Kern Hot Spring
Kern Hot Spring emerges at 109°F in Sequoia National Park at 6,908 feet elevation, accessible only via backcountry hiking. Protected by the National Park Service, this remote thermal feature sits deep in the wilderness where few visitors venture, delivering solitude and pristine alpine landscape.
The spring lies 10.8 miles from the nearest road, nestled in high-elevation wilderness where the Kern River carves through granite bedrock. Snow covers this landscape heavily—145 inches fall annually—and temperatures remain cool year-round. Alpine meadows, whitebark pine, and mountain hemlock characterize the ecosystem. The spring's 109°F water emerges amid granite talus and Alpine tundra, creating a striking contrast: warmth in a cold, exposed environment. Distant views extend across wilderness peaks toward the Sierra crest.
Kern Hot Spring formed through geothermal circulation in the southern Sierra Nevada's granitic basement rock. The spring's location in Sequoia National Park reflects the region's ongoing geological activity, though it remains less dramatic than some northern California thermal features. The system likely results from deep groundwater circulation along structural breaks in the granite, driven by geothermal gradient. The park's permanent protection status ensures this backcountry thermal feature remains undeveloped and pristine.
This spring demands serious backcountry preparation: 10.8-mile hike from Mineral King Road requires multiple days and wilderness permits from the National Park Service. Access is seasonal—typically July through September when snow melts. Bring complete backpacking gear, map, and navigation tools. Weather changes rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms are common. The remote location provides solitude but demands self-sufficiency. Cold Springs Campground lies 18.8 kilometers away and operates seasonally. Only experienced wilderness travelers should attempt this destination.
Is Kern Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
Overview The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive the long narrow, winding, largely unpaved road that leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads. Recreation Trails to alpine lake...