Travertine Hot Springs – Eastern Sierra, California

Travertine Hot Springs: California's Scenic Geothermal Escape

Located just south of Bridgeport in California's Eastern Sierra along the iconic U.S. Route 395, Travertine Hot Springs is one of the region's most accessible natural hot springs. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Sierra Nevada, the mineral-rich pools offer panoramic mountain views and an unforgettable geothermal bathing experience.

Several naturally formed pools of varying temperatures are fed by geothermal springs that flow across colourful mineral deposits, creating the distinctive travertine terraces that give the springs their name. The combination of steaming thermal waters, expansive alpine scenery and wide-open high desert landscapes makes this one of California's most photographed hot springs.

A short walk from the parking area provides access to the pools, making Travertine Hot Springs popular with travellers exploring the Eastern Sierra. Limited dispersed camping is permitted along the nearby access road, although camping is prohibited within the immediate hot springs area to help protect the site and preserve a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

Travertine Hot Springs has been enjoyed for generations and sits on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The springs are naturally heated by geothermal activity beneath the Eastern Sierra, with mineral-rich waters continuously flowing through naturally formed pools and travertine deposits. Today, the site remains one of California's best-known natural hot springs.

Whether you're soaking beneath a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada or unwinding after exploring Route 395, Travertine Hot Springs offers one of California's most memorable geothermal experiences, each day telling a unique story, beyond the postcard.