Dangerously Hot — Not Safe for Soaking
Devils Kitchen reaches 207°F, far above safe soaking levels. Contact with this water will cause severe burns. Look for cooled downstream pools or view from a safe distance only.
Devils Kitchen emerges at an extreme 207°F from volcanic terrain within Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, featuring some of the most acidic and mineral-rich water chemistry in California with a pH of 1.5.
The thermal feature rises from military land at 4,280 feet elevation in Kern County's remote desert landscape. Iron-rich water creates a caustic environment where only specialized microbes thrive, and the intense heat and acidic conditions make this one of the state's most extreme geothermal areas.
History of Devils Kitchen
Located within the militarized Coso geothermal region, Devils Kitchen forms from deep volcanic processes that generate water over 146°F hotter than ambient desert temperatures. The area's geology connects to active faulting and the young volcanic complexes defining the western Great Basin.
Public access to this spring is permanently closed due to its location on active military land. The extreme water chemistry—sulfate-dominated with iron concentrations of 28,000 µg/L—makes any contact hazardous. Visitors can appreciate the region's geothermal character at nearby accessible features.
Is Devils Kitchen worth visiting?
Best for
- Viewing dramatic geothermal features
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
Devils Kitchen is best appreciated as a dramatic geothermal feature rather than a place to soak.
Annual Precip: 6.9 in
Annual Snow: 10.7 in
January
Air 42°F · Water 207°F · +166° contrast
December
Air 41°F · Water 207°F · +166° contrast
February
Air 44°F · Water 207°F · +163° contrast
January offers 41°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
176.0°F
(80.0°C)
Measured Jan 01, 1964
The water at Devils Kitchen is strongly acidic (pH 1.5) with 2500 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and iron (iron-rich springs may support circulation).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
May support bone density and joint health
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Chimney Creek Campground is located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Owens Peak Wilderness. The campground contains 36 sites and is nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, grey pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet in elevation. Each site in the campground has a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available during the summer months near the very end of the campground loop at site 36. During the summer, days can be warm and dry. The Pacific C...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Chimney Creek Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
2 miles from Inyokern, CA
USGS Quad: HAIWEE RESERVOIR 15 · PP 492: 141.0 · Circ 790: 57.0 · NOAA: 9.0 · AMS Map: DEATH VALLEY
What is the water temperature at Devils Kitchen?
Devils Kitchen has a water temperature of 207°F (97°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Devils Kitchen located?
Devils Kitchen is located in Kern County, California at 4,280 feet elevation, near Inyokern. Coordinates: 36.0360°N, 117.8020°W.
How do I get to Devils Kitchen?
Devils Kitchen has Short Walk road access (468 ft from the road).
Is Devils Kitchen free to visit?
Devils Kitchen has Closed access. It is managed by DESG.
Can I camp near Devils Kitchen?
Yes, Chimney Creek Campground is located nearby (19.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Devils Kitchen?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 1.5 (strongly acidic). Total dissolved solids measure 2,500 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Devils Kitchen?
The water at Devils Kitchen reaches 207°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Devils Kitchen crowded?
Devils Kitchen sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Devils Kitchen?
Essentials for Devils Kitchen: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.