Shoshone Hot Springs are part of the historic Shoshone Village, a small oasis on the edge of Death Valley National Park in California, featured in our statewide guide to California Hot Springs. The mineral water flows directly from a natural spring into a pool maintained at about 98 °F (37 °C), available to guests staying at the Shoshone Inn and the adjacent campground. The atmosphere here is unique – palm trees, desert landscapes, and a quiet village setting create the perfect spot to relax after a long day in the heat and dryness of Death Valley.
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What should you know before going to Shoshone Inn
Shoshone Hot Springs are not a public bathhouse but rather a private pool fed by natural mineral water, available exclusively to guests staying at the Shoshone Inn or the adjacent campground. The water is completely natural, untreated by chemicals, and stays at a comfortable 98 °F (37 °C), making it perfect for gentle relaxation rather than an intense hot soak.
The atmosphere here is peaceful and welcoming – Shoshone Village is a small desert community where life moves at a slower pace. Keep in mind that both lodging and pool capacity are limited, so it’s important to book your stay in advance.
Unlike remote mountain hot springs, Shoshone offers the comfort of basic amenities – the village includes a small store, a café, and essential services, so you don’t need to bring everything with you. It feels like an oasis in the desert and is a favorite stop for travelers who want to combine their visit to Death Valley with a relaxing mineral soak and comfortable lodging.
How to get to Shoshone Inn
Shoshone Hot Springs are located in the small village of Shoshone, at the southern gateway to Death Valley National Park. The easiest access is via Highway 127, which connects Shoshone with Death Valley Junction and the main routes into California and Nevada.
From Las Vegas, the drive takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes, passing through Pahrump and Death Valley Junction. From Los Angeles, it’s about 3 hours and 47 minutes, mostly via I-15 and then US-127. Thanks to its position directly on the main route, Shoshone is a popular stopover for travelers heading into Death Valley.
The village is small, so the Shoshone Inn and campground sit right along the highway, easily accessible for both regular cars and RVs. Free parking is available for guests.
Best time to visit Shoshone Inn
Shoshone Hot Springs are open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October through April, when Death Valley temperatures range from 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) and evenings remain pleasantly cool. During this season, the contrast between the dry desert air and the warm mineral water is especially enjoyable.
In summer, Death Valley can experience extreme heat, with temperatures easily exceeding 113 °F (45 °C), making outdoor activities challenging. If you visit during the hot months, it’s best to soak early in the morning or in the evening when the air is cooler.
Because the hot springs are located directly in the village and right off the highway, they remain accessible even in winter – unlike mountain springs, there’s no concern about closures or impassable roads.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs in Shoshone Inn
Unlike public hot springs, soaking at Shoshone Hot Springs is reserved exclusively for guests of the Shoshone Inn and the adjacent RV Park & Campground. This means there are no day-use passes – to enjoy the mineral pool, you need to book an overnight stay.
The pool is open to guests throughout the day, typically from morning until evening, and access is included with lodging. There are no extra entrance fees. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as both the inn and campground have limited capacity and fill up quickly during peak season.
Where to stay nearby Shoshone Inn
The main lodging option right at the springs is the Shoshone Inn, a cozy desert lodge with simple yet comfortable rooms. Guests here enjoy unlimited access to the mineral water pool, the biggest perk after a day exploring the desert. The village also has the Shoshone RV Park & Campground, offering sites for both RVs and tents, with the same benefit of easy access to the hot springs just steps from your spot.
Many travelers, however, use Shoshone as just a short stop before continuing on. In that case, there are two interesting alternatives. The first is Tecopa, a small desert town about 13 minutes from Shoshone, best known for its rustic hot springs and community atmosphere. Staying here feels very remote – you’ll find only a few simple lodgings, plenty of quiet, and endless desert views.
The second option is Pahrump, a larger town about 27 minutes away, which offers everything you might need – hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. While Shoshone and Tecopa feel like tiny desert villages, Pahrump has the character of a regional hub and makes a great base if you’re heading on toward Las Vegas.
Recommended stays nearby Shoshone Inn
Villa Anita in Death Valley – Tecopa
A unique artistic retreat in the desert, where every room feels like a small gallery. It features stylish interiors, an exceptionally personal atmosphere, and a garden filled with sculptures and art installations. Perfect for travelers seeking something more creative and distinctive than a typical motel – staying here is an experience in itself.
A long-standing favorite in Pahrump, featuring spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. Its convenient location makes it a great stop for travelers heading to Las Vegas or looking for a comfortable break after exploring the desert.
You can explore more accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to do nearby Shoshone Inn
Shoshone is a perfect gateway to Death Valley National Park, one of the most spectacular national parks in the U.S. The region is also home to one of California’s most legendary backcountry soaking areas, Saline Valley Hot Springs, known for its remote desert pools and off-grid soaking culture. Within a short drive you can reach iconic spots such as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, or the colorful rock formations of Artist’s Palette, which glow in pink and green hues at sunset.
The village of Shoshone itself also has things to explore. There’s the Shoshone Museum, a small yet fascinating museum that showcases the history of settlers, mining, and desert life. Several short hiking trails start right outside the village, where you can discover fossils and observe desert plants and wildlife.
If time allows, it’s worth visiting Tecopa Hot Springs, just a few minutes’ drive away. These rustic springs complement the Shoshone experience and are famous for their raw desert vibe.
For those continuing onward, Pahrump offers a striking contrast – beyond its hotels you’ll find wineries, casinos, and shopping, making it a convenient place to recharge before heading back to Las Vegas.
Another great option is the private Death Valley tour with Rhyolite Ghost Town. Departing directly from Las Vegas, it’s perfect for those without a car or anyone who wants to experience Death Valley as a day trip. The itinerary includes iconic stops like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Furnace Creek, along with a visit to the abandoned mining town of Rhyolite, where early 20th-century ruins still stand. The mix of breathtaking desert landscapes and ghost town history makes this tour a truly unique experience.
Other Springs Nearby Shoshone Inn
Shoshone Inn is located at the southern edge of Death Valley, a region known for its desert hot springs. Not far to the south you’ll find Fountain of Youth Spa, a developed RV resort with several mineral pools. A short drive further brings you to Bashford’s Hot Mineral Spa, set near the Salton Sea and popular with snowbirds. If you continue east toward the border, Holtville Hot Springs offers a more rustic soaking spot with simple desert pools.