Quick FactsOverview
About Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park, California is a paid California state park at 3415 Hot Springs Road near Markleeville, set in an alpine meadow at 5,900 feet on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. The 553-acre park features a mineral hot soaking pool at 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit fed by six springs that reach 148 degrees at the source, and an adjacent cool swimming pool. Pool admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children; day use parking is $8. Both pools have wheelchair lifts and a lifeguard is on duty when open. Visitors should confirm current pool status at parks.ca.gov before visiting.
The mineral water has a very low sulfur content and the hot pool takes on a yellow-green hue from a reaction between mineral salts and the bromine sanitizing agent. The park also features a 76-site campground, picnic area, and hiking trails ranging from an ADA-accessible boardwalk to a 3-mile waterfall hike and longer routes to Burnside Lake.
Grover Hot Springs is one of the most developed state park hot spring complexes in California and one of the few easily accessible natural hot springs in California in the eastern Sierra Nevada, approximately 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe in Alpine County.
Location & Access
Getting to Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park is at 3415 Hot Springs Road, 4 miles west of Markleeville on Highway 89 in Alpine County. From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 south approximately 30 minutes through Woodfords to Markleeville, then turn west on Hot Springs Road and drive 4 miles to the park entrance. From the San Francisco Bay Area, the drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours via Interstate 80 east, US-50 east, and Highway 89 south. Cell service is limited in the area; download a map before departing. The park entrance station recommends cash as internet and power can be unreliable.
The park is accessible by standard vehicles under normal conditions. In winter, snow tires, chains, or four-wheel drive may be required; check road conditions before departure. An ADA-accessible boardwalk and wheelchair lifts in both pools make the complex accessible to guests with mobility limitations. Confirm current pool hours by calling (530) 694-2249 before visiting.
For visitors looking for natural hot springs near South Lake Tahoe, Grover Hot Springs is the closest publicly accessible state park hot spring, approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the South Shore. Markleeville has a small general store and two gas stations. Larger services are approximately 40 minutes away in Gardnerville, Nevada.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park suits families, hikers, campers, and outdoor visitors seeking a classic Sierra Nevada state park experience with mineral hot spring soaking alongside alpine hiking, picnicking, and camping. The lifeguarded pool complex with both a hot soaking pool and a cool swimming pool serves a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Children are welcome and receive discounted pool admission. The ADA-accessible boardwalk and wheelchair-equipped pools extend access to guests with mobility limitations.
The park is particularly well-suited to overnight camping visits that combine hiking during the day with soaking in the evening or early morning. The low sulfur mineral water and alpine setting make it a distinctive experience compared to lower-elevation California hot springs. Winter visits are popular with cross-country skiers, though road conditions can be challenging and pool hours vary significantly.
Those seeking natural hot springs in California in the eastern Sierra Nevada with full state park amenities will find Grover Hot Springs one of the most complete options in the region. Visitors should always check the current pool schedule on the California State Parks website before making the trip, as the pools have specific operating seasons, weekly closure days, and maintenance periods.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs State Park is generally safe to visit, with a lifeguard on duty at the pool complex when pools are open. The hot soaking pool is maintained at 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; guests should limit soaking sessions and take breaks in the cooler pool. Guests with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or other health concerns should consult a physician before soaking at altitude, as the 5,900-foot elevation adds physiological stress beyond flat-elevation hot springs.
The park can experience severe weather in any season, including thunderstorms, high winds, and rapid temperature drops. The pool complex closes during nearby thunderstorms due to lightning risk. Summer afternoons in July and August are the most common thunderstorm period; check the National Weather Service forecast for the Northern Sierra Nevada before visiting. Winter visits require snow tires, chains, or four-wheel drive; the access road can be treacherous in winter conditions.
At this elevation, temperatures can drop below zero and snowfall can be heavy in winter. Visitors should carry emergency supplies, a shovel, and warm clothing for any winter trip. All food, beverages, and scented items must be stored in bear lockers at all times when not in active use.
No running or diving is permitted in the pools. Dogs are permitted on a leash in the park but are not allowed in the pool complex. Parking requires a paid day-use fee; the fee station recommends cash. Guests must confirm current pool availability before visiting, as the pool complex is subject to periodic closures that may not be announced far in advance.
