7 Hidden Pools at Travertine Hot Springs You Can Still Visit in 2025

Travertine Hot Springs in California feels like a secret you stumble upon, not a place you plan for. Tucked near Bridgeport, along Highway 395, this stretch of geothermal mineral springs sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most travelers soak in the main pools and leave, unaware of the hidden ones scattered just beyond the visible cluster.

These smaller pools, shaped by slow mineral deposits over decades, still exist quietly in 2025. Some are no bigger than a wood-lined pool carved into rock, others are tucked behind travertine terraces overlooking the snow-capped mountains.

If you know where to look, you’ll find water temperatures ranging from warm to piping hot, surrounded by silence broken only by the bubbling flow of geothermal activity.

Here’s what this guide gives you:

• A clear route plan with updated 2025 directions
• Road conditions for both 2WD and 4WD access
• Pool map and walking layout between clusters
• Safety, etiquette, and travel-ready photography tips

You’ll learn how to reach the lesser-known Pools, when to go, what to bring, and which angles catch the best light. Travertine Hot Springs may look simple on Google Maps, but the real magic sits beyond the obvious spots… waiting to be found by travelers who take their time.

What Are “Travertine Hot Springs”? Natural History & Geology

These hot springs are more than warm water holes. Travertine Hot Springs formed from geothermal fissures beneath magma-heated rock that push thermal water rich in calcium carbonate to the surface. As it cools, the water deposits carbonate minerals that harden into travertine formations, creating the terraces you see today.

This process continues year after year. Each change in flow or temperature adds a new layer of travertine rock, slowly shaping fresh pools and covering old ones. Earthquakes or rainfall shifts can alter the pattern, giving new life to what seem like ancient fixtures.

The Native American tribes of the area, including the Northern Paiute and Western Mono/Monache, once visited these geothermal treasures for warmth and spiritual cleansing. Long before tourists, these natural pools were seen as living springs—restorative and powerful.

Even now, you can spot hints of mineral color across the travertine terrace, from pale white to rust orange. They come from varying mineral pools and the presence of iron and sulfur. Together they form a rare geological art piece across Mono County’s volcanic plain—proof that geothermal activity still breathes beneath this quiet corner of the Eastern Sierra.

Overview Map & Pool Layout

If you zoom in on Travertine Hot Springs on Google Maps, you’ll see a small grid of connected pools near Jack Sawyer Road. That’s only part of the story. The main pools are easily accessible, but several smaller ones stretch farther south, along faint walking trails and ridges.

The terrain slopes gently from the main parking lot, with scattered signs leading toward dispersed camping areas and the lesser-known pools. Most paths are clear enough to walk in sandals, but dirt road detours may appear after rain. Carry a basic map or download one offline before you lose signal.

Here’s a rough mental map:

• The main pools cluster near the vault toilet area.
• The first hidden pool sits about 150 yards uphill, offering a quieter soak and a broad view of Yosemite’s Sawtooth Ridge.
• The second and third hidden pools form natural steps along the travertine terraces, shaped by flowing mineral deposits.
• The fourth and fifth pools rest lower on the slope, fed by cooler channels that mix thermal springs with runoff.

If you’re exploring all seven, plan a simple loop that begins at the main area, circles east, and returns near Jack Sawyer Rd. It’s a short but rewarding walk—one that feels like tracing nature’s blueprint across the high desert.

How to Get There & Conditions to Know (2025 Update)

Reaching Travertine Hot Springs feels like stepping off the grid but still within reach of comfort. From Bridgeport, drive about two miles south on US-395 S, then take Jack Sawyer Rd, a short dirt road branching east. You’ll see a small wooden sign that simply reads “Hot Springs.” Follow this for half a mile until the surface turns uneven and rocky.

Most 2WD vehicles can make it when the weather is dry. After rain or snow, though, ruts can deepen fast. Caltrans District 10 sometimes posts a travel alert about soft mud or minor washouts, so check updates before leaving. The final stretch leads into Mono County land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with a flat parking area near the vault toilet.

Bring layers. The National Weather Service notes temperature swings of over 25 °F between noon and evening. Even in summer, gusts from the Sierra Nevada Mountains can make evenings cool. If you plan to stay near the site, primitive camping spots sit along the dirt road—quiet, free, and under the stars.

Your best base? Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs CA hotels and inns, five minutes away on Hwy 395. For those bringing a tiny home on wheels or van setup, this zone remains open for short stays.

Pool 1: Upper Canyon Seclusion

This pool sits quietly above the main cluster, hidden behind a small ridge. It feels private, where steam curls into the crisp mountain air and silence stretches for miles. Most visitors overlook it, yet it delivers the best sunrise view in all of Travertine Hot Springs.

• Location: Roughly 150 yards uphill from the vault toilet area, accessible via a dirt trail branching left from Jack Sawyer Road.
• Temperature range: 102–105 °F year-round.
• Best time: Dawn in early spring when light hits the snow-capped mountains.
• Unique features: A wood-lined pool enclosed by travertine terraces, collecting clear thermal water rich in calcium carbonate.
• Access difficulty: Moderate incline with loose stones; traction footwear recommended.
• Photo vantage: Frame toward Yosemite’s Sawtooth Ridge at sunrise for pastel reflections across the mineral deposits.

Pool 2: Terrace Overlook Tub

Perched on a ledge shaped by travertine formations, this compact tub offers a perfect balance of solitude and scenery. You hear nothing but the low hiss of geothermal activity and wind sweeping over the ridge.

• Location: Follow the main path east from the first pool for about three minutes.
• Temperature range: 100–102 °F depending on weather.
• Best time: Golden hour or sunset when the terrace glows.
• Unique features: Natural travertine terrace with soft mud bottoms and streaks of carbonate minerals.
• Access difficulty: Simple descent, though surfaces can be slick.
• Photo vantage: Shoot wide to include the Eastern Sierra ridgeline with the shimmering pool foreground.

Pool 3: Remote Creekside Rock Tub

A traveler favorite for its peaceful creek sound and gentle flow. This pool sits lower on the slope and offers a cooler, balanced soak when upper pools run too hot.

• Location: About a 10-minute walk downhill past dispersed camping patches.
• Temperature range: 90–104 °F.
• Best time: Late afternoon through early evening.
• Unique features: A hot waterfall pours into the basin, cooled by nearby stream water.
• Access difficulty: Narrow dirt road spur; 2WD friendly if dry.
• Photo vantage: Use slow shutter to blur the hot waterfall; the travertine rock contrasts beautifully with the green slope.

Pool 4: Hidden Mid-Slope Pool

Few reach this one. It sits tucked halfway down the hill, surrounded by small travertine terraces layered like shells. The view back toward Bridgeport feels endless.

• Location: Between Creekside Rock Tub and Warm Channel Spillover.
• Temperature range: 95–100 °F.
• Best time: Sunset during late summer.
• Unique features: Tiered travertine terraces, reflecting orange light off their carbonate edges.
• Access difficulty: Steep and slippery descent; trekking poles help.
• Photo vantage: Aim upward to catch the pool, terraces, and sky gradient in one frame.

Pool 5: Warm Channel Spillover

This mellow, family-friendly soak spreads along a small channel where thermal water mixes with runoff. The surface ripples like glass, revealing pale travertine beneath.

• Location: Lower flat near the primitive camping area by the main parking loop.
• Temperature range: Around 92 °F.
• Best time: Midday in spring or fall.
• Unique features: Flowing channel formed by decades of mineral deposits.
• Access difficulty: Flat, easy trail suitable for sandals.
• Photo vantage: Overhead shot shows the warm flow cutting through white travertine rock.

Pool 6: Forest Edge Tub

Shaded by juniper trees at the edge of the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, this pool blends forest calm with open-sky heat. It’s a perfect contrast—cool air, warm soak.

• Location: About 300 yards south of the Warm Channel pool, off the main ridge trail.
• Temperature range: 98–100 °F.
• Best time: Early morning to avoid insects.
• Unique features: Forest backdrop with faint scent of pine, making it one of the most relaxing secret hot springs.
• Access difficulty: Slight bushwhack; long pants advised.
• Photo vantage: Capture rays breaking through foliage and rising steam together.

Pool 7: The “Last” Untrodden Pool

The farthest and quietest of all. When you reach it, you’ll likely be alone, surrounded by views of the Sawtooth Sierra Mountains and open Mono County sky. The silence feels almost sacred.

• Location: Easternmost slope, near the end of the dispersed camping trail loop.
• Temperature range: 95–108 °F depending on geothermal fissures’ flow.
• Best time: Autumn mornings for soft light and stable temperatures.
• Unique features: Single oval basin fed by geothermal mineral springs from below magma-heated rock.
• Access difficulty: Rough incline with uneven travertine surface.
• Photo vantage: Wide panorama capturing both pool and ridge; ideal for sunrise long exposure.

Temperature & Water Dynamics (Why Some Pools Are Too Hot / Too Cool)

Water temperature at Travertine Hot Springs shifts daily due to geothermal activity and weather. Beneath the surface, magma-heated rock drives constant motion through geothermal fissures. As the water rises, it carries calcium carbonate and mineral deposits, cooling as it travels across travertine terraces.

To manage the heat:

• Test the edge first with your hand or foot.
• Mix flows by placing small stones to redirect cooler channels.
• Avoid the source vents, which may exceed 110 °F.

Season also matters. Spring brings snowmelt, cooling surface pools, while autumn stabilizes heat for long soaks. In winter, steam rises dramatically against the snow-capped mountains—a favorite sight among regulars.

Some travelers bring small thermometers, but instinct works best. The thermal water tells you what’s safe once you learn its rhythm. Over years of visits, I’ve found Pool D to hold steady warmth, while Pool A runs hotter by noon. That’s part of the charm here—each pool breathes with the mountain.

Safety, Discomfort & Etiquette

Even paradise needs caution. Hot Springs like these aren’t commercialized; they rely on your judgment and respect. The Bureau of Land Management oversees access, but it’s up to travelers to keep it clean and safe.

Common issues include slippery travertine rock, sudden temperature spikes, or debris in mud bottoms. Carry basic first aid, a flashlight, and enough water. If you see a pit toilet near the parking area, use it—don’t contaminate thermal springs.

Basic etiquette guide:

1. Rotate time if others wait to soak.
2. Keep glass out of the area—broken pieces linger for years.
3. Respect clothing-optional norms without judgment.
4. Leave no trace.
5. Keep noise low; these pools thrive on quiet.

Locals often say, “You’re a guest of the water.” That mindset protects this fragile site. Follow simple hot spring etiquette and the place stays pristine for another season of explorers.

Best Times, Lighting & Photography Tips

Photography here demands patience. The light shifts fast across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and reflections can overpower details on camera. Still, the rewards are worth it.

Here’s a quick table to help plan your shots:

Additional pro tips:

• Use a polarizer to manage reflections from thermal water.
• Carry dry bags for gear; splashes are unpredictable.
• Avoid drones near wildlife; U.S. Forest Service patrols occasionally.

Mammoth Lakes photographers often compare this spot to the Hot Creek Geological Site for its contrast of geothermal pools and alpine scenery. I’d agree—but Travertine Hot Springs feels far more intimate, especially when clouds hang low over the valley

Suggested Exploration Route / Itinerary

Most travelers start and end at the main parking area near the vault toilet, looping through the hidden pools in 2–3 hours. It’s short, scenic, and full of quiet corners worth lingering in.

Here’s a practical loop order that minimizes backtracking and keeps elevation gain light:

If you continue exploring northward, a short detour along State Route 108 East connects to Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass, both spectacular scenic drives in summer. The contrast between the high passes and the warm thermal springs below the ridge shows how the Eastern Sierra hides beauty at every elevation.

You can also extend your loop toward Yosemite National Park, about an hour away, for a full-day circuit that moves from alpine granite peaks to these mineral pools at dusk.

Nearby Hot Springs & Combo Options

Travertine Hot Springs sits within a cluster of geothermal treasures scattered across Mono County. Several are reachable within an hour’s drive, making this area ideal for a multi-day soak adventure.

Nearby Springs to Add to Your Trip:

1. Buckeye Hot Springs: Located off Buckeye Road, this site features two lower pools beside a creek, framed by travertine formations. The blend of hot and cold flow makes it one of the best secret hot springs for long sessions.
2. Benton Hot Springs: A rustic stop with private tubs managed by a small lodge, ideal if you prefer comfort. These hot springs resorts let you rent a tub by the hour with mountain views in silence.
3. Hilltop Hot Springs: Near Mammoth Lakes, a short walk from Benton Crossing Road. The water is clear, the setting wide open, and the mood peaceful.
4. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs: A bit busier, but worth visiting early morning to see fog lifting off the plain.
5. Hot spring in Mammoth Lakes: Set near the geothermal valley, offering broader pools than Travertine but similar mineral balance.

If you’re planning a full road trip, include stops at Bodie State Historic Park and Mono Lake—two striking contrasts to the fluid nature of these geothermal pools. Both sites reveal how volcanic history shaped everything you’re soaking in.

What to Bring / Packing Checklist

Years of returning to Travertine Hot Springs have taught me that preparation decides whether a trip feels magical or miserable. Conditions change fast, and the terrain can surprise you.

Essentials to Pack:

• Footwear: Grip sandals or light boots (Teva Grandview Gore-Tex works well).
• Swimwear: Quick-dry shorts; avoid cotton.
• Towel & Dry Bag: Protect electronics and clothes.
• Drinking Water: No supply on-site.
• Headlamp / Flashlight: Early morning or dusk visibility.
• Trash Bags: Pack out everything you bring.
• Osprey packs or similar day bag: Compact, durable, and perfect for dirt road hikes.
• First Aid Kit: Include antiseptic wipes for small cuts from travertine rock.

Optional gear:

• Polarizing lens for photography.
• Foldable tripod for long exposures.
• Small camping stove (for dispersed camping, check wind before lighting).

Remember, primitive camping areas near the pools are first-come, first-served. Those wanting more comfort can find hotels near Travertine Hot Springs in Bridgeport CA, or continue south toward Mammoth Lakes. For day-trippers, keep your camera ready—Yosemite’s Sawtooth Ridge looks entirely different depending on the hour.

Final Thoughts

After visiting dozens of hot springs across the Western states, Travertine still feels unmatched in its balance of accessibility and wildness. The pools remain free, the views untouched, and the silence deep. You soak under open sky, surrounded by travertine terraces formed drop by drop from calcium-rich water flowing through magma-heated rock.

Every trip here teaches something new—a better route, a smaller pool, a quieter hour. If you come with patience and respect, these secret hot springs give you something more lasting than photos: the rare feeling of being still in a world that never stops moving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)