Hot Springs Canyon Trail
Hike to a series of natural hot springs with varying temperatures, offering a relaxing soak amidst beautiful canyon scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & parking woes
Hot Springs Canyon Trail
Best Time
Avoid crowds & parking woes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a series of natural hot springs with varying temperatures, offering a relaxing soak amidst beautiful canyon scenery.
"Totally worth the trip, just plan ahead and bring a good sense of direction."
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Parking is extremely limited. Consider an Uber to avoid the headache and guarantee your arrival. :car:
⏰ Beat the Rush
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and enjoy the hot springs with fewer people. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Hot Pools
End of the trail
Multiple natural pools with varying temperatures, from hot at the top to cooler lower down. Perfect for a relaxing soak after your hike.
Scenic Hike
Trailhead to hot springs
A moderate out-and-back hike with beautiful scenery, offering a refreshing cold spring plunge before reaching the warm reward.
Secluded Ambiance
Hot springs area
Experience a sense of being tucked away from the world, with a laid-back atmosphere among fellow hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early!
Navigating the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Parking is extremely limited. Consider an Uber to avoid the headache and guarantee your arrival. :car:
⏰ Beat the Rush
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and enjoy the hot springs with fewer people. :clock:
🧭 Stay on Track
The trail can be confusing. Pay attention to signs and be aware of potential wrong turns. :compass:
🐝 Watch for Bees
Bees can swarm around some of the hot pools. Be cautious and give them space. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Parking is extremely limited. Consider an Uber to avoid the headache and guarantee your arrival. :car:
⏰ Beat the Rush
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and enjoy the hot springs with fewer people. :clock:
🧭 Stay on Track
The trail can be confusing. Pay attention to signs and be aware of potential wrong turns. :compass:
🐝 Watch for Bees
Bees can swarm around some of the hot pools. Be cautious and give them space. :bug:
🥶 Cold Plunge Option
Enjoy a refreshing cold spring dip before warming up in the hot pools for a unique experience. :snowflake:
👙 Clothing Optional
Note that clothing is optional at the hot springs. Be prepared for this possibility. :bikini:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, natural hot springs and the rewarding hike to reach them. The varying temperatures of the pools are a highlight, offering a unique soaking experience. However, parking is a significant challenge, and the trail can be confusing for some. Arriving early is strongly advised to avoid crowds and secure a spot.
"I got lost on the way to the hot springs, but luckily some friendly hikers pointed me in the right direction. I eventually heard laughter echoing through the trees — that’s when I knew I was close. The place is absolutely beautiful and feels tucked away from the world. There isn’t a lot of room, so you really need to come early in the morning if you want a spot. Most people there are fellow hikers — open-minded, laid-back, and usually happy to make a bit of space.
The pools themselves are warm at the top, and they get cooler as you move down — still nice, just not as hot. But be careful: the trail can be confusing, and I nearly ended up at the top of the mountain by mistake. Totally worth the trip, just plan ahead and bring a good sense of direction."
Antoine Pilot
"I absolutely love this hike! There are many hot pots starting at the top being the hottest and trickling down to different little spots you can sit in. Going up is a bit of a climb but not too bad. Going down seems quick. I definitely will do this hike again."
Angela Turner
"Absolutely loved it!!! The hike was moderate definitely not for the weak. . Parking was horrible about 5 spaces unless you park down the street and around the corner where there are another 10 spaces. But overall beautiful. Water was perfect. About 6 pools different temperatures."
Gorgeous Evans-Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located off Gibraltar Road. Parking is extremely limited, with only about 5-15 spaces available. Many visitors opt to take an Uber or Lyft to avoid the parking hassle.
Parking is very scarce. There are only a handful of spots at the immediate trailhead, and more can be found further down the street. Arriving early is crucial for securing a spot.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the trailhead directly. Uber or Lyft are the most recommended alternatives to driving and dealing with parking.
The out-and-back hike is approximately 3.10 miles roundtrip.
The hike is considered moderate. While there's some uphill climbing, it's generally manageable for most hikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access the Hot Springs Canyon Trail or the natural hot springs. It's a free public access area.
The trail and hot springs are accessible year-round, typically from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety.
There is no entrance fee for the natural hot springs. Access to the trail and the springs is free for all visitors.
No, reservations are not possible as it's a natural, first-come, first-served area. Arriving early is the best way to ensure you get a spot.
Visiting in the early morning, before 9 AM, is highly recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hot springs are a series of natural pools that cascade down the canyon. The pools at the top are the hottest, and they get progressively cooler as you move down.
There are typically around 6 different pools with varying temperatures, offering a range of soaking experiences.
The water temperature varies, so test it before fully immersing yourself. Be cautious of bees that can swarm around some pools.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy shoes. For the hot springs, swimwear is recommended, but note that clothing is optional for some visitors.
There are no official facilities like restrooms or changing areas at the hot springs. Be prepared to change discreetly or use your car.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the cascading hot pools, the scenic canyon views, and the serene atmosphere. Early morning light offers beautiful, soft lighting.
Be respectful of others' privacy. If people are nude, it's best to avoid photographing them directly. Focus on the natural beauty of the springs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape. A waterproof phone case is also a good idea if you plan to get close to the water.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and their privacy.
Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best light and the fewest people for unobstructed photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families: Parking is extremely limited, so consider an Uber or arriving very early. The trail can be confusing, so keep a close eye on children. There are no facilities, so pack plenty of water, snacks, and be prepared for a rustic experience. The clothing-optional aspect of the hot springs might also be a factor to discuss with children beforehand.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money: While the hike is free, parking can be a challenge. To avoid potential parking fees or the cost of a ticket if you were to park further away, consider carpooling or taking an Uber/Lyft if the cost is comparable to parking. Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them nearby, making this a truly cost-effective day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hot Springs Experience
It's important to note that the hot springs are a natural environment, and amenities are minimal. There are no changing rooms or restrooms, so visitors should come prepared. The atmosphere is generally laid-back and friendly, with fellow hikers often happy to share space. Some reviews mention that the pools can get crowded, especially later in the day, and bees can sometimes be present around the warmer waters.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, arriving very early in the morning is highly recommended. This not only helps avoid crowds but also significantly improves the chances of finding parking, which is notoriously limited. The combination of a scenic hike and a relaxing soak makes the Hot Springs Canyon Trail a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts in the area.
Hiking the Trail: What to Expect
One of the unique aspects of this trail is the presence of cold springs encountered before reaching the hot ones. This offers a fun opportunity for a refreshing cold plunge, which many hikers enjoy as a prelude to their warm soak. However, the trail can be somewhat confusing, and some visitors have reported nearly taking wrong turns, so paying attention to navigation is advised.
Footwear is crucial for this hike. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended to provide good traction on the trail, especially on the uphill and downhill sections. While the hike itself is rewarding, the real prize is the natural hot springs waiting at the end, making the effort well worth it for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit