Travertine Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know

Ever made a split-second decision that turned into a great adventure? That’s exactly how we ended up at Travertine Hot Springs.

We were cruising Highway 395 when it popped up on my map, and I made Garrett veer off the road immediately. Best detour ever.

These free natural hot springs sit just outside Bridgeport with views of the Sierra Nevada that’ll make your jaw drop. Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including the closures most people don’t know about.

Travertine Hot Springs: Getting There

Travertine is just south of Bridgeport, right off Highway 395. Turn east onto Jack Sawyer Road and follow the dirt access road for about a mile to the parking area.

Just route yourself here, and you’ll be soaking in no time!

The road is rocky and rutted, but most cars can handle it if you take it slow. If Lucy, our old-school ’74 VW Bus, made it, so can you.

Rain and snow make it a lot trickier, though. The road isn’t plowed in winter, so high clearance helps when it’s icy or muddy.

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the small parking lot with a vault toilet. And yes, it’s free. No fees or permits needed.

Is Travertine Hot Springs Open? (Closures)

Most of the time, yes. But this is the part a lot of people miss.

The Bureau of Land Management closes Travertine to the public for about a week at a time so a local Tribe can use the springs for ceremonies. Recent closures have lined up with the summer solstice, the fall equinox, and the winter solstice.

During a closure, the gate on the access road is locked and nobody gets in. No cars, no walking in, no camping. Please respect it.

Before you go, check for alerts from the BLM Bishop Field Office or call them at 760-872-5000.

Travertine Hot Springs: Pool #1

The first tub you’ll notice is a man-made cement tub right by the parking lot. I can’t lie, it’s not a great first impression.

It’s also WAY too hot for a dip. There were signs warning us not to touch it because it was literally boiling. Skip this one.

Following the Trail to the Other Pools

From the parking area, trails head off in a few directions, but there’s no wrong way to explore. You’ll stumble onto a pool soon enough!

The pools don’t have official names, so I’m calling them Pools #1 to #4, going clockwise from the parking lot.

Travertine Hot Springs: Pool #2

Head left from the parking lot and you’ll find smaller, warm (not boiling!) tubs. Perfect for dipping your toes in.

We found a few people soaking in one, seemingly right on the trail, with gorgeous views over the valley and mountains. We didn’t want to disturb anyone with a photo, so we moved along…

Travertine Hot Springs: Pool #3

Then we spotted Pool #3 in the distance: a cute, perfectly round tub with a backdrop straight out of a fairytale. And nobody was in it!

We quickly found out why. It was barely warm! Gorgeous tub, but the hot water just wasn’t making it over here.

Travertine Hot Springs: Pool #4

Saved the best for last. This one is the most popular, the hottest, the biggest, and definitely the coolest of the bunch. Once you see it, you’ll know where Travertine Hot Springs got its name.

Want to go straight here? Head right from the parking lot (counterclockwise).

THIS is the tub you want, if everyone and their mom isn’t already in it. Think travertine rock formations, toasty water, and snow-capped peaks in the background.

There are several little tubs in this area, so you can pick your temperature. We got lucky and the group here was just packing up, so we had it to ourselves for a bit!

How Hot Is Travertine Hot Springs?

It really depends on the pool and the day. The water temperature shifts with the geothermal activity underground, so a tub that was perfect last month might be lukewarm (or way too hot) now.

Rule of thumb: always test the water with your hand first, and stay out of the cement tub by the parking lot.

Can You Camp at Travertine Hot Springs?

Not right at the springs. Camping isn’t allowed in the parking lot or right around the pools, even though you’ll sometimes see people doing it anyway.

You can find dispersed spots on BLM land along the access road. Just look for “No Camping” signs before you set up. Otherwise, Bridgeport is only a couple of minutes away.

Tips for Visiting Travertine Hot Springs

• Go early: Mornings are quiet. By midday, especially on weekends, it gets busy.
• Clothing optional: Most people wear swimsuits, but don’t be shocked if some don’t.
• Wear real shoes: The trails are rocky and sandy. Water shoes are handy in the pools, too.
• Pack it in, pack it out: There’s one vault toilet and nothing else, so take everything with you.
• Bring the essentials: A towel, water, a swimsuit, and a dry bag for your stuff.
• Be gentle: The travertine formations are fragile. Don’t climb on or chip at them.

Best Time to Visit Travertine Hot Springs

• Spring: Warming weather and snowy peaks, but the trails and road can be muddy.
• Summer: The busiest season. Go early or late to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Fall: Cooler weather and fewer people.
• Winter: Soaking surrounded by snow is magical, but the road isn’t plowed, so getting in can be a challenge.

We were here in June, early in the morning, and it was still chilly enough to fully enjoy a hot soak. Whenever you go, check for closures first!

Where to Stay Near Travertine Hot Springs

Bridgeport is right down the road, so it’s the easiest base. It’s a tiny town, though, so book early in summer. If you’re doing a bigger Highway 395 road trip, Mammoth Lakes is about an hour south with way more options.

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad we made that last-minute detour. Travertine Hot Springs was totally worth it, and even if you don’t plan on soaking, the views alone make it worth a stop.

We hope this helped you plan your trip to Travertine Hot Springs!

Sharing is caring!