Mono Hot Springs
Lakeshore, California
| GPS: |
37°19'33.6"N 119°1'4.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Hot Springs and Swim
Mono Hot Springs is a magical high-Sierra retreat in California's Sierra National Forest, where natural hot springs bubble up along the South Fork of the San Joaquin River deep in the mountains east of Fresno. A cluster of roughly ten natural springs, a rustic seasonal resort, and a Forest Service campground come together in a stunning alpine setting above 6,500 feet — a beloved soaking destination for those willing to make the drive.
The natural springs are the draw. Scattered along and across the river from the historic Mono Hot Springs Resort, the primitive pools range in temperature (the hottest, Old Pedro, runs around 107 degrees), and the springs across the river are open to day visitors during daylight hours. Soaking in warm mineral water with the cold San Joaquin rushing by and granite peaks all around is a quintessential Sierra experience.
There's plenty more to do: the resort offers cabins and developed mineral baths, the campground sits right on the river, and the surrounding high country is laced with trails for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, with the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas close at hand.
Plan around the season and the road. Mono Hot Springs is only reachable in the warmer months — the resort and the narrow, winding Kaiser Pass Road typically open around Memorial Day and close in late October, with the road shut by snow in winter. The drive in is long, slow, and steep, so allow plenty of time and check conditions. Bring a swimsuit, water, and a sense of adventure, tread lightly on the fragile pools, and pack out everything. For a remote, scenic Sierra soak, Mono Hot Springs is hard to top.
More Information
swimmingholes.org: CALIFORNIA SWIMMING HOLES
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/ca.html
Be careful. Pay attention to posted signs and always test the waters before you get in. Some hot springs can get up to boiling temperatures. Be sure to drink plenty of water to combat the dehydrating effect of the spring.
Be respectful of other soakers and the hot spring. Don't hog the pool. Camp at least 200 yards away and keep fires in designated areas. Keep your pets out of the water and never pee in thermal feature. Glass bottles should never go near a hot spring.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Lakeshore, California
- Head southeast on Big Creek Rd/Huntington Lake Rd toward Lower Deer Creek Ln (0.8 mi)
- Turn left onto Kaiser Pass Rd (3.1 mi)
- Continue onto Kaiser Pass Rd (13.6 mi)
- Turn left onto Edison Lake Rd (1.7 mi)
- Slight left at Edison Lake Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn rightDestination will be on the left(0.1 mi)
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