Grover Hot Springs State Park is a scenic public hot springs destination located just outside Markleeville, California, in the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills. Known for its mineral-rich soaking pool, alpine setting, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the most accessible and affordable hot springs experiences in Northern California.
The site features a hot mineral pool alongside a cool swimming pool, both surrounded by pine forest and mountain peaks. Water temperatures in the soaking pool typically range between 102°F and 104°F, offering a soothing contrast to the crisp mountain air.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Grover Hot Springs
The hot springs pool complex at Grover Hot Springs State Park is open Thursday through Monday, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pool hours vary and may change due to weather, especially during thunderstorms or snow.
Entry to the pools requires a separate fee: $10 per adult, $5 per child (16 and under). A parking fee of $8 per vehicle (or $7 for seniors) is collected at the entrance.
Reservations are available through Grover Hot Springs official website and must be made 48 hours to 3 weeks in advance. A limited number of tickets are sold on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the pool area. For groups with minors under 16, there must be one adult for every five children. Young children (age 6 and under) may use approved Type II or III life vests, but only under direct supervision. Pool toys and inflatables are not allowed.
Facilities are basic—towels are not provided, and changing rooms are simple. The hot mineral pool has a natural green tint due to mineral content interacting with chlorine, which is normal and safe.
Pets are allowed in the park and campground, but they must be leashed and are not permitted in the pool area.
How to Get to Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs State Park is located about 4 miles west of Markleeville, a small town in Alpine County, Northern California. The park sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet (1,800 meters), on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering a scenic and remote setting.
From Highway 89, take Hot Springs Road to the end—this is a paved, well-maintained road accessible by all standard vehicles. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes southeast of South Lake Tahoe, or 2 hours south of Reno.
During winter, some access roads may be closed due to snow. It is strongly recommended to check current road conditions via Caltrans (dot.ca.gov) before traveling, especially between November and April.
On-site parking is available for $8 per vehicle, or $7 for seniors. Markleeville has very limited services and no gas station, so be sure to fuel up and stock up before arriving.
Best Time to Visit Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is typically late spring through early fall. From May to October, weather conditions are most favorable—sunny days, open access roads, and warm air temperatures that contrast beautifully with the mineral pools.
Summer is the busiest season, especially on weekends and holidays. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during this time, as both campsites and pool sessions can sell out quickly.
Fall offers crisp air, fewer crowds, and colorful alpine foliage. It’s a great time for those looking for a more peaceful soak.
Winter visits are possible, but come with limitations. Snow is common, and access roads may close depending on conditions. The hot springs are especially scenic in snowy weather, but always check road and weather updates before your trip. Some amenities may be reduced or temporarily closed due to snow or storms.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs pools are open year-round, but only Thursday through Monday. The facility is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pool session times may vary by season and are subject to weather-related closures—particularly during thunderstorms or winter storms.
Admission to the pool area is not included in the campground or park entry fee and must be paid separately. Current pricing is:
- Adults: $10 per session
- Children (16 & under): $5
- Parking fee: $8 per vehicle ($7 for seniors)
Reservations for pool entry are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. They can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com between 48 hours and 3 weeks in advance. A limited number of same-day walk-in spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each pool session has a fixed duration. Visitors should arrive early to allow for check-in, and bring their own towels, as none are provided.
Where to Stay Nearby Groven Hot Springs
Camping at Grover Hot Springs State Park
If you want to stay as close as possible to the hot springs, the state park campground is the best option. Located just a short walk from the soaking pools, the campground offers over 70 sites for tents and RVs (note: no electrical or sewer hookups). Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and access to flush toilets and coin-operated showers.
The campground is surrounded by pine forest and granite cliffs, offering both shade and scenic views. It’s popular in the summer, so advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. The campground is typically open from late spring through early fall, depending on snow levels.
Staying in Markleeville and Surroundings
If you prefer more comfort than a tent, you’ll find a few rustic lodges and cabins in and around Markleeville, a quiet town with limited but charming services. There’s no gas station in Markleeville, but you’ll find a small general store, a café, and a couple of dining options. This part of Alpine County is remote, peaceful, and perfect for those looking to disconnect in nature.
You can also base yourself slightly farther away in areas like Hope Valley or Woodfords, which offer more accommodations while still being within a 20–30 minute drive from the park.
Recommended stays near Grover Hot Springs:
Located about 20 minutes north of Grover Hot Springs, Desolation Hotel Hope Valley is a boutique mountain retreat set in the stunning alpine meadows of Hope Valley. The property offers stylish wood-paneled cabins, complete with luxury bedding, kitchenettes, and modern rustic design that blends perfectly with the surrounding wilderness.
Guests have access to an on-site restaurant, seasonal activities, and fire pits scattered across the property—perfect for stargazing after a day at the springs. The setting is quiet, scenic, and ideal for couples or travelers seeking comfort and seclusion in the Sierra Nevada.
Looking for more places to stay near Grover Hot Springs?
Use the interactive map below to explore hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals in the surrounding area.
What to Do Nearby Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs State Park is surrounded by some of the most peaceful and scenic landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. If you’re up for exploring beyond the soaking pools, the area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Right inside the park, you’ll find short and moderate trails like the Burnside Lake Trail or Hot Springs Creek Falls, which offer views of granite peaks, alpine meadows, and seasonal wildflowers.
The nearby town of Markleeville is tiny but charming, with a general store, a café, and local dining at places like Stonefly Restaurant or Alpine Café. The Alpine County Museum also offers a look into the region’s Gold Rush and pioneer history.
For a scenic drive, head up Monitor Pass or Ebbetts Pass, both winding mountain routes with panoramic overlooks, especially beautiful in fall when the aspens change color.
If you’re coming from or heading toward Lake Tahoe, plan a stop at Hope Valley, known for fishing, leaf-peeping in autumn, and wide-open alpine views.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Grover Hot Springs
Located in the Sierra Nevada near Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs is surrounded by several other relaxing destinations. To the north, Sierra Hot Springs near Sierraville offers serene forest pools and a peaceful retreat setting. West toward California’s wine country, Harbin Hot Springs provides a tranquil, clothing-optional experience surrounded by wooded hills. If you head east into Nevada, you’ll find Carson Hot Springs, a laid-back local favorite in Carson City with both outdoor and private soaking options.