Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland that offers stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. But did you know that Yosemite also has some of the best hot springs in California? These natural spas are created by geothermal activity that heats up the water and infuses it with minerals. Hot springs are not only relaxing, but also beneficial for your health and well-being. They can help you relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, improve blood circulation, and detoxify your body.
If you are looking for a way to unwind and rejuvenate after exploring Yosemite, you should definitely check out these hot springs near the park. In this guide, we will introduce you to six of the best hot springs in Yosemite, as well as some tips and information on how to enjoy them safely and responsibly.
Travertine Hot Springs
Travertine Hot Springs is one of the most popular and accessible hot springs near Yosemite. It is located about 31 miles from the park, near the town of Bridgeport1. Travertine Hot Springs has several pools of varying temperatures, ranging from lukewarm to scalding. The pools are surrounded by travertine formations, which are deposits of calcium carbonate that create beautiful patterns and colors. The hot springs also offer amazing views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the valley below.
Travertine Hot Springs is open to the public and free of charge. However, it can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. The hot springs are clothing-optional, so be prepared to see some nudity. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. Please respect the environment and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
To get to Travertine Hot Springs, take Highway 395 south from Bridgeport and turn right on Jack Sawyer Road. Follow the dirt road for about a mile until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk for about 10 minutes along a trail to reach the hot springs.
Rock Tub Hot Spring
Rock Tub Hot Spring is another great option for hot springs near Yosemite. It is located about 37 miles from the park, near Mammoth Lakes2. Rock Tub Hot Spring is a large pool that can fit up to 10 people comfortably. The pool is made of rocks and cement, and has a wooden deck and benches around it. The water temperature is controlled by a valve that mixes cold water from a nearby creek with hot water from a pipe. The water is clear and odorless, and has a pleasant temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rock Tub Hot Spring is privately owned by a local family, but they allow visitors to use it for a small fee of $5 per person per day2. The fee is collected by an honor system, so please be honest and pay what you owe. The hot spring is open from sunrise to sunset, and has a limit of 10 people at a time. The hot spring is clothing-optional, so be prepared to see some nudity. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. Please respect the property and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
To get to Rock Tub Hot Spring, take Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes and turn left on Benton Crossing Road. Follow the road for about 3 miles until you see a sign for Whitmore Hot Springs. Turn right on Whitmore Tubs Road and follow it for about 2 miles until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk for about 5 minutes along a trail to reach the hot spring.
Hilltop Hot Spring
Hilltop Hot Spring is one of the most scenic and romantic hot springs near Yosemite. It is located about 39 miles from the park, near Mammoth Lakes3. Hilltop Hot Spring is a small pool that can fit up to 4 people comfortably. The pool is made of rocks and cement, and has a wooden fence around it for privacy. The water temperature is controlled by a valve that mixes cold water from a nearby creek with hot water from a pipe. The water is clear and odorless, and has a pleasant temperature of around 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hilltop Hot Spring offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the valley below, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is also known as Pulkey’s Pool or Wild Willy’s Hot Spring3. The hot spring is open to the public and free of charge. However, it can get busy during weekends and holidays, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. The hot spring is clothing-optional, so be prepared to see some nudity. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. Please respect the environment and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
To get to Hilltop Hot Spring, take Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes and turn left on Benton Crossing Road. Follow the road for about 3 miles until you see a sign for Whitmore Hot Springs. Turn right on Whitmore Tubs Road and follow it for about 2 miles until you see a sign for Hilltop Hot Spring. Turn left on a dirt road and follow it for about half a mile until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk for about 10 minutes along a trail to reach the hot spring.
Shepherd Hot Spring
Shepherd Hot Spring is another beautiful and relaxing hot spring near Yosemite. It is located about 39 miles from the park, near Mammoth Lakes4. Shepherd Hot Spring is a large pool that can fit up to 15 people comfortably. The pool is made of rocks and cement, and has a wooden deck and benches around it. The water temperature is controlled by a valve that mixes cold water from a nearby creek with hot water from a pipe. The water is clear and odorless, and has a pleasant temperature of around 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shepherd Hot Spring offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the valley below, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is also known as Crab Cooker or Crowley Hot Spring4. The hot spring is open to the public and free of charge. However, it can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. The hot spring is clothing-optional, so be prepared to see some nudity. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. Please respect the environment and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
To get to Shepherd Hot Spring, take Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes and turn left on Benton Crossing Road. Follow the road for about 3 miles until you see a sign for Whitmore Hot Springs. Turn right on Whitmore Tubs Road and follow it for about 2 miles until you see a sign for Shepherd Hot Spring. Turn right on a dirt road and follow it for about half a mile until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk for about 5 minutes along a trail to reach the hot spring.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring is one of the most fun and adventurous hot springs near Yosemite. It is located about 40 miles from the park, near Mammoth Lakes. Wild Willy’s Hot Spring is a large pool that can fit up to 20 people comfortably. The pool is made of rocks and cement, and has a wooden deck and benches around it. The water temperature is controlled by a valve that mixes cold water from a nearby creek with hot water from a pipe. The water is clear and odorless, and has a pleasant temperature of around 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the valley below, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is also known as Little Hot Creek or Long Valley Caldera. The hot spring is open to the public and free of charge. However, it can get busy during weekends and holidays, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. The hot spring is clothing-optional, so be prepared to see some nudity. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. Please respect the environment and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
To get to Wild Willy’s Hot Spring, take Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes and turn left on Benton Crossing Road. Follow the road for about 3 miles until you see a sign for Whitmore Hot Springs. Turn right on Whitmore Tubs Road and follow it for about 2 miles until you see a sign for Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. Turn left on a dirt road and follow it for about half a mile until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk for about 20 minutes along a boardwalk to reach the hot spring.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs is one of the most scenic and secluded hot springs near Yosemite. It is located about 41 miles from the park entrance, in the Toiyabe National Forest. It is open to the public and free of charge.
Buckeye Hot Springs consists of several pools of varying sizes and temperatures, ranging from 98°F to 108°F. The pools are located along Buckeye Creek, which cascades down a cliff into a river below. The pools are surrounded by trees and rocks, creating a natural and rustic atmosphere.
To get to Buckeye Hot Springs, you need to drive along Twin Lakes Road, which is a dirt road that can be rough and steep at times. You can park your car at the designated parking lot and walk for about 15 minutes to reach the pools. There are no facilities or amenities at the site, so you need to bring your own water, snacks, towels, and trash bags. You also need to respect the environment and other visitors by keeping the place clean and quiet.
Buckeye Hot Springs is a less crowded spot than some of the other hot springs near Yosemite, but it can still get busy during weekends and holidays. If you want to enjoy some privacy and solitude, you can try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. You can also explore some of the other hot springs nearby, such as Travertine Hot Springs1 or Wild Willy’s Hot Spring, which are larger and warmer.
FAQs
- Does Yosemite have any hot springs?
- Yes, Yosemite has several natural hot springs within and near the park. Some of the hot springs are Bridalveil Creek Hot Spring, Travertine Hot Spring, Buckeye Hot Spring, Ribbon Creek Hot Spring, and Mono Lake Hot Spring12. These hot springs are created by geothermal activity and have mineral-rich water that is said to have healing properties2.
- Does Hot Springs National Park actually have hot springs?
- Yes, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas actually has hot springs. The park protects 47 natural hot springs that flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. The water temperature of the hot springs ranges from 93°F to 104°F. Visitors can enjoy bathing in the historic bathhouses or soaking in the outdoor pools.
- Are you allowed to swim in Hot Springs National Park?
- No, you are not allowed to swim in Hot Springs National Park. The park does not allow swimming or wading in the hot springs or the creeks that receive the hot spring water. This is to protect the natural resources and prevent contamination. However, you can swim in Lake Hamilton or Lake Catherine, which are located near the park.
- What is spring like in Yosemite National Park?
- Spring is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite National Park. The weather is mild, the waterfalls are at their peak, and the wildflowers are blooming. Spring is also a good time to see wildlife, such as bears, deer, and birds. However, spring can also be unpredictable, and some roads and trails may be closed due to snow or flooding. Therefore, it is advisable to check the park’s website for current conditions before planning your trip.
