File:Dirty Socks Hot Spring.jpg — cc by 4.0
Dirty Socks Hot Spring emerges at 93°F from the Owens Valley floor, named for the distinctive sulfurous odor that has defined this modest thermal feature since its discovery.
The spring flows into a small pool near Dirty Socks Road at 3,603 feet elevation, where algae growth often discolors the water to murky greens and browns. The immediate landscape features sagebrush desert and distant views of the Sierra Nevada, with the Alabama Hills visible to the south.
History of Dirty Socks Hot Spring
The spring formed through geothermal processes in the Owens Valley, an active geothermal region shaped by the Sierra Nevada's uplift and Basin and Range extension. The sulfur compounds that create its distinctive smell arise from subsurface mineral deposits interacting with circulating groundwater.
Located just 400 feet from Dirty Socks Road near Lone Pine, the spring is readily accessible via a short walk. Water temperature rarely exceeds 93°F, making it warmer than ambient conditions by just 28°F. Visit year-round, though summer offers the most stable access. The spring is open to public use on Los Angeles Department of Water and Power land.
Is Dirty Socks Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Dirty Socks Hot Spring is well suited for warm-water soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 8.3 in
Annual Snow: 14.7 in
December
Air 45°F · Water 93°F · +48° contrast
January
Air 46°F · Water 93°F · +47° contrast
February
Air 48°F · Water 93°F · +45° contrast
December offers 41°F more contrast than July
Overview
$10.00 per site per night. No reservations. Open all year.
Tuttle Creek Campground offers 83 RV/tent sites, with ten pull-through trailer spaces, maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet. All sites include a fire pit, picnic table and a lantern holder. No hook-up. Potable water is available seasonally. Dump station fee is $10.00, no passes accepted, closed in winter. Closest amenities are 5 miles northeast in Lone Pine.
Tuttle Creek Campground SignTuttle Creek Campground siteTuttle...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Tuttle Creek Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
0 miles from Lone Pine, CA
USGS Quad: KEELER 15 · NOAA: 6.0 · AMS Map: DEATH VALLEY
What is the water temperature at Dirty Socks Hot Spring?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring has a water temperature of 93°F (34°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Dirty Socks Hot Spring located?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring is located in Inyo County, California at 3,603 feet elevation, near Lone Pine. Coordinates: 36.3300°N, 117.9480°W.
How do I get to Dirty Socks Hot Spring?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Dirty Socks (395 ft from the road).
Is Dirty Socks Hot Spring free to visit?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by CITY.
Can I camp near Dirty Socks Hot Spring?
Yes, Tuttle Creek Campground is located nearby (19.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Dirty Socks Hot Spring?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Dirty Socks Hot Spring crowded?
Dirty Socks Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Dirty Socks Hot Spring?
Essentials for Dirty Socks Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.