Saline Valley Hot Springs are some of the most remote hot springs in California, hidden deep in Death Valley National Park. Getting there means hours on rough dirt roads with no services, but the reward is a true desert oasis – a handful of natural and man-made soaking pools with wide-open views of the desert and surrounding mountains. Known for their rustic atmosphere and off-grid community spirit, the springs offer one of the most unique soaking experiences in the U.S.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Saline Valley Hot Springs
Saline Valley Hot Springs are a true backcountry destination – you need to be fully prepared before setting out. The hot mineral water emerges at around 110–120 °F (43–49 °C) and fills several soaking pools, where it cools to a comfortable soaking range of about 100–105 °F (38–41 °C).
Reaching the springs means driving a long distance on rough, unpaved desert roads. The tracks are rocky and conditions can vary greatly depending on recent weather. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and after rain or snow the routes may become impassable.
There are no services – you must bring all water, food, fuel, and camping supplies. The area is completely off-grid, so do not rely on cell signals. Many visitors camp near the springs, but remember to follow Leave No Trace rules: pack out all trash, no glass, and respect the fragile desert environment.
No reservations or permits are required to soak in the springs themselves. However, since Saline Valley lies inside Death Valley National Park, visitors must pay the standard park entrance fee.
Clothing is optional at Saline Valley, and the springs have a long history of being a gathering place for free-spirited travelers. Expect a mix of solitude, community, and a unique desert vibe.
How to Get to Saline Valley Hot Springs
Saline Valley Hot Springs are located in the remote northwest corner of Death Valley National Park, California. There is no paved road access – the only way to reach the springs is by driving on long, rough dirt tracks across the desert. The two main approaches are via South Pass and North Pass, both of which require a high-clearance vehicle and careful preparation. The roads are rocky, washboarded, and often damaged by flash floods or snow. Travel is possible in dry conditions, but after storms the routes can become dangerous or impassable, so it’s always best to check local reports before heading out.
The nearest paved highways are Highway 190 in Death Valley and Highway 395 along the Sierra Nevada. From the west, most travelers begin their trip in Big Pine, about 77,8 miles away, while others start from Lone Pine, 120 miles to the southwest. A larger option with more stores and accommodations is Bishop, located about 91,7 miles to the northwest. Because of the remoteness, the journey itself is part of the adventure – you’ll need to stock up on food, water, and fuel in one of these towns and be prepared to be completely off-grid once you leave the pavement.
Best Time to Visit Saline Valley Hot Springs
Saline Valley Hot Springs can technically be visited year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. The most comfortable time to visit is in spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when daytime highs are mild, the nights are cool, and soaking in the warm pools feels refreshing.
In summer, the desert heat in Death Valley can be extreme, with daytime highs well above 100 °F (38 °C). Traveling the long dirt roads under these conditions can be dangerous, and camping near the springs becomes very challenging. Unless you are highly experienced and prepared, summer is best avoided.
In winter, temperatures drop significantly, especially at night, sometimes below freezing. While soaking in the hot pools under a star-filled sky or with snow-dusted peaks in the distance can be magical, road access can be tricky due to snow or ice on the mountain passes.
Thanks to the springs’ remoteness, crowds are rarely an issue, but long weekends and holidays can bring more visitors. For the most solitude, weekdays in spring or fall are the best choice.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs in Saline Valley Hot Springs
Because Saline Valley Hot Springs are located in the wilderness of Death Valley National Park, there are no official opening hours. The pools are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many visitors enjoy soaking at sunrise, sunset, or even under the clear desert night sky.
Access to the springs themselves is free, and no reservations are required. However, since the springs lie within Death Valley National Park, all visitors must pay the standard national park entrance fee. Camping near the springs is allowed, but you must be fully self-sufficient and follow all Leave No Trace rules.
Where to Stay Nearby Saline Valley Hot Springs
Because Saline Valley Hot Springs lie in one of the most remote corners of Death Valley National Park, there are no hotels or lodges directly at the springs. Most visitors choose to camp in the valley, often near the soaking pools or in the surrounding desert. Camping here is entirely primitive – there are no facilities, no potable water, no stores, and no ranger services. You must bring everything with you: water, food, fuel, firewood, and camping gear. The springs are on public land, so camping is allowed, but visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace rules and treat the fragile desert environment with respect.
For travelers who prefer comfort, the closest towns with accommodation are found along Highway 395 on the Sierra Nevada side. The small town of Big Pine is the nearest option. It has only a handful of motels, diners, and gas stations, but staying here puts you closest to the desert roads leading into Saline Valley. Further south lies Lone Pine, which is larger and has a strong character as the gateway to Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills. Here you’ll find more lodging, restaurants, and even outdoor outfitters if you need gear. The biggest base is Bishop, which serves as the main hub of the Owens Valley. Bishop offers supermarkets, craft breweries, and the widest selection of hotels in the region, making it a convenient stop before and after the long journey into the valley.
Recommended Stays Nearby Saline Valley Hot Springs
This is the closest hotel to Saline Valley, located in the tiny town of Big Pine about 77,8 miles from the springs. Rooms are basic but clean, perfect for a simple overnight before driving into the desert. With a gas station and diners just steps away, it’s a convenient stop to fuel up and grab last supplies before heading off-grid.
A historic motel in the center of Lone Pine, offering cozy rooms, an outdoor pool, and great views of the Sierra Nevada. Its central location makes it ideal if you’d like to explore the Alabama Hills or even attempt a trip toward Mount Whitney. Lone Pine itself has restaurants, cafés, and outdoor gear shops, making this a comfortable base before or after your Saline Valley adventure.
For more options, you can explore the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Saline Valley Hot Springs
Visiting Saline Valley Hot Springs is already a unique adventure, but the surrounding region offers plenty more to explore. On the western side, the Owens Valley is framed by the Sierra Nevada and is filled with outdoor opportunities. The town of Bishop is known for its small-town charm, local breweries, and famous climbing areas like the Buttermilk Boulders. A little further south, Lone Pine is the gateway to Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States, and the Alabama Hills, where hundreds of Hollywood westerns and adventure films were shot. Driving through the rounded boulders and arches of the Alabama Hills is a highlight in itself, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the rocks in golden tones.
Heading east, you enter the heart of Death Valley National Park, one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world. Here you can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, or climb up to Dante’s View for breathtaking panoramas across the valley floor. Closer to Furnace Creek, the colorful rocks of Artist’s Palette and the surreal salt flats of Devil’s Golf Course provide unforgettable desert scenery.
Other springs nearby Saline Valley Hot Springs
Close to Saline Valley you’ll find several other natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra. A popular choice is Shepherd Hot Springs, a small stone tub with wide mountain views. Not far away are the rustic pools of Crowley (Wild Willy’s) Hot Springs, set in an open valley with a striking backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Another option is Rock Tub Hot Springs, one of the most photographed soaking spots in the area thanks to its easy access and scenic setting. Together, they offer an ideal extension of your Saline Valley adventure.