Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Nature Trips, Running, Camping, Backpacking, and many more. The  Skyline Drive to Beeks’s placeTrail is frequented by many tourists all year long. 

Stevens Hiking Trail

One of the hardest hiking trails is located nearby the Sierra Hot Springs in the Tahoe National Forest. The Hiking Trail features a hidden waterfall and the popular American River. The Hiking Trail is 12.4 km long, and it is ideal to avoid hiking through these trails during summer due to extreme temperatures and little shade. The Trail is only best suited for Hikers with Advanced Level Skills. The Trail is accessed by tourists all year long, and they often participate in various activities like hiking, soaking in waterfalls, Camping, Running, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Nature Trips, and Encountering Wildlife. 

Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Hiking Trail

This is a popular hiking trail frequented by tourists to visit the rusty bridge known as Bridge to Nowhere all year long. The bridge is a popular tourist spot as the tourists love posting their pictures taken on the bridge on various social media platforms. The trail is located nearby the Town of Azusa in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The Hiking Trail is 15.3 km, and it is only ideal for hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills due to the rough terrain pathway. Apart from the Bridge, the trail also features a hidden Waterfall. The Hiking Trails offer various activities like hiking, Rock Climbing, Historic Site Viewing, Running, Nature Trips, and Bird Watching.

Barney Lake Hiking Trail

This popular hiking trail is located nearby the Hidden Travertine Hot Springs of Bridgeport in the Hoover Wilderness. The Hiking Trail features a beautiful lake located in a ravine surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks, and it offers stunning views of the mountain peaks being reflected through the Lake.  The Hiking Trail is 13.4 km long, best suited for Hikers with Advanced Level Skills. The hikers all year long, visit the trail for participating in many activities like Horse-Riding, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Walking, Camping, Backpacking, Nature Trips, and encountering wildlife.

Tourist Attractions of California

The State of California has many popular tourist attractions other than Hot Springs. The state is diverse with vast mountain ranges, long coasts, alpine fir forests. Temperate rain forests, stunning valleys, and also Hot Desert Areas. 

Yosemite National Park

One of the most popular locations in the state of California which are highly known for its picturesque landscapes, hidden waterfalls, Natural Hot Springs, clean Blue Lakes, Tall Mountain Peaks, Valleys and River Canyons, etc. The national park is spread across a large area of 748,436 acres and was designated as a world heritage site in the year 1984. Moreover, the park has created a new record in the year 2016, as more than 6 million tourists went to Yosemite National Park this particular year. Yosemite National Park geographically contains diverse landscapes, like Granite Cliffs, Glaciers, Meadows, Giant Sequoia Grooves, Clear Streams, Waterfalls, Lakes, Mountains, Forests, and many more. Being a popular destination, the site has many campsites and hiking trails for you to explore and spend the night here.

The Yosemite National Park offers various activities like Hiking, Nature Trips, Fishing, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Backpacking, and Witnessing Wildlife in their Natural Habitat. Recently, the site has become a popular hotspot for a new kind of activity known as stargazing. Tourists from all over the country are setting up camps here in this park and staying overnight to witness the clear night skies adorned with stars.

Disneyland Park

The most popular site in all the United States is located nearby Anaheim City, and it is referred to as the “Happiest Place on Earth”. The Park is often called a magical land by the many children exploring this park every year. The park consists of two theme parks that were constructed in the year 1955, and are operated and maintained by Walt Disney. The site’s popularity rose through the years as new parks were built into it. The site set a record of 726 million tourists, second to no other theme park in the world.

The site offers various activities like theme parks, Fairy Tales, Jungle Adventures, Pirate Adventures, Cartoon Adventures, and many more. The children visiting this site are often greeted by their favorite Disney characters. The popular destination has many popular movie-themed sites for you to visit, like Star Wars, Tomorrows land, Fantasy Land, Mickey’s Toon Town, Critter Country, New Orleans Square, Frontier land, Adventure land, and many more. Disneyland Park was also showcased in many popular Hollywood movies and web series all over the world.

McWay Falls

McWay waterfalls are the only falls in all of California other than Alamere Falls that directly falls into the Pacific Ocean. These stunning waterfalls are 80 feet long and are located in the McWay Creek of the Famed Big Sur of California. 

As a result, the Falls gained popularity among tourists from all across the world. Tourists from not only the neighboring states but from also other countries from all over the world visit this site to witness the alluring views of the waterfall and the Vast Pacific Ocean. The falls are frequently posted across various social media sites. Historically the falls directly fell into the ocean during both hide tide and low tide, unfortunately, massive thunderstorms struck the Big Sur Coastline in 1983, which caused flash floods, Landslides, and Mudflows. This caused a large deposition of mud into the ocean nearby the Falls, rendering the waterfalls from directly falling into the ocean during low tides. Apart from that, the damage is minimal, and the falls still offer stunning views. 

Channel Islands

The Channel Islands is an eight-island archipelago located within the Famed California Coastal Blight. The Northern Four Islands are considered part of the Transverse Ranges Geologic Province. The Southern Four Islands are under Peninsular Ranges Province. The islands are national protected reserves, which help conserves this site and all the Flora and Fauna surrounding it. The Oceans surrounding the island is the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It was established to save, conserve the coral reefs nearby and protect the various species of fish that depend on them.

The Islands were first discovered and inhabited by the Chumash and Tongva indigenous tribes for thousands of years. Later in the 17th century, the islands were under Spanish Empire, which used these islands for agriculture and fishing. Now it is used by the United States Military for training, weapons testing, etc. Apart from this, some islands are open to tourists and are frequented by many of them for Camping, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Star Gazing.

Artists Palette

Artist Palette is a small rugged mountain range located in the Black Mountains of the  Death Valley, California. The Painted Hills are located on the west side of the Black Mountains. The Hills have gained popularity among the tourists visiting California from all over the country, due to the different shades of colors the Hills adorn themselves with. The oxidation of the different metals in these rocks is considered to be the cause of this phenomenon. The Rugged Painted Mountain Hills were formed due to the extensive volcanic activity here in the Death Valley. The artistic nature of these hills is considered to be a type of therapy. Tourists visiting this site often love to participate in activities like hiking, Rock Climbing, Meditating, Painting, and many more.

Conclusion

We highly recommend people to visit all the hot springs in California. The State offers a wider variety of Hot Springs to choose from. Many commercial hot springs in California also offer Hot Water Therapies, Spa treatments, Sauna, and many more. And the natural hot springs offer picturesque views of the surrounding, making it an unforgettable soaking experience. Moreover, the state of California has many popular tourist attractions nearby Hot Springs to visit during the trip. The State has well-connected highways and roads, making the hot springs and the other tourist attractions much more accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)