Sheep Creek Spring

San Bernardino County County, California · Near Fort Irwin
35.5880°N, 116.3590°W · 1,802 ft
73°F 1,802 ft Open Short Walk Bureau of Land Management

Sheep Creek Spring flows at 73°F in the harsh Mojave Desert, offering a modest thermal resource managed by the Bureau of Land Management near Fort Irwin.

The spring emerges at 1,802 feet elevation, with water only 149 feet from Sheep Creek Spring Road. The short walk leads through sparse desert vegetation with limited seasonal moisture, and the spring's modest temperature rise of 1.5°F above ambient air creates a subtle thermal experience in an arid landscape averaging 71.5°F year-round.

History of Sheep Creek Spring

Located in the Mojave Desert region, this spring represents a low-temperature geothermal feature in an area of limited subsurface heat. Its modest thermal character reflects the desert's extreme aridity, with annual precipitation of just 4.4 inches and virtually no snow.

Access is straightforward via a short walk from Sheep Creek Spring Road (D233). The Bureau of Land Management maintains open public access to the site. Visit during cooler months to avoid extreme desert heat.

Monthly Climate
52°
Jan
56°
Feb
63°
Mar
70°
Apr
76°
May
89°
Jun
93°
Jul
93°
Aug
85°
Sep
72°
Oct
60°
Nov
50°
Dec
Annual Precip: 4.4 in Annual Snow: 0.3 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 50°F · Water 73°F · +23° contrast
January Air 52°F · Water 73°F · +21° contrast
February Air 56°F · Water 73°F · +17° contrast
December offers 43°F more contrast than August
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature 68.0°F (20.0°C) Measured Feb 10, 1967
Water Chemistry Sampled 1967-02-10

The water at Sheep Creek Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9) with 801 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief) and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 7.9 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 83 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 52 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 93 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 392 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 25 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 50 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
What to Bring
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Sun protection Limited shade in warm climate
Trash bag Pack out what you pack in
References
USGS Quad: AVAWATZ PASS 15 · NOAA: 8.0 · AMS Map: TRONA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Sheep Creek Spring?
Sheep Creek Spring has a water temperature of 73°F (23°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Sheep Creek Spring located?
Sheep Creek Spring is located in San Bernardino County, California at 1,802 feet elevation, near Fort Irwin. Coordinates: 35.5880°N, 116.3590°W.
How do I get to Sheep Creek Spring?
Sheep Creek Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Sheep Creek Spring Road - D233 (490 ft from the road).
Is Sheep Creek Spring free to visit?
Sheep Creek Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
What minerals are in the water at Sheep Creek Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.9 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 801 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Sheep Creek Spring?
Sheep Creek Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Sheep Creek Spring crowded?
Sheep Creek Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Sheep Creek Spring?
Essentials for Sheep Creek Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Temperature
73°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 73°F (23°C)
Avg Air Temp 72°F
Above Ambient +2°F
Mild soaking conditions March
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Sheep Creek Spring Road - D233
Distance to Road 490 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Barstow Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use