Unnamed Thermal Spring

Riverside County County, California · Near Lakeview
33.8650°N, 117.1030°W · 1,441 ft
Warm 1,441 ft Open Roadside SFW Camping nearby (20.2 mi)

This San Jacinto Wildlife Area spring at 1,441 feet elevation near Lakeview remains relatively unknown despite permanent state protection and open public access.

The spring emerges within rolling hills managed for conservation, with drought-adapted chaparral and oak woodland surrounding the thermal pool. At 1,441 feet elevation, the setting offers views across the San Jacinto Valley during clear conditions, with Black Mountain Road providing access (4WD recommended due to poor conditions).

History of This Spring

The spring sits on lands designated as a State Conservation Area, managed by California's wildlife department to balance habitat protection with recreational use. These protection measures preserve the site's ecological integrity while allowing public visitation.

Access requires four-wheel drive vehicle with 6 inches minimum clearance on rough Black Mountain Road. The nearest campground, Boulder Basin, lies 32.5 kilometers away with improved facilities. Check road conditions before visiting.

Is this spring worth visiting?

Best for

  • Easy day trips
  • Overnight camping trips
This spring is well suited for easy day trips and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
52°
Jan
53°
Feb
57°
Mar
62°
Apr
65°
May
74°
Jun
80°
Jul
81°
Aug
77°
Sep
69°
Oct
59°
Nov
51°
Dec
Annual Precip: 13.2 in Annual Snow: 1.7 in
Nearby Camping
Boulder Basin 20.2 mi away

Overview Black Mountain Road is is poor condition at this time. A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended with a minimum ground clearance of 6 inches. Drive at your own risk. The San Bernardino National Forest is submitting a proposal to increase fees at various sites across the Forest and is seeking public input. Please visit the https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf for more information and to submit comments regarding this proposal.Boulder Basin Campground offers solitude and primitive camp...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
What to Bring
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Sun protection Limited shade in warm climate
Camping gear Nearby camping at Boulder Basin
Trash bag Pack out what you pack in
References
USGS Quad: (LAKEVIEW 7.5) · NOAA: 2.0 · AMS Map: SANTA ANA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at ?
is classified as warm. An exact temperature measurement has not been recorded.
Where is located?
is located in Riverside County, California at 1,441 feet elevation, near Lakeview. Coordinates: 33.8650°N, 117.1030°W.
How do I get to ?
has Roadside road access (10 ft from the road).
Is free to visit?
has Open access. It is managed by SFW.
Can I camp near ?
Yes, Boulder Basin is located nearby (20.2 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at ?
is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is crowded?
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 ?
Essentials for : swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Temperature
Warm
Warm Hot Boiling
Avg Air Temp 65°F
Access
Open
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 10 ft
Land
Ownership State
Agency SFW
Designation State Conservation Area
Unit San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Manager SFW
Protection 2 - Permanent protection, some use allowed