Here is an oldie but a timely goodie. The magazine 7×7 published a list of Northern California hot springs to keep yourself warm during the last couple months of winter! Check out their list below or the full article here. I added one of my own suggestions to the bottom of this blog, too.
Did you know there are more than 50 hot springs in California, and mostly in Northern California? Check out these four in a few key settings that represent the scope of options for a weekend getaway:
1. Marin Tidal Hot Springs
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, on the stretch of coast between Steep Ravine Cabins and Stinson Beach, there is a large hot spring that becomes accessible during low tides. Tucked beneath a huge boulder, waves crash on the rocks around you as you soak in the ocean view. Depending on how well the springs form each year, they can accommodate around 25 people. Do your online homework to check the conditions before heading there.
2. Orr Hot Springs
Here in the city, we love Mendocino for a lot of reasons: It’s gorgeous rugged coastline, it’s under-recognized contribution to the state’s true GDP, and it’s knack for harnessing geo-thermal activity with that kind of hippy-bohemian flare we all have a soft spot for: Hot springs. If all that made sense to you, then Orr Hot Springs are a solid (and slightly funny) option to check out.
3. Sykes Hot Springs
This is one of the quintessential weekend backpacking trips to do if you live in San Francisco. The Sykes Hot Springs are about a 10-mile hike into the coastal forest outside of Big Sur. You’ll gain some elevation, yes. You will have to carry your camping stuff on your back, yes. But when you reach the springs, set up camp, and wade in, you’ll find yourself in a lush, forested, California Coastal Range setting, kicking it in some (typically) well-maintained stone-lined hot springs.
4. Mono Hot Springs
Hot springs in the Sierra and Eastern Sierra are some of the most special places we’ve ever visited. You get an alpine setting, expansive views, lots of sparkling granite everywhere, and usually very few people. Mono Hot Springs is one of the more developed and established options in this part of the state. The pools are well maintained, and afford you some pretty amazing Sierra Nevada landscape to take in while you chill out.
5. Grover Hot Springs
This is my addition to the list: Grover Hot Springs by Kirkwood, for those of you who go up to the Tahoe area for skiing or snowboarding. Grover Hot Springs, located in a beautiful valley nestled on the east side of the Sierras at 6,000 feet above sea level, offers scenic mountain views, alpine meadows, Jeffrey Pine forests, cascading creeks, springs, and an abundance of wildlife. It has both hot 120- and 80-degree pools and is one of my favorites. You can always grab a drink and a bite in the cute town of Markleeville nearby, too. Fun either summer or winter!
