Quick FactsOverview
About Shoshone Hot Springs
Shoshone Hot Springs, California is a natural mineral spring pool at the Shoshone Inn and campground in the small village of Shoshone, one mile from the southeastern entrance to Death Valley National Park in Inyo County. The untreated mineral water flows directly from a natural spring into a concrete pool maintained at approximately 90 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit, surrounded by palm trees and desert landscape. Shoshone, a hamlet of roughly 20 people, is the nearest settlement.
The village was founded in 1910 by Ralph Jacobus "Dad" Fairbanks, a Death Valley businessman. The Brown-Fairbanks family has maintained and operated the village continuously since its establishment. The spring feeds an oasis environment with native California fan palms and flowing water, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding Amargosa Desert. The pool is available exclusively to guests of the Shoshone Inn and campground. This is one of the most conveniently located hot spring resort destinations in California for visitors exploring Death Valley.
The village includes the Crowbar Cafe and Saloon (built 1930), the Charles Brown General Store, the Shoshone Museum, and hiking trails through nearby wetlands.
Location & Access
Getting to Shoshone Hot Springs
Shoshone Hot Springs is located in the village of Shoshone on California Highway 127, one mile from the southeastern entrance to Death Valley National Park. The village sits at the three-way intersection of Highway 127 (from Tecopa Hot Springs to Death Valley Junction) and Highway 178 (leading to Pahrump, Nevada). No hiking is required.
From Barstow, drive north on Interstate 15, then take California Highway 127 north for approximately 56 miles to Shoshone. From Las Vegas, drive west on Highway 160 to Pahrump, then west on Highway 178 to Shoshone, approximately 90 miles total. The roads are paved and accessible year-round.
Death Valley Gateway
Shoshone serves as the southeastern gateway to Death Valley National Park. For visitors seeking hot springs near Shoshone, the village spring is the most convenient option. Tecopa Hot Springs (108 degrees), a public bathhouse and campground complex, is approximately 25 miles south on Highway 127 and offers a different soaking experience. Saline Valley Hot Springs (98 to 112 degrees) in the western park is a remote primitive option requiring a 50-mile dirt road. Death Valley itself offers dramatic desert scenery within a short drive.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Shoshone Hot Springs
Shoshone Hot Springs suits travelers using the village as a base for exploring Death Valley National Park who want a comfortable mineral soak after a day in the desert. At 90 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit, the pool is at a mild, lukewarm temperature that is refreshing in the extreme desert climate rather than intensely hot. The setting among palm trees and desert landscape is relaxing and unique.
The pool is available exclusively to guests of the Shoshone Inn (17 rooms, some with kitchenettes) or the adjacent campground (25 full hookup RV sites and tent camping). There is no day-use access. The village offers basic services including a cafe, general store, and museum, making it a self-contained desert stopover.
Accessibility at Shoshone Hot Springs
The pool area may have limited accessibility. Contact the Shoshone Inn for specific details. The village and roads are flat and accessible by vehicle. Those seeking a hot spring resort California visitors can reach easily from Las Vegas or Los Angeles will find Shoshone to be a practical and unique desert option, combining mineral soaking with Death Valley proximity. The village atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, and the family-operated property has maintained its warm character for over a century of continuous family operation since 1910, making it one of the oldest hot spring accommodations in the Death Valley region.
Safety & Etiquette
Shoshone Hot Springs Safety Tips
Shoshone Hot Springs is a managed facility with staff available, making it generally safe for all guests. The pool temperature of 90 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit is mild and poses no scalding risk. Standard pool safety applies. Supervise children near the water at all times.
The primary safety consideration is the desert environment. Summer temperatures in the Shoshone area routinely exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit and can reach 120 degrees. Dehydration is a serious risk. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when soaking. The best months to visit are October through April when temperatures are more moderate.
Desert Travel Safety
If traveling to or from Death Valley through Shoshone, ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank of fuel, extra water, and basic emergency supplies. Cell service is very limited in the Amargosa Desert. The nearest hospital is in Pahrump, Nevada, approximately 30 miles east. Inform someone of your travel plans before heading into the desert.
Booking and Village Guidelines
The pool is for registered guests only. Inn check-in is from 12pm to 10pm. Pool access hours are typically 8am to 9pm, with early closure on Fridays for cleaning. Respect the quiet village atmosphere and follow all posted guidelines. The Amargosa Desert around Shoshone is home to rattlesnakes and scorpions. Watch where you step, particularly at night. The village is a bird watching destination, and the nearby wetlands support diverse wildlife that adds to the oasis experience.
