Fumarole — Not a Soaking Spring
Fumarole is a fumarole, not a traditional hot spring. These geothermal features can be extremely dangerous — boiling water, toxic gases, and unstable ground are common hazards. Do not attempt to soak.
File:M 3611758 sw 11 060 20220619.tif — public domain
Fumarole emerges at an extraordinary 203°F within the restricted Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake at 4,280 feet elevation, where public access is explicitly prohibited. With pH of only 1.5—comparable to battery acid—and iron concentrations of 28,000 µg/L, this superheated spring represents extreme geothermal chemistry inaccessible to civilian visitors.
The spring sits in sparse, high-desert terrain surrounded by pinyon and grey pines at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Winter brings modest snowfall (10.7 inches) while annual precipitation totals just 6.9 inches. The extremely acidic water and elevated iron content produce distinctive rust-colored mineral deposits and noxious gas emissions. The landscape reflects the austere beauty of the western Mojave high desert.
History of Fumarole
Fumarole occupies geothermal terrain within one of North America's most active heat-flow zones. The extreme acidity (pH 1.5) and massive sulfate concentrations (1,400 mg/L) reflect unusual mineral assemblages: intense acidic alteration from sulfuric acid generated by hydrogen sulfide oxidation. The site's thermal vigor and chemical extremity make it geologically extraordinary, though inaccessible to the public.
Located entirely within Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Fumarole is explicitly closed to civilian visitors. Military personnel and authorized researchers occasionally conduct investigations, but public access is prohibited for safety and security reasons. Nearby Chimney Creek Campground offers civilian camping 28.5 km away. The site remains scientifically significant despite being off-limits to general visitation.
Is Fumarole worth visiting?
Best for
- Viewing dramatic geothermal features
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
Fumarole 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 41°F · Water 203°F · +162° contrast
December
Air 41°F · Water 203°F · +162° contrast
February
Air 44°F · Water 203°F · +159° contrast
January offers 40°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
176.0°F
(80.0°C)
Measured Jan 01, 1964
The water at Fumarole 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
4 miles from Inyokern, CA
USGS Quad: HAIWEE RESERVOIR 15 · PP 492: 141.0 · Circ 790: 57.0 · NOAA: 10.0 · AMS Map: DEATH VALLEY
What is the water temperature at Fumarole?
Fumarole has a water temperature of 203°F (95°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Fumarole located?
Fumarole is located in Kern County, California at 4,280 feet elevation, near Inyokern. Coordinates: 36.0310°N, 117.8330°W.
How do I get to Fumarole?
Fumarole has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Fumarole free to visit?
Fumarole has Closed access. It is managed by DESG.
Can I camp near Fumarole?
Yes, Chimney Creek Campground is located nearby (17.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Fumarole?
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 Fumarole?
The water at Fumarole reaches 203°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 Fumarole crowded?
Fumarole sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Fumarole?
Essentials for Fumarole: 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.