Soaking in hot springs is one of the best ways to relax, and there are many benefits for your skin, body, and mind. One question I see pop up a lot is if there are any hot springs in or around Lake Tahoe. There are some great hot springs near Lake Tahoe that are definitely worth the drive. But if you’re visiting and up for a little adventure, there are also some beautiful hot springs a little farther away! Keep reading for information on visiting the best hot springs near Lake Tahoe (from a local)!
As always, please remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace!
Must Visit Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe
David Walley’s Resort
Located just down the mountain from Lake Tahoe in Genoa, Nevada is David Walley’s Resort. There are five outdoor soaking tubs and a heated pool, all with beautiful views of the mountains. Mix things up and hop in the sauna or steam room. There is no time limit for soaking and there is a small convenience store where you enter if you need something to drink or a snack. After your soak, stay and enjoy a delicious dinner at the 1862 Restaurant & Saloon.
Cost: $55/per person – resort guests and walk ins
Clothing: Required
Address: 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV 89411
Carson Hot Springs
Head East on Highway 50 to Carson City and spend an afternoon soaking at Carson Hot Springs. There are four outdoor public use pools and nine indoor private pools to soak in. The indoor private pools are available on a first come first serve basis, they do not take reservations. This is a nice facility and it’s a very convenient location, so it can get busy.
Cost: $15-30/per person for 2 hours
Clothing: Required
Address: 1500 Old Hot Springs Road, Carson City, NV 89706
Note: Towels are not provided. So make sure to bring your own! If you do forget, you can rent them.
Travertine Hot Springs
While Travertine Hot Springs is farther away from Lake Tahoe, about a 1-2 hour drive in Bridgeport, California, it is a natural hot spring that is definitely worth experiencing! It has been listed on several Top 10 Hot Springs in the USA lists, so it’s definitely worth experiencing. It’s free to enter, you enjoy beautiful views of the Sierras while soaking next to the unique sediment formations, and it’s easily accessible. Travertine Hot Springs is located a few miles off Highway 395 and the dirt road is pretty easy to drive (depending on recent snowfall), but I’ve seen two wheel drive cars go out here (even with recent snowfall).
This means it’s pretty well known and a popular place to visit, so it tends to be crowded. I highly recommend going early in the morning and on a week day to avoid the crowds. I love going early and enjoying sunrise from the pool. You might get lucky to enjoy the pool by yourself. Otherwise you might end up having to wait for people to leave.
Travertine Hot Springs is located on BLM land which means you can also camp overnight! There are no facilities, besides an outhouse style bathroom, so it will be primitive camping. And remember to Leave No Trace and take out what you bring in.
Please also note that Travertine Hot Springs is clothing optional.
Cost: Free
Clothing: Optional
Directions: Drive South from Bridgeport about half a mile and turn left onto Jack Sawyer Road just before the Ranger Station. Follow the dirt road to the parking lot about 1-2 miles.
Locals Tip: Come early in the morning or on weekdays for the best chance at having the pool to yourself!
Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs, also located in Bridgeport, California and is also worth the adventure for the amazing views. There are multiple soaking pools bordering Buckeye Creek so you can easily let in some cold water if the pools get too warm. The rock pools often look different because people can move the rocks around and change the pools.
From the parking area, the trailhead takes you down a short but steep and often slippery path to Buckeye Creek. It’s a good idea to come prepared with a flashlight (if you plan on going at sunrise or sunset), a good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, and microspikes if visiting during the winter.
The dirt road to these hot springs can get washed out or packed with snow, sometimes making it impassable. Make sure you check the weather forecast or look online for recent road conditions. From the parking at the campground, the trailhead takes you down to Buckeye Creek where you’ll find two different soaking areas of rock-walled pools.
You can also camp nearby at the campgrounds just a few minutes from the hot springs. No reservations are required, it’s first come first serve. There is no drinking water available.
Cost: Free
Clothing: Optional
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, get to 395 by taking Kingsbury Grade (207) to Gardnerville or Highway 89 past Markleville to Topaz Lake area. Head South on Highway 395. Right before you enter Bridgeport, turn right onto Buckeye Road. Follow the dirt road about 3-4 miles until you come to the parking area.
Locals Tip: Come early in the morning or on weekdays for the best chance at having the pool to yourself.
Sierra Hot Springs
Located about 30 minutes North of Truckee, Sierra Hot Springs Resort & Retreat Center is a beautiful place to soak your body and mind. They offer multiple pools and embrace body acceptance so all of their pools are clothing optional. Reservations are required to soak here.
There are lodging and camping options if you want to stay the night and soak under the stars.
Cost: $35/per person and one person must be a member for $5 for a 30 day membership or $20 for a one year membership
Clothing: Optional in all pools
Address: 521 Campbell Hot Springs Road, Sierraville, CA 96126
Grover Hot Springs
If you’re heading to Hope Valley to check out the fall colors in Lake Tahoe, check out Grover Hot Springs! Spend the night and camp or just visit for a couple hours and enjoy a relaxing soak. Reservations are required, for more information and to make reservations, visit the CA Parks website here! Glass and alcohol are prohibited. Please note that your reservation does not include the parking fee.
Cost: $10/per adult or $5/for kids under 16 for 1.5 hour soak time + can only book 2 soak times per day. Additional $8 parking fee required.
Clothing: Required
Address: 3415 Hot Springs Rd, Markleeville, CA 96120
Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa
If you’re looking for a way to waste some time before flying out, head over to Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa. Spend some time relaxing in a private mineral bath or soaking in the outdoor tub. Pamper yourself with some of the offered spa services.
If you’re heading to Reno, take some time to spend relaxing at Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa. Reserve a private mineral bath or soak in the outdoor tub or pamper yourself with some additional spa services.
Cost: $12-30 per person depending on pool preference – 2 hour max in outdoor pool
Clothing: Required
Address: 16010 S. Virginia St, Reno, NV 89521
Have you been to any of these hot springs? Which is your favorite one? If you’re up for the adventure, make sure you check out my post about Goldbug Hot Springs here! It’s definitely worth the trip to Salmon, Idaho.
