Northern California is home to a wide range of secluded hot springs and developed resorts with mineral pools. Some of the most popular springs include Travertine, Wild Willy’s, Skyes, Harbin, Wilbur and Orr Hot Springs Resort. We spent a day spring hopping in our bath robes as we drove down from Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine and had so much fun, but there’s also loads more we’d try next time.
In this guide we explain everything you need to know about visiting the hot springs in northern California, including where to find them on a map all based on our own experiences. Read more about us.
When we spent our day finding hidden hot springs around the Mammoth Lakes area, we didn’t realize how many more awesome looking hot springs there were around northern California.
We’ve added all the springs we stopped at, along with tons of other great options for you to consider. Basically, we wish we had this guide for when we researched where to stop on our drive through the region. Okay, let’s begin!
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Types Of Springs
Before we get started, it’s important you know about the three different kinds of hot springs because depending on your taste, one option may be better suited to your needs.
Here are three main types of hot springs we will discuss in this guide:
- Natural Hot Spring – This is a naturally occurring spring heated by geothermal energy from earth’s interior. You can basically think of these springs as hot holes in the ground and they are often found near active volcanic activity.
- Man Made Tub – This type of spring often features a small wooden, ceramic or concrete tub fed by a naturally occurring hot spring. These tubs are hybrid models because they are partially man made.
- Mineral Pools – These large springs contain water filled with natural minerals such as calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium, and sodium sulfate. Mineral pools are usually found within a hotel setting and require an entrance fee. Many of the resorts discussed later in this guide fall into this category.
After visiting many hot springs throughout the world including an Onsen in Japan, we tend to prefer natural hot springs. We love the primitive setting because this is where we can truly relax.
Natural hot springs are usually free to visit, but sometimes they require a hike. However, most of the time natural hot springs have an epic view so there is a reward for your efforts. Each hot spring is unique and there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a soak. It all just comes down to personal preference.
Fun fact: Northern California is home to seven active volcanoes which is why we can find numerous hot springs in this region.
Where Are The Hot Springs In Northern California?
The entire state of California is filled with hot springs. Northern California boasts the majority of the natural hot springs, while Southern California is home to commercialized mineral pools.
Northern California makes up the 48 counties in the northernmost region of the state including cities such as San Francisco, Sacramento and Fresno. This region also includes epic topography such as the Redwood Forest, Mount Shasta, the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley, part of Lake Tahoe and various sections of the Central Valley.
Southern California is the area stretching from Los Angeles all the way down to San Diego so no matter where you go in this beautiful state, you’ll always find a hot spring.
In our opinion, the best natural hot springs in Northern California are east of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. This is where you will find numerous springs with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Let’s take a quick look at where to find popular hot springs in Northern California on a map so you can make an itinerary for your trip.
Northern California Hot Springs Map
Click or touch the map below to activate, zoom in and out, and scroll around. If you’d like to see a bigger version, click the “view larger map” icon in the top right, and if you’d like to see any specific spring, click the arrow and square icon in the top left.
Unless you’re driving a multi-week California road trip, it will be difficult to visit all in one go because they are scattered across the region. That said, the springs are clustered in a handful of areas, so you can choose one, two or three different clusters to visit.
To make this guide easy to follow, we’ve broken down our Northern California hot spring list by area:
- Bridgeport
- Mammoth Lakes
- Carmel Valley and Big Sur
- Calistoga
- Northwest of Sacramento
- North of Lake Tahoe
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1. Travertine Hot Springs
- Type: Natural hot spring with some man-made portions
- Location: About 2 miles southeast of Bridgeport (off Jack Sawyer Road)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Many different pools, closest hot spring to Yosemite National Park
- Services: Drop toilet
- Temperature: Varies depending on the pool
Travertine hot springs is a primitive natural located very close to Yosemite National Park in Bridgeport. It features travertine terraces with natural pools and one ADA-accessible man made tub.
As you sit in the pools at Travertine hot springs, you’re treated to an epic view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range. But since this location is easily accessible and close to a national park, it can be extremely busy.
2. Buckeye Hot Springs
- Type: Natural hot spring
- Location: About 10 miles southwest of Bridgeport (off Buckeye Road)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: 6 pools, thermal water cascade, camping nearby
- Services: Drop toilet
- Temperature: Varies based on pool, usually between 95°-110°F
A visit to Buckeye hot springs will require a short hike down a fairly steep hill. As you climb down, you will find two natural hot tubs known as the Upper Pools. These are the warmest tubs in the area and both offer stunning views.
If you continue to down the path to Buckeye Creek, there are 4 smaller man made pools which are fed by the naturally occurring stream.
3. Shepard Hot Springs
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: Off Whitmore Tubs Road (about 15 mi east of Mammoth Lakes)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Single tub, fits 4 people
- Services: None
- Temperature: Controlled by a valve, variable but about 100°F
Shepard springs is a lone cement pool. A nearby pipe directs hot water straight into the tub and the temperature can be adjusted accordingly from the valve on the pipe.
This hot spring is usually one of the busiest in Mammoth Lakes because it is easy to find. Unlike the other hot springs in the area which require driving on dirt roads, Shepard Springs is located right next to the parking lot.
4. Crab Cooker Hot Springs
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: Off Benton Crossing Rd (about 15 mi east of Mammoth Lakes)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Fits 5-7 adults, man made
- Services: None
- Temperature: 95°-110˚F (controlled by a value but usually on the hotter side)
Similar to many of the springs in Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker hot springs is fed with a pipe from the source. The temperature can then be adjusted with a valve, but can become very warm if the valve is left open.
When we first arrived at Crab Cooker hot spring, the water was extremely hot and we could not comfortably get into the tub. We had to let the temperature of the water cool before we could go in.
5. Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulky’s Pool)
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: Off Benton Crossing Road (about 15 mi east of Mammoth Lakes)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Fits about 4-6 people, man made tub
- Services: None
- Temperature: 95°-110˚F (controlled by a valve and usually on the cooler side)
Hilltop hot spring is located close to the parking lot off Benton Crossings Road. But unfortunately this is a smaller tub and can be very crowded due to its location.
A small 0.25 mile walk is required to reach Hilltop hot spring from the parking lot. However, this spring is one of our favorite because it offers postcard perfect views.
6. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs (Crowley Hot Spring)
- Type: Natural hot spring
- Location: Off Benton Crossing Road (15 mi east of Mammoth Lakes)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year-round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Fits 20+ people in 4 pools
- Services: Drop toilets
- Temperature: Variable depending on the pool, 95°-105˚F
Wild Willy’s hot spring is the most unique hot spring near Mammoth Lakes. Every natural pool in this location showcases incredible views of the Sierra Nevadas.
Visiting this spring includes a short 0.25 mile long trail down a boardwalk to a tiered hot stream with two pools. There is an additional heart shaped pool in the distance if you want to escape the crowds.
7. Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: 14 miles up a winding one lane dirt road off Tassajara Road (two hours southeast of Carmel)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Day use rate $35 for adults + $15 for children
- Open: Guests in summer only (Apr-Sep)
- Clothing: Optional in the bathhouse but appropriate attire required in public
- Features: Traditional Japanese style bathhouse
- Services: Bathhouse, meals, classes, accommodation
The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is located in a remote section of the Ventana Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest inland from Big Sur. It’s the first Soto Zen Monastery established outside of Asia.
From April to September, outside guests can reserve day or overnight use. Your visit will include access to natural hot springs, vegetarian meals, yoga retreats, hiking trails and meditation classes.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
8. Esalen Institute
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: about 15 miles south of Big Sur
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Accommodation or volunteer only
- Open: Year-round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Seven man made tubs
- Services: Mineral baths, whale watching, massage, bookstore, yoga, accommodation
The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as a spiritual retreat center. This 27 acre institute showcases the stunning cliffs of Big Sur and encourages holistic learning to all visitors.
You will need a reservation to visit Esalen. But stays include accommodation, three meals per day, various classes, 24 hours use of the hot springs, art barn and mediation hut.
>> To book a reservation, visit the official website here.
9. Skyes Hot Spring
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: Nestled in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Free
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: 10 mile hike one way, 4 river crossings, small tub that fits about 2 people
- Services: Camping
If you are up for a challenge, this is the hot spring for you because a visit requires a 20 mile strenuous hike with 1,640m of elevation gain. It’s one of the most popular backcountry northern California hot springs.
Skyes hot spring was recently closed for a few years due to over capacity and natural disasters, but it has since reopened in April 2021. Check out AllTrails here for recent comments about the hiking trail.
10. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
- Type: Mineral pool
- Location: Calistoga along Lincoln Ave
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Varies based on service
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Required in public areas
- Features: Mineral pools and mud baths
- Services: Massage, yoga, accommodation
- Temperature: 4 mineral pools ranging from 80°-104°F
Calistoga spa hot springs has four mineral pools ranging in temperature from 80°-104°F. Additional services include massages, volcanic ash mud baths, steam rooms and accommodation.
Visitors love the 80°F lap pool because it’s the perfect place to take in the beautiful mountain views. Or you like it warm, check out the 104°F whirlpool during your stay.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
11. Roman Spa Hot Spring Resort
- Type: Mineral pool
- Location: Calistoga along Lincoln Ave
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Varies based on service
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Required in public areas
- Features: Mineral pools and mud baths
- Services: Massage, yoga, accommodation, relaxation room
- Temperature: 3 mineral pools ranging from 92°-104°F
Roman Spa offers 3 different mineral springs featuring both indoor and outdoor pools. There is an extensive spa menu with aromatherapy or mud bath options.
The resort features Tuscan-style accommodation with beautiful flowering mediterranean gardens, private patios and numerous fountains. Check out the private suites with Roman spa-like bathrooms adorned with stunning mosaic tile.
>> For more information, visit the official website or book a room here.
12. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort And Mineral Spring
- Type: Mineral pool
- Location: Calistoga along Lincoln Ave
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Varies based on service
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Required in public areas
- Features: Mineral pools and mud baths
- Services: Body services, hydrotherapy, massages, yoga, accommodation
- Temperature: 3 mineral pools ranging from 75°-104°F
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort showcases a funky retro style with minimalist modern upgrades. They offer 3 mineral pools ranging in temperature along with a complete menu of spa services.
There are two outdoor mineral pools, a hot tub filled with mineral water, a sundeck, steam rooms and mud baths. Additional amenities include weekend brunch and wine night.
>> For more information, visit the official website or book a room here.
13. Calistoga Motor Lodge And Spa
- Type: Mineral pool
- Location: Calistoga along Lincoln Ave
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Varies based on service
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Required in public areas
- Features: Mineral pools, wading pool and relaxation rooms
- Services: Massages, dining, accommodation
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa stands out on this list with it’s chic 1950’s vibe. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor lap pool, a wading pool and an indoor whirlpool each fed by the natural mineral spring.
Another highlight of the property is the MoonAcre Bath. This bath features geothermal water, a beautiful contemporary design, lavish spa garden and indoor relaxation rooms.
>> For more information, visit the official website or book a room here.
14. Harbin Hot Springs
- Type: Mineral pool
- Location: About 4 mi from Middletown down Harbin Springs Rd (about 2 hrs northwest of Sacramento)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: 6 hour day visit $35 per adult (Mon-Thu), $45 (Fri-Sun) with additional services available
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Main side pool with eight additional pools
- Services: Sundeck, sauna, changing area, showers, restroom
- Temperature: Varying from cold plunge pool to hot pools
Located in Middletown, the main attractions at Harbin Hot Springs are the various mineral pools. Each individual pool is fed by a different spring found somewhere on the property.
You can try the newly renovated trellis area with a hot plunge pool. Or take a dip in the health services pool for professional aquatic bodywork treatments. The main pool at Harbin is also ADA-accessible.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
15. Wilbur Hot Springs
- Type: Mineral pool and hot spring tubs
- Location: About 30 mi west of Williams (1 hr 30 mins northwest of Sacramento)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Day use $59 on weekdays and $65 on weekends, additional services available
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional in baths but required in public
- Features: Japanese onsen style Fluminarium
- Services: Community kitchen, massage, accommodation, dry sauna
- Temperature: 3 long flumes ranging from 100°-109°F
Located in Williams, the highlight of Wilbur’s hot springs is the natural mineral spring water. These hot springs hold healing properties which has made Wilbur’s extremely popular for centuries.
The main attractions are three long flumes with an average temperature of 100°F, 105°F and 109°F. But you will also find a spring-fed swimming pool, outdoor mineral flume, dry sauna and a cold plunge pool.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
16. Vichy Springs Resort and Inn
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: 5.0 mi from Ukiah (2 hrs 40 mins northwest of Sacramento)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: $35/2 hrs, $55/3 hrs, $85/person all day (Oct-Apr)
- Open: Year round with limited hours depending on the time of year
- Clothing: Required
- Features: Mineral baths, hot pool, plunge pool, Chemisal Falls pool (30 min hike to waterfall)
- Services: Accommodation, hiking trails, meeting spaces
- Temperature: Pool and baths ranging from 90°-104°F
Located in Ukiah, Vichy Springs was established in 1854 making this the most historic Northern California hot spring on our list. This property is a hot spring resort combined with a country inn featuring several rooms and cottages.
The naturally carbonated Vichy mineral baths have been in use for over 150 years. Visitors can enjoy 14 Vichy tubs with outside or indoor soaking options. An olympic sized heated swimming pool is open seasonally from May to October.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
17. Orr Hot Springs Resort
- Type: Mineral pool and hot spring tub
- Location: 30 mi from Ukiah (3 hrs northwest of Sacramento)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Day use is $50/person and reservations are required
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Covered tub, outdoor tub, pool and trilby spring
- Services: Communal kitchen, hiking, accommodation, dry sauna, steam room, massages
Orr Hot Spring resort is a natural mineral hot spring located in Ukiah on 27 beautiful acres in Mendocino County. It’s situated very close to the Montgomery Woods State Reserve.
This hot spring resort offers everything you need for a very relaxing stay including a communal kitchen and massages. Don’t miss the numerous soaking pools and sun deck.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
Travel Tip: The swimming pool is closed on Tuesdays so you may need to plan accordingly.
18. Sierra Hot Springs Resort And Retreat Center
- Type: Mineral pool and hot spring tub
- Location: 1 hr north of Incline Village
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Day use $35/person (Thurs+Fri) and $45/person (Sat, Sun + Holidays)
- Open: Thurs-Sun all year for day use of pools
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Hot pool, warm pool and mediation pool
- Services: Mineral pools, hiking, biking, workshops, dry sauna, sun deck
- Temperature: Multiple pools ranging from 98°-112°F
Located in Sierraville, Sierra Hot Springs has been a popular hot spring resort for decades. It borders 700 acres of national forest land giving visitors immediate access to gorgeous alpine valley views.
At Sierra hot springs, you can enjoy the hot pool (110°-112°), an outside salt water pool (98°-100°), Meditation Pool (98°-100°) and private Phoenix Baths (95°-96°).
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
19. Feather River Hot Springs
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: About 3 miles east of Twain (2 hrs north of Incline Village)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: $20/person for 2 hr soak (non-member)
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Required during daylight hours
- Features: 2 natural sulfur hot springs
- Services: None currently but cabins and camping available nearby
- Temperature: 99°-104°F
Since the late 1930’s, Feather River Hot Springs has been welcoming people in Twain, CA. Two cement tubs sit very close to the Feather River for the ultimate natural hot spring experience.
Feather River does not allow drop-ins and reservations are required. Three cabins available for rent along with nearby camping options.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
20. Surprise Valley Hot Springs
- Type: Hot spring tub
- Location: About 5 mi east of Cedarville (1 hr north of Incline Village)
- Parking: Google maps
- Price: Varies as all accommodation features your own private hot spring tub
- Open: Year round
- Clothing: Optional
- Features: Private hot spring tub
- Services: Standard rooms, deluxe rooms and suites available
Located in Cedarville, Surprise Valley Hot Springs offers visitors an opportunity to soak in a private hot spring tub. It’s nestled in the remote high valley desert bordered by the Warner Mountains and Nevada’s Hays Range.
Each room has a standard kitchenette with everything you need for a relaxing intimate getaway. Keep in mind, this resort is only 21 years and older with no internet so plan accordingly.
>> For more information, visit the official website here.
Hot Spring Etiquette Tips
It’s important every visitor practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace so everyone else can enjoy these amazing hot springs. Here are a few important things to consider before your trip:
- Dispose of waste properly. It’s our responsibility to keep these natural places beautiful and you should always leave the place better than you found it.
- Be respectful of others. People visit hot springs to reduce stress and relax. This is not the place to play loud music or host a party.
- Respect wildlife. Never feed or handle wildlife. The best way to keep wildlife safe is to secure food and dispose of trash properly. Dog owners are responsible for picking up after their pet.
- Sharing is caring. Be considerate of others and invite them to soak if there is room. Just because you arrive first does not mean you should hog the hot springs for hours.
- Plan ahead and prepare. Some of these hot springs require hikes and may be dangerous in certain weather conditions. Be sure to check fire, weather and trail conditions before heading out.
- Respect privacy and modesty. Many of these hot springs are clothing optional. Cameras and photographs are not permitted in the bathing areas in most resorts and spas.
- Avoid bath products. Natural hot springs do not drain and bath products can be harmful because they disrupt the balance of minerals.
- Camping is typically allowed in dispersed areas. Use the BLM or National Forest Service official websites for information about camping in California.
- Spring and fall is the best time to visit. This time of year temperatures are safe for soaking and you won’t have to worry about the roads becoming impassable.
In Conclusion
Are the northern California hot springs worth it?
Yes, the Northern California hot springs are worth visiting because you can soak in numerous free and natural pools with epic views. For those visitors who want a more sophisticated experience, you can also find mineral pools with extensive spa menus. There is truly something for everyone in Northern California.
When we visited the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, we decided to make an entire day out of it. We put on our swimsuits and robes, and then spent the entire day visiting hot springs along our route.
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We hope our guide helps you find the best hot springs in Northern California for your next trip!
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Happy Bathing,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen spent 6 years traveling the world, visiting over 40 countries across 4 continents and more than 30 US states. They created Where Are Those Morgans in 2018 to help others plan the best possible vacations by writing authentic travel and hiking guides based on their real experiences.
Since the arrival of baby Maya in late 2024, Mark and Kristen’s extensive travels have slowed down but they still take plenty of trips. Where Are Those Morgans now helps millions of travelers each year to visit new places and hike new trails through information-packed blog posts and expert travel guidebooks. Read more about Mark and Kristen.