What Makes Travertine Hot Springs Special?

Travertine Hot Springs is nestled in the stunning Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, a region famous for its dramatic landscapes and geothermal activity. Imagine 14,000-foot peaks towering over a landscape of sagebrush and steaming hot springs. The scenery alone is worth the trip.

But there’s more to this spot than just the views. Travertine Hot Springs is alive with geothermal energy. The hot water bubbling up from the earth has created colorful rock formations called travertine. These rocks are made of calcium carbonate, which forms when the hot, mineral-rich water flows to the surface.

Here’s why the hot springs are so unique:

The travertine formations come in beautiful colors like orange, red, yellow, and white. These formations are the result of thousands of years of mineral deposits.
The pools are naturally warm and soothing, making them perfect for a relaxing soak.
The area is geologically active, sitting near the Long Valley Caldera, a massive volcanic depression formed by eruptions 700,000 years ago.

Rockhounding at Travertine Hot Springs

Travertine Hot Springs is a dream for rockhounding enthusiasts. The travertine here is not just ordinary rock. It’s a colorful, banded limestone that looks amazing when polished.

You can also find calcite, a shiny white mineral, among the loose pieces scattered around the area.

What can you collect here?

Travertine: Known for its swirls of orange, red, gray, and yellow. It’s perfect for lapidary arts, rock polishing, or just keeping it as a souvenir.
Calcite: A pure white mineral that forms alongside the travertine.

Important tips for rockhounding:

You are not allowed to use tools and disturb the natural rocky formations.
There are plenty of small, loose pieces lying around the parking lot and beyond.
Remember to leave the area as you found it. Keep this place beautiful for others.

This spot is especially popular with rock collectors because of the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the travertine. It’s also a great location to learn about geology. The area’s active volcanic history is visible everywhere, from the steaming pools to the travertine domes.

Soaking in the Hot Springs

After a day of exploring and collecting rocks, why not relax in the natural hot springs? There are several small pools filled with warm, mineral-rich water. The temperatures vary, so you can find the one that’s just right for you.

Picture this: you sit in a natural hot tub, surrounded by colorful travertine formations and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains.

The water is soothing, the air is crisp, and the views are unforgettable. Doesn’t that sound like paradise?

Check out the Travertine Hot Springs soaking

Planning Your Trip

Here are some tips to make your visit stress-free:

Best time to visit: The springs are open year-round, but spring and fall have the best weather.

What to bring:

A towel and water shoes (the rocks can be slippery).
Sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
A camera to capture the views!

What to expect: The springs are free to visit, and there’s a vault toilet near the parking area. However, there are no other facilities, so plan accordingly.

If you have extra time, there’s plenty more to explore around the springs.

Mono Lake: This surreal saltwater lake just a short drive south is famous for its strange tufa formations. It’s like stepping onto another planet!

Yosemite National Park: One of America’s most iconic parks sits about an hour away. It is popular for its waterfalls, granite cliffs, and incredible hiking trails.

Buckeye Hot Springs: Another natural hot spring spot near Bridgeport. These pools are tucked along Buckeye Creek and surrounded by the Toiyabe National Forest.

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway: Take a drive along Highway 395 to enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll find countless hiking trails, lakes, and historical sites along the way.