At 151°F, the source water at Hot Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Hot Spring near Bridgeport emerges at 151°F just 130 feet from the road, making it perhaps the most accessible high-temperature thermal feature in the Eastern Sierra, with a robust 102°F rise above the area's cool alpine air.
This roadside thermal sits at 6,452 feet elevation on Inyo National Forest land, ringed by Jeffrey pine forest and the dramatic topography of the Sierra crest's eastern slope. The spring delivers measurable heat into cool mountain air, a sensory landmark in an otherwise temperate landscape.
History of Hot Spring
The spring's accessibility reflects its proximity to a maintained road—likely a historic route connecting desert communities to high Sierra passes. Its emergence along the forest boundary suggests the presence of fault zones or fractures that allow deep thermal water to reach the surface.
Park at roadside pullouts along the access road. The spring is immediately visible and safe to approach; water temperature drops with distance downstream. Winter snow and ice may limit road access December through March. No facilities exist on-site.
Is Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
32°Jan
31°Feb
35°Mar
42°Apr
51°May
63°Jun
71°Jul
70°Aug
63°Sep
52°Oct
40°Nov
31°Dec
Annual Precip: 13.9 inAnnual Snow: 62.1 in
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryAir 31°F · Water 151°F · +121° contrast
DecemberAir 31°F · Water 151°F · +120° contrast
JanuaryAir 32°F · Water 151°F · +119° contrast
February offers 41°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground8.0 mi away
Rustic campsites with fire rings in Jeffrey Pine Forest. There is no trash service please pack out your trash.
Hot Spring has a water temperature of 151°F (66°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring located?
Hot Spring is located in Mono County, California at 6,452 feet elevation, near Bridgeport. Coordinates: 38.0480°N, 119.0810°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring?
Hot Spring has Roadside road access (133 ft from the road).
Is Hot Spring free to visit?
Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Hot Spring?
Yes, Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground is located nearby (8.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring?
The water at Hot Spring reaches 151°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 Hot Spring crowded?
Hot Spring is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Hot Spring?
Essentials for Hot Spring: 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.
Temperature
151°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp151°F (66°C)
Avg Air Temp48°F
Above Ambient+103°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Distance to Road133 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitInyo National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use