Soak In Hot Springs With Stunning Mountain Views At This Underrated California State Park

On a trip to the Sierra Nevada, what do you picture yourself doing? Perhaps you're gazing at the breathtaking views in Yosemite National Park, marveling at the jaw-droppingly huge sequoia trees or hiking and kayaking on shimmering Lake Tahoe. Or can you see yourself soaking in hot springs, surrounded by gently rolling meadows with rocky peaks as your backdrop? "This place is magical," writes one Google reviewer visiting Grover Hot Springs, a haven of relaxation in California's High Sierra.

Grover Hot Springs State Park boasts some seriously scorching water. Six springs burst from the earth, bringing 148-degree Fahrenheit water to the surface. Thankfully, the water is cooled to a much more pleasant 103 degrees before it enters the park's hot pool. If you're not a fan of the usual eggy smell of sulfur-rich hot springs, you're in luck! There's very little sulfur in the water here, meaning you can bathe without holding or nose, and the views from the hot springs are incredible. It's a wonderful place to soak your aching muscles after any exertions in Northern California's glorious landscape.

Though the hot springs lent the park its name, there's much more to enjoy at Grover Hot Springs. First, in addition to the hot pool, there's also a cooler pool for swimming. Heads up: you need to reserve a 1.5-hour slot to enter the pools, which you can do up to three weeks in advance and at least 48 hours before entry. If you don't manage that, you might get lucky with a walk-up reservation.

There are several walks and hikes in the park. A short but beautiful one is the accessible boardwalk hike through wildflower meadows. Another popular hike takes you to a waterfall; though it's rated as "easy" on AllTrails, get ready to scramble over rocks near the end. You'll need to be somewhat agile to complete it.

If you want to extend your stay, camping in the park is possible and highly recommended by many guests! There are plenty of amenities, such as bear boxes, hot showers, and clean restrooms. Several visitors also commented that this was a great campsite for incredible stargazing opportunities, so don't forget to look up!

The charming town of Markleeville is just a 10-minute drive from the springs. Markleeville is compact, but it has a good general store where you can stock up on provisions and get some local handmade jewelry, too. Markleeville's Stonefly restaurant has rave reviews on Google, with one delighted diner writing, "Creative and well-crafted dishes served by a friendly and considerate staff in an idyllic casual atmosphere." Markleeville and Grover Hot Springs are essential stops on an iconic California road trip along the Ebbetts Pass Scenic National Byway, and there's more to see in the area, from ancient forests to ski resorts.

If you're a hot-spring enthusiast, you're in luck in this part of California. A 1.5-hour drive south will bring you to Travertine and Buckeye Hot Springs. Both are far less developed than Grover Hot Springs, though there's no entry fee if you want to take a dip. At Travertine Hot Springs, you'll find a cluster of pools set against a stunning backdrop. You'll want to wear sturdy shoes and hike around to find the best pool to settle into. Buckeye Hot Spring offers several pools by a chilly creek, with the hot and cold waters blending together to give the pools different bathing temperatures. Be aware that these hot springs are clothing optional, so be respectful and snap photos wisely when capturing the gorgeous settings.