The Tahoe region is an abode to several hot springs which are known for their mineral-rich, therapeutic, and nourishing water for a steamy hot rejuvenation that you will not get from the frosty waters of Lake Tahoe.
While some of them are naturally made, others are outdoor tubs, and rocky-walled pools, each having various water temperatures and mineral contents.
So, how about pampering yourself with one of the beautiful Tahoe hot springs after a long skiing or hiking day? Check out this guide to select which hot spring will suit your needs.
Does Lake Tahoe have any hot springs?
There are several finest natural hot springs near Lake Tahoe which include:
- Grover Hot Springs
- Sierra Hot Springs
- Travertine Hot Springs
- Buckeye Hot Springs
- David Walley’s Hot Springs.
- East Form Carson River Hot Springs
- Feather River Hot Springs
- Brockway Hot Springs
- Steamboat Hot Springs
- Carson Hot Springs
- Cottonwood Canyon Hot springs
5 Best Natural hot springs in Lake Tahoe
As mentioned above, there are several hot springs surrounding or a few hours away from Lake Tahoe.
But the best 5 hot springs that are not only for relaxation but also have outdoor and sports activities and are family-friendly are listed below.
1. Travertine Hot Springs
Travertine Hot Springs is a hotspot of geothermal treasures destined in Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport California.
This hot spring is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of meadows and Sierra mountain ranges making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
The pools are guarded by Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest and Yosemite National Park, known for their healing capabilities for over 10,000 years.
Cost | Free |
Clothing | Optional |
Distance from Tahoe Lake | 141.62 kilometers, 1 hr 46 minutes |
Temperature | 98-100°F |
Accessibility | Open throughout the year |
Best time to visit | Spring and summer |
Dogs Allowed or not | Dogs are allowed but should remain on a leash. |
Location, Getting there | It is situated near Bridgeport, California. To reach Travertine, take Reno-Tahoe International Airport which is 56 kilometers away from Lake Tahoe. From Bridgeport town, take the US-395 S and turn left, or from mammoth lakes, take the US-395 N and turn right to get to Jack Sawyer Road. After 0.3 kilometers, turn left onto a dusty road indicated with signs until you reach the parking lot. Follow down the trail from the first pool in the parking lot to reach the travertine hot springs. |
Services Available | Drop toilet |
Number of pools | 11 pools accommodating 10-15 people at a time. |
Specialty of that Place | Stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views and 5 mineral-cemented water pools |
Crowdy or not (reservation method if any) | Crowded on weekends and holidays. No prior reservations are needed to access the pools. |
Can you swim in Travertine Hot Springs?
Yes, you can swim and have a therapeutic soak in Travertine Hot Springs like the hot springs in Santa Barbara. The pools are generally shallow and vary in temperature.
Where are the Travertine hot springs?
The Travertine Hot Springs is located in the Eastern Sierra region, near Bridgeport, California, approximately a 2hr 30 secs drive from north Lake Tahoe hot springs.
How many hot springs are at Travertine?
There are several hot springs at Travertine, ranging in size and temperature. The exact number of pools may vary depending on the current conditions and the definition of a “pool”, but there are typically around five or six main pools that visitors regularly use.
Is Travertine Hot Springs crowded?
The crowds at Travertine Hot Springs can vary depending on the period of day and year. Weekends and holidays are more crowded, while weekdays may be less busy.
2. Buckeye Hot Springs
Located 10.5 kilometers away from Travertine hot springs and two hours away from Lake Tahoe, Buckeye hot springs await you to experience a blissful day spa along with the soothing sound of murmuring creek churns.
Alike Hilltop Tub Hot Springs, the geothermal water in Buckeye Hot Springs is rich in minerals, with therapeutic properties that help to improve blood circulation, relax muscles and nourish the skin and body.
Go for a warm soak and look around, you will witness the untouched wilderness and breathtaking scenes of the eastern Sierra Nevada areas.
Cost | Free |
Clothing | Optional |
Distance from Tahoe Lake | 138.72 kilometers, 1 hour 50 minutes |
Temperature | 100-110°F |
Accessibility | Throughout the year |
Best time to visit | Spring and fall |
Dogs Allowed or not | Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leashes. |
Location, Getting there | To go to the hot springs, take the US-395 N route from Mammoth Lakes and cross Bridgeport and turn left to drive through Twin Lakes Road. Drive for 11.6 kilometers and turn right to catch the Buckeye Road. Take the dirt unpaved road for 0.5 kilometers to see signs of hot springs. Continue through the late to reach the parking area. |
Services Available | Natural soaking pools, waterfalls |
Number of pools | 3 pools |
Specialty of that Place | Short hiking, campground |
How do I get to Buckeye Hot Springs?
To get to Buckeye Hot Springs, visitors must take a dirt road off Buckeye Road and park in the designated parking area. From there, it’s about a 2.4 km hike to the hot springs.
Where are the Buckeye hot springs located?
Buckeye Hot Springs is located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, near Bridgeport. The hot springs are remote and scenic, surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Bridgeport Valley.
Is Buckeye Hot Springs open in winter?
Buckeye Hot Springs is open in winter but may be more challenging to reach due to snow and ice.
3. Grover Hot Springs
Located in the Eastern region of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, about a few hours from the east of Carson River hot springs is where the Grover hot springs and its state park is set on providing a warm hot spring experience.
Here you can get both hot and cool soaking pools but with prior reservations.
It is not that luxurious but offers a primitive got springs experience with camping, hiking, and some amenities options like Ojai hot springs hike.
Note: Grover hot springs is now closed further notification due to fire damage caused on July 21.
Cost | $10 for adults and $5 for children for a 1 hr 30 minutes soaking time |
Clothing | Bathsuits required |
Distance from Tahoe Lake | 62.60 kilometers, 56 minutes |
Temperature | 100-105°F |
Accessibility | Open daily from June to August. Soak hours and operation days varies from September to May. Contact reservecalifornia.com or call (530) 694-2249 for reservations. |
Best time to visit | Early summer or Late spring |
Dogs Allowed or not | Dogs are allowed at the camp, picnic, and trail areas but must be kept on a leash, and not allowed in the pool areas. |
Location, Getting there | Take HWY 88 for 9.3 kilometers, take right to California SH 89, and drive straight for 10.3 kilometers. Take the next right and drive straight for 6.11 kilometers to reach Hotsprings Road which is present on the right side at the road end. |
Services Available | Outdoor pools camping areas, picnic areas, bathrooms, hiking trails |
Number of pools | 2 pools |
Specialty of that Place | A family-friendly destination, soak as per time slot reservation |
Is Grover Hot Springs still closed?
Visitors can now visit Grover Hot Springs State Park for day use only. However, restroom facilities are closed for repairs.
Did Grover Hot Springs burn?
The Tamarack Fire had burned Grover Hot Springs State Park as of July 2021, destroying many housing buildings within the state park, the maintenance shop, servicing vehicles, and many trail structures.
4. Feather River Hot Springs
Earlier known as Woody’s Hot Springs, Feather River Hot Springs is a picturesque geothermal mineralized spring situated along the Feather River in the Plumas Ranges in Twain, California.
It provides two types of mineral-enriched water i.e. lithium and sulfur on two sides of a pool. The whole property is owned and managed by Rocki.
She advises registering a visit with details like the number of persons, date and time of visit, etc.
before 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends via, message or e-mail (do not call) to limit users in the spot.
Phone (message only): 925-783-2913
E-mail: rockigarden@yahoo.com
Cost | $10 per person for members and $20 per person for non-members for a 2-hrs soak. |
Clothing | Optional at night and bath suits are required during the daytime. |
Distance from Tahoe Lake | 160.3 kilometers, 2 hours 9 minutes |
Temperature | 99-104°F. |
Accessibility | Throughout the year |
Best time to visit | Winter-7 am till nightSpring-fall- 6 am to 9 pm |
Dogs Allowed or not | Allowed only to the campground, not allowed near pools and cabins. |
Services Available | Soaking, Camping (April to November), cabins, membership |
Number of pools | 2 pools, one fits two people, and the larger one fits 8-10 people at a time. |
Specialty of that Place | Offers two types of mineralized water – lithium, and sulfur. |
Where is the Feather River hot spring in California?
Feather River Hot Springs is located near Quincy in the northern Sierra Nevada of California. The hot springs are situated along the banks of the Feather River, surrounded by beautiful forested mountains and natural scenery.
5. Brockway hot springs
Brockway Hot Springs is a great place to take a warm dip in Lake Tahoe proper but can only be accessed by Brockway Springs guests and residents.
It was discovered boiling out of vast rocks in the late 19th century and an area of 63 acres surrounding it was owned by Henry Burke and Billy Campbell in the year 1870.
Lately in the 1980s, it was rebuilt as a condo project and remained as a private property, owned and supervised by the Brockway Springs Property Owners Association.
Cost | Free of cost |
Clothing | Bathsuits required |
Distance from Tahoe Lake | 6.6 kilometers, 9 minutes |
Temperature | 100-110°F |
Accessibility | Throughout the year |
Best time to visit | All four seasons in the early morning |
Dogs Allowed or not | Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leashes. |
Location, Getting there | It is situated at the lakefront over the water’s edges and can be accessed by kayaking, swimming, or stand-up paddleboard from kings beach or speedboat beach. |
Services Available | Outdoor warm pools, sauna, tennis court, gym center, clubhouse |
Number of pools | One |
Specialty of that Place | Mixed water temperature, provide rental options, and book a kilometer area of private beach. |
How to Get to Brockway Hot Springs?
Brockway Hot Springs is located off Lake Tahoe, just above the water. To reach them, you must kayak or swim from Kings Beach or Speedboat Beach.
When to Visit Brockway Hot Springs?
Buckeye Hot Springs can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on personal preferences and outdoor recreation destinations. Visitors should always check the weather and road conditions before visiting.
Lake Tahoe hot springs FAQs
Are there free hot springs in Lake Tahoe?
Almost all the hot springs in Lake Tahoe are free. However, it is essential to note that some particular regions in the hot springs like the parking lot, camping grounds, and hot springs with limited pools require payment, admission fees, or bookings.
Where are the natural hot springs near Reno?
There are several natural hot springs located near Reno, Nevada which include Steamboat Hot Springs, Carson Hot Springs, Walley’s Hot Springs, and Black Rock Hot Springs.
Are there any natural hot springs in south lake Tahoe?
Yes, there are several natural hot springs located in South Lake Tahoe, such as Grover Hot Springs and Travertine Hot Springs.
Conclusion
Knowing the best Hot Springs to soak in after a long tiring vacation or weekend is a must thing to know before moving to California.
Other than just taking a warm bath, there is an abundance of things to do surrounding Lake Tahoe.
And of course, it’s okay if you are getting distracted by the beautiful Lake Tahoe and its surrounding nature.
Don’t forget that these hot spots are a worthy destination for one-day trips along with plentiful offerings in every surrounding area.