Travertine Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs is located at an elevation of 6,700 feet in the California State Park, looking over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. Travertine Hot Springs sits on top of terrestrial sedimentary rock formation, which is believed to be consisting of High amounts of Calcium Carbonate (CaCo3). These rocky surface pools gained popularity during the 1890s when 60 tons of the travertine rock was drilled from the site to build the interior facings of the Iconic San Francisco City Hall. Apart from this, the steamy water of this pool consists of many essential minerals which have various medicinal benefits.

Travertine Hot Springs California

The Travertine Hot Springs was first discovered by Paleo-Indians during the late Pleistocene period. These ancient tribes used these mineral-rich hot springs for Healing, Warmth, and Cleansing for thousands of years. They considered these hot springs sacred and in recent archeological discovery, the site was said to host numerous Paleo-Indians settlements. The Hot Springs were later rediscovered by Paiute tribes of the Great Basin in 1000 AD, who also used these mineral springs were similar purposes. Later, during the 1900s, the Sheepherders used this site to cleanse their sheep, by building wooden sheep dips filled with liquified insecticides and fungicides. The wooden planks can still be seen near the Hot Springs. 

Travertine Hot Springs Camping

Travertine Hot Springs are located inside the California State Park, so camping is permitted here and is frequented by numerous Campers every year. However, setting up camps right by the Hot Springs is not advised as the Natural Hot Springs can be contaminated or damaged. So it is ideal to set up your camps right across the trails and the parking space. If you are traveling with a carry van, RV, or another type of camping vehicle, you can park them in The Travertine Campgrounds nearby.

Best Time to Visit Travertine Hot Springs

The Travertine Terrace steamy pools are free and are open all year long. However, we recommend you to visit these Hot Springs during Spring and Fall. Because during Winter, the California State park suffers from severe snowstorms and the roads and the trails leading to the Hot Springs near Yosemite are thickly blanketed with snow and make the pathways inaccessible. 

While in Summer, the Travertine Terrace pools on the tops of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges have higher temperatures due to the rocky terrain and little shade.

Travertine Hot Springs Directions

The Travertine Hot Springs is located just off the State Highway 395 near the town of Bridgeport in the State of California. The Steamy pools are located at a distance of 2.2 miles from the Municipality of Bridgeport. From Bridgeport, take the State Highway 395 east towards the Bridgeport Ranger District Office for 0.8 miles. Keep a Lookout for the Jack Sawyer Road on the left, drive onto this road and head straight for 0.2 miles, turn left onto the dirt road at the end and head straight for 1.1 miles, which will lead you to the Travertine Hot Springs Camping or Parking Site. 

More About Travertine Hot Springs

Travertine Hot Springs have located nearby the Town of Bridge Port, and they often receive tourist traffic every year. These hot springs near Bridgeport CA, have three separate rock bottom pools, One cement tub pool located nearby the parking lot, and two pools made up of Travertine terraces far up the mountain range. The temperatures of these pools vary slightly, and there are usually at a range of 115 -156 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools are fed by a high-temperature source which is at a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Hot springs can be reached by a 3.9 km long Hiking Trail popularly known as “Travertine Geologic Ride”. The Hiking Trail is easy and it is suitable for Tourists with or without Hiking Skills. The Trail starts from the Dirt Parking Lot and heads deep into the Sierra Mountain Ranges gaining an elevation of 308 feet as it leads you to the Travertine terraces containing the steamy pools. The Trail mostly contains rocky terrain and so it is highly advised you wear the right hiking shoes with better grip and traction.

Precautions to Take While Visiting Travertine Hot Springs California

Travertine Hot Springs is located in the High Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges of California. Simple mistakes here atop this rocky terrain and rugged surfaces can be fatal and can often result in you getting injured or worse.

Check Weather

It is highly suggested to through the weather forecasts for extreme weather alerts while visiting the Travertine Hot Springs, California. Due to the high altitude where the Hot Springs are located in the Sierra Mountains, the weather here can be unpredictable. The Sierra Nevada Mountains create their own weather, and it can abruptly change in a matter of minutes.

Choose Proper Shoes

As I said before the hot springs are surrounded by rugged and rocky outcrops, so it is ideal for you to choose the perfect hiking shoes with good grip and better traction to hike on these surfaces easily.

Carry Sun Protection

The Travertine Hot Springs has no shade as it sits up on Travertine terraces of Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. And also the Temperature at these altitudes can be higher which can lead you to Tan and sometimes cause Dehydration. So please carry your sun protection while visiting these Hot Springs.

Drink Plenty of Water

Soaking in these steamy pools atop the rocky surfaces of the Sierra Mountain ranges can cause excessive sweating which can often lead to dehydration which can be dangerous. Drinking plenty of water helps to boost your water levels back to normal reducing the risks of getting dehydrated.

Do Half-body Baths

It is highly advised to do half-body baths while entering the steamy pools. This process helps your body to adjust to the water temperature reducing the chance of getting burnt, or severe muscle aches. 

Wash Yourselves Beforehand

It is necessary to wash or clean your body before entering these steamy pools. This process helps the mineral-rich pools from getting contaminated. 

Tourist Attractions Near Travertine Hot Springs California

Bridgeport Reservoir 

A scenic lake located in the Bridgeport Valley nearby the Travertine Hot Springs, California. This lake is spread across an area of 42,455 acres and was formed due to the construction of an earth-filled dam on the East Walker River in 1923. The lake is essentially used to store water and to generate electricity by the Earth-Filled Dam. The Town of Bridgeport is located across the East Walker River on the northern end of Bridgeport Lake. As a result, many locals and tourists visit Travertine Hot Springs.

The reservoir is surrounded by various campsites offering many essential amenities with the alluring views of the Bridgeport Reservoir in the valley surrounded by the Sierra Mountain Ranges. This popular lake is famous for Trout Fishing as it is a major habitat for various species of fish species as Sacramento Perch, Crap & most importantly large numbers of Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout. Boating is also popular here, there are many facilities here that offer scenic boat tours through Bridgeport Lake.

Buckeye Hot Springs

Another popular hot spring is located atop the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges near the Buckeye Creek of California. These Hot Springs contain two steamy pools filled with mineral-rich water, however, the popular one is the Steamy pool located on the Buckeye Creek where cascading steamy water from the source falls into the geothermal pool below from Calcium-Rich Rocky Structures. The Buckeye Hot Springs offer magnificent views of the Buckeye Creek and the Alpine forests below.

The steamy pools consisting of a waterfall attract a lot of tourists every year. The Hot Springs can be accessed through a short trail, which is ideal for tourists with or without Hiking Skills from the Buckeye Parking Lot. The mineral-rich water of these hot springs offers several medicinal benefits and is often used by people with injuries, Muscle Aches, etc. Apart from this, the hot springs offer various activities to the tourists such as Hiking, Soaking, Camping, backpacking, Hydrotherapy, and many more.

Mono Lake

It is among some of the oldest lakes in the entire continent. Often considered to be 700,000 years old is a protected reserve today consisting of natural attractions like Paoha Island, Mono Lake Tufa natural reserve, Panum Crater, Mono Basin Scenic Area, Negit Island, and many more. This famous lake is located 23.8 miles south of the Town of Bridgeport. The lake has high salt content which is perfect for the Brine Shrimp that live in this lake, these shrimp attract two million migratory birds every year which feed on them. It was first discovered by the Kutzadika tribes of the Great Basin, who depend on the alkali Flie’s pupae for food.

The lake is located closer to a volcanic crater and due to the extreme volcanic activity here, the Negit Island is made up of volcanic rocks and various limestone formations in the lake. The Lake is a popular tourist attraction, and it is often visited by numerous tourists every year. The  Lake offers many activities for the visitors like Boating, Shrimp Fishing, Witness Migratory Birds, Visiting Volcanic Islands, Witnessing Unique Limestone formations, Camping, Hiking, and many more.

Activities near Travertine Hot Springs

You can participate in various interesting activities nearby the Travertine Hot springs during your trip.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity nearby the hot springs in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. With this activity, you can explore and witness remarkable scenery across the surrounding area. Due to which there are many popular hiking trails here which often are the best pathways to discover hidden natural wonders of California. The Hiking Trails often lead to the Hidden Hot Springs, Blue lakes, and alluring mountain valleys. There are also different types of Hiking Trails here for you to choose from, based on your Trekking Skills.

Horse-Riding

Horse riding is also famous here, the tourists visiting this Travertine Hot Springs love to explore the toughest Hiking Trails on a Horse Back. There are many hiking trails here that are hard to trek and often have charming scenery. Riding on horses allows tourists to complete these hard trails easily and faster. Moreover, Horseback riding through the High Sierra Mountain Ranges and its trails is an unforgettable experience.

Off-Road Driving

Driving OHV or 4 Wheel Drive vehicles here in Eastern California on the Sierra Nevada Ranges is a dangerous High Adrenaline Adventure often attracting Pro Off-roaders from all over the world. There are designated off-road trails nearby Travertine Hot springs for you to choose from. If you love off-roading, this place is ideal for you. There are also many Facilities here that offer rented OHV or 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles, Protective gear for affordable rates. 

Fishing

Fishing in these lakes, ponds, and the mighty rivers is also a popular activity here. You can sharpen your fishing skills, here as the lakes and rivers nearby the Hot Springs is full of life. Mainly Trout Fishing is popular here as there are many species of trouts living here in the lakes and rivers of California. Mono Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, Twin Lakes, June Lake, and East Walker River are some popular fishing spots near the Travertine Hot Springs.

Camping

California State Park surrounding the Bridgeport Hot springs is a popular camping site, and it consists of popular campgrounds offering extraordinary views of the surrounding ranges and the valley. The Campgrounds are the ideal sites for you to set up your camps or park your RV’s and enjoy spending your time here. Also, they offer various amenities for making your camping more pleasant and more joyful. Buckeye Campground, Robinson Creek North Campground, Paradise Shores RV Camp and Bridgeport Reservoir, and Marina Campground are some popular camping sites near the town of Bridgeport.

Hiking Trails Nearby Travertine Hot Springs

Barney Lake

This is a Top-Rated Hiking Trail located near Bridgeport of Hoover Wilderness. The 13.4 km long trail offers picturesque views of the surrounding granite peaks reflecting through the surface of the lake. The Hiking Trail is suitable for only Hikers with proficient Skills. The trail features a river and offers various activities like Hiking, Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Kayaking, etc.

Matterhorn Peak

This hiking leads you to the Matterhorn Peak, which is one of the Tallest Mountains in the Eastern Sierra of Hoover Wilderness. The Hiking Trail features a lake and is 19.6 km long, and it is best suited for Hikers with Advanced Skills. The Trail is frequented by tourists from June to September who takes part in many activities like Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Camping, Backpacking, Nature Trips, etc.

Crown Point Loop

A stunning hiking trail featuring a waterfall and offering stunning views of the jagged granite peaks of Hoover Wilderness. The 31.9 km long trail is only ideal for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The Trail offers many activities like Horseback riding, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Backpacking, Camping, and many more.

Twin Lakes to Peeler Lake

A popular hiking trail due to the presence of two lakes – Twin and Peeler lakes. The Hiking Trail is 25.4 km and it is frequented by tourists from March to October. The trail is best suited for hikers with Advanced Skills and offers many activities like Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Nature Trips, and Bird Watching.

Green lake via Green Creek Trail

The hiking trail is near Bridgeport in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. 

It is 10.3 km long and is rated as Moderate Trail. So it is best suited for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The Trail features a lake known as Green Lake, and it has many activities for tourists like Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Backpacking, and Nature Trips.

Accommodations Near Bridgeport Hot Springs

The Travertine Hot Springs is a popular destination here in Eastern California, and so it is surrounded by many popular hotels offering luxury features.

Walker River Lodge

One of the popular hotels here in Bridgeport is on the Banks of the Mighty East Walker River. The Lodge offers non-smoking rooms with many features like Air-Conditioning, Seating Area, Telephone, Iron, Wakeup service, Flatscreen TV, and Hair Dryer. It also has various luxury amenities Outdoor Pool, River Views, Hot Tub, Free Breakfast, High-Speed Internet Connection, and Parking Space. The Hotel has stunning views of the river. 

Silver Maple Inn

It is a family-owned motel located near the Travertine Hot Springs of Bridgeport, California. The Lodge has non-smoking rooms with features like Air-Conditioning, Desk, Refrigerator, Iron, Alarm Clock, Flatscreen TV, Shower, and Complimentary Toiletries. It offers many amenities like Free Parking Space, Picnic Area, High-Speed Internet Connection, etc. Smoking is strictly prohibited in this Hotel.

Ruby Inn

The Ruby Inn Lodge is located on the main street of the Town of Bridgeport nearby Travertine Hot Springs. The Hotel offers Family rooms and Non-smoking rooms with features like Air-Conditioning, Telephone, and more. The popular lodge also has amenities like BBQ facilities, Hot Tub, Children’s Activities, Free Parking.

Restaurants Near Hot Springs of Bridgeport

There are many famous restaurants here in Bridgeport offering Tasty Food, Multiple Cuisines, Affordable Value, and Friendly Service.

Virginia Creek Settlement Restaurant

The popular restaurant is along the State Highway near Bridgeport, California. The Restaurant offers multiple cuisines like American, Italian, and pizza. They offer Special diets with Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options. They have meals for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant has many features like Free Parking Space, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, and a whole lot more. Highchairs are available, it is wheelchair accessible, has Table Service, Free Wi-Fi, here in this restaurant.

Burger Barn

Another popular restaurant nearby Bridgeport offers meals for lunch, dinner, and drinks. They have multiple cuisines like American, Fast Food, and Quick Bites. The restaurant also offers special diets with Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes. This restaurant is located right across the main street in the Town of Bridgeport. Just 2.1 miles from the famed Travertine Hot Springs. It has many features like Takeout, Indoor Seating, Wheelchairs accessible, Highchairs Available, Free Parking, and many more. Gift cards are also available here.

Jolly Kone

This Budget-Friendly restaurant is on the Main Street of Bridgeport, California, and it offers cuisines for American, Dessert, and Fast Food. The Hotel is right by the popular Mono County Museum, and it offers meals for only Lunch and Dinner. This restaurant is highly known for its different types of Deserts. It has many features like Takeout, Free  Parking, Off-Street Parking, Outdoor Seating, Indoor seating, Highchairs available, and Wheelchairs accessibility.

Conclusion

We highly recommend people to visit such unique hot springs. They are located on the Travertine terraces nearby the Bridgeport Town of California. The Hot Springs offer the stunning spectacle of the surrounding High Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges and the Pristine Valley below. The Hot Springs are easier to access as they are closer to State Highway 395. There is also the Hiking Trail leading to the Hot Springs is very easy to trek. The Hot springs are surrounded by many popular attractions. They often offer various interesting activities for you to spend your time. Moreover, Hot Springs have many popular restaurants and hotels nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions