Quick FactsOverview
About Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs, California is a free undeveloped hot spring on the northern bank of Buckeye Creek in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, approximately 10 miles southwest of Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra. The springs feature multiple rock-lined pools at temperatures between approximately 90 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, including a travertine grotto with a small hot waterfall. Entry is free, no reservation is required, and the site is open year-round when the road is passable.
The geothermal water emerges from the hillside above the pools at approximately 140 degrees and cools as it flows down to the soaking area. Pool temperatures can be adjusted by allowing more or less cold creek water to mix with the thermal flow. The site sits at approximately 6,900 feet elevation in a high alpine canyon with views of the Eastern Sierra. A short but steep trail of approximately 150 to 300 feet leads from the parking area to the main creek-level pools.
One vault toilet is available at the parking area and there are no other facilities on-site. Buckeye Campground, a Forest Service site with 68 sites, is approximately one mile west and open seasonally. These natural hot springs in California sit within easy reach of Bridgeport, Travertine Hot Springs, and the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Location & Access
Getting to Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs is reached from Highway 395 by turning west onto Buckeye Road approximately 3 to 4 miles north of Bridgeport, then following the dirt road approximately 2.5 to 4.5 miles to the parking area. Alternatively, visitors can drive into Bridgeport and head south on Twin Lakes Road for approximately 7 miles before turning right onto Buckeye Road. The road transitions to dirt after a short distance and is heavily washboarded and bumpy. Four-wheel drive is not required in dry conditions but a high-clearance vehicle is helpful.
The upper pools are visible almost immediately from the parking area. The lower creek-level pools require a short descent on a steep, rocky trail of approximately 150 to 300 feet. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for uneven, possibly muddy terrain. In winter, Buckeye Road can be impassable due to snow and is not maintained during the off-season. The hot springs remain thermally active year-round but winter access is not guaranteed.
Bridgeport, approximately 10 miles northeast, has fuel, food, and basic services. For visitors looking for hot springs near Bridgeport, Buckeye is the primary undeveloped geothermal site in the immediate area, offering one of the most scenic creek-side soaking environments among free natural hot springs in California. Travertine Hot Springs is a short drive to the southeast and makes a natural companion visit in the same day.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs suits visitors comfortable with primitive, undeveloped natural springs and a short hike on uneven terrain. The setting is wild and scenic, with hot pools beside a rushing creek, a travertine cave, and views of the Eastern Sierra. It is free and requires no reservation. Families can visit, though the steep rocky trail and variable pool temperatures require close supervision of children throughout the visit.
The site is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven, rocky terrain and the steep descent to the main pool area. The upper pools near the parking area are somewhat more accessible than the lower creek pools for visitors with limited mobility, but the site as a whole is undeveloped and requires physical confidence on rough ground. Clothing is optional, and the area has a long-standing local custom of relaxed attire among soakers.
Those seeking free natural hot springs in California in a high-alpine Eastern Sierra setting will find Buckeye one of the more distinctive options in the region. The combination of hot pools, cold creek access, a travertine cave, and mountain scenery gives the site a character that managed facilities cannot replicate. Peak summer weekends tend to be crowded; weekday and shoulder-season visits offer a quieter experience. Visitors should bring water, food, and appropriate footwear, as there are no services at the site.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs is a remote area with natural hazards. The geothermal source emerges at approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause serious burns. The pools cool considerably as water flows downhill and mixes with the creek, but visitors should always test pool temperature before entering, particularly in the upper pools closest to the source. Children must be supervised near any pool and should not approach the source area on the hillside.
The trail from the parking area to the creek-level pools is steep and rocky and can be muddy or slippery after rain or in winter. Appropriate footwear is essential. Visitors should not attempt the descent in sandals or bare feet when the terrain is wet. Falls are a real risk on this section, particularly on the return uphill when muscles are warm and relaxed after soaking.
Buckeye Creek flows alongside and through the pool area. Creek levels can rise rapidly after upstream rain or snowmelt, and visitors should be alert to changing water conditions and avoid the creek bed during high-flow events. The site sits at 6,900 feet elevation, where sun exposure is intense and temperatures can drop quickly in the afternoon or evening. Visitors should carry adequate water, apply sun protection, and bring warm layers.
Cell phone coverage is not reliable at the site. Visitors should inform someone of their destination and expected return before heading out. Bridgeport is the nearest town with services, approximately 10 miles away. No camping is permitted within a defined radius of the pools. Visitors should pack out all trash and leave the area as found to help preserve this free public resource for future visitors.
