Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
Water Temperature
102.00 °F (38.89 °C)
Sensitive Habitat
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Because it is easily accessed from Highway 395, Travertine Hot Springs is one of the Eastern Sierra’s most popular geothermal locations. Stunning Sierra views and relaxing waters reward visitors who take the short dirt road detour. Pool floors are lined with rich gray travertine mud that is touted for its restorative properties.

A natural spring sends hot water bubbling to the surface, where it is diverted into small pools of varying temperatures. An ADA-accessible improved cement tub is closest to the parking area and suitable for larger groups of four to eight people. Continue down the pathway behind the restrooms to discover three smaller natural pools that each fit up to three people.

The springs can become quite crowded when cooler temperatures prevail, so be prepared to share a tub. If you are traveling with children or are particularly modest, it should be noted that many visitors enjoy Travertine in the nude.

Although close to the town of Bridgeport, the road to Travertine is not well marked. The gravel road diverges several times before the destination, so have a look at the accompanying directions to confirm your route. 

The road is not maintained in winter, and heavy snowfall cuts off access to the springs.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Multiple tubs with varied temperatures. Great views.

Cons

Crowded. Nudists.

Features

ADA accessible
Natural
Clothing optional
Sensitive Habitat

Number of pools

4

Location

Nearby Adventures

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

Comments

Just to note for potential visitors, clothing is NOT optional at Travertine Hot Springs. It is illegal there, and for you groovy people who want to go naked, consider this - Travertine Hot Springs was a site for traditional Native American ceremonies for 8,000 - 10,000 years. Due to the excessive tourist use (yes, you), the local Indian people have been unable to access the Springs for cultural rituals for several decades. They consider nudity to be incredibly disrespectful of the sanctity of this place. They also are horrified by the drinking and drug use that goes on there. Local Bridgeport community people won't take their children there anymore. So if you could just wear a bathing suit on, keep your dogs out, clean yourself before you go in, and leave the glass bottles in your car, the people would appreciate it.
02/19/2018
Last pool was cold to to the touch, cold wind and snow flurries didn't help. Very crowded. Muddy, but couple of the valley pools were in great shape.
01/22/2018
What a gem! This place was beautiful, the water was hot (~105) and there was no one else there while we visited. Definitely go on a weekday if possible.
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