California's Top 5 Relaxing Hot Springs With Scenic Hiking Trails

Natural hot springs are a siren song to those seeking respite from the daily demands. They offer mineral-rich waters that soothe the muscles and calm the mind while bringing a deeper connection to natural areas. California is a state that offers numerous hot springs that deliver peaceful soaks coupled with scenic trails and rewarding vistas. The following are five of the top hot springs in California with scenic hiking trails: Wild Willy's Hot Springs, Deep Creek Hot Springs, Montecito Hot Springs, Hilltop Hot Springs, and Sykes Hot Springs.

The springs were chosen for their natural settings, positive visitor feedback, and scenic paths either leading directly to the pools or for nearby exploration. They aren't the most luxurious hot spring experiences in California. Instead, they are in wilder, more rugged areas, spanning regions across the state from the Eastern Sierra, Southern California deserts and mountains, and the Central Coast. These hot springs are the perfect budget mountain getaway and should be on your list for an epic West Coast road trip.

Wild Willy's is found in the Long Valley Caldera area near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra. It sits about 20 minutes southeast of town along the Benton Crossing Road. This primitive hot spring offers multiple natural pools that are fed by geothermal sources. The temperatures of the pools range from about 95°F to 105°F and vary in depth and size, including an Instagram-worthy heart-shaped pool.

To get to the pools, it is a short, easy, and scenic quarter-mile trail from the parking area. The walk crosses an elevated boardwalk over the marshy terrain to protect the ecosystem beneath. It's dotted with sagebrush and offers incredible views of the open meadow. The flat boardwalk makes this hot spring approach quite chill. While the approach might be short, there are abundant hiking trails nearby, including some around Mammoth Lakes for those keen on stretching their legs more.

The incredible 360-degree views from the pools elevate the experience. The backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and open meadow contrasting with the steaming hot springs is something special. If you visit during the winter, the landscape might be snow-dusted, creating an even cozier and relaxing vibe. Visit on a weekday for a more peaceful immersion among the scenery.

Deep Creek Hot Springs lies in the San Bernardino National Forest deep within the northern Mojave Desert area near Apple Valley in San Bernardino County. It's about three hours east of Los Angeles. Access primarily occurs on private land at Bowen Ranch with an access fee of $10 a person.

The main trail from Bowen Ranch descends steeply for about 2 to 2.5 miles one way. It loses quite a bit of elevation through dry hills and rocky terrain until it reaches the Deep Creek drainage. Alternatively, visitors can follow a more gradual section of the Pacific Crest Trail for about 6 miles with gorgeous views of the valley and canyon.

At the site, five natural hot spring pools line the banks of Deep Creek. They provide jacuzzi-like temperatures without the strong smell of sulfur and are fed directly from the nearby granite cliffs. The dramatic canyon setting creates a notable sense of seclusion, with rock walls surrounding the pools. Midweek visitors will find the experience even more peaceful, as the weekends tend to be busier. Dipping into these hot springs after the long descent down is particularly rewarding, but as the pools are for day-use only, keep in mind the return hike uphill might feel demanding. Pack suitable hiking shoes and save some energy for the walk.

Montecito Hot Springs are found in the Santa Ynez Mountains, about 25 minutes from Santa Barbara in Southern California. The 2.6-mile out-and-back Hot Springs Canyon Trail will cover about 800 feet of elevation gain before reaching the pools. The route climbs through gorgeous oak and sycamore trees, providing respite from the hot California sun. It follows a canyon with seasonal streams and some occasional waterfalls, if you're lucky! Incredible views are on display here from the rolling hills, mountain ridges, and glimpses of the distant ocean. Some sections of the trial are steep and rocky, and it can become quite muddy after rainfall, so keep this in mind when trip planning.

Visitors will find eight rock-walled hot spring pools fed by mineral springs that tumble and tier downhill with various temperature readings. The upper pools are typically hotter, and the pools are shaded by trees to create a secluded oasis amongst the ruins of an old resort that once stood here.

The invigorating and scenic hike combined with the soaks in the forested canyon provides a deep sense of relaxation. The tiered pools allow for immersion in water temperatures that suit each visitor, great for personalization. Nearby trails in Gould Park, to Montecito Peak, or Falls San Ysidro offer scenic hiking trails. Visitors highlight the peaceful, natural ambiance and rewarding views of the hike and the hot springs.

Also widely known as Pulky's Pool, Hilltop Hot Springs is positioned in the Long Valley Caldera near Mammoth Lakes and adjacent to other geothermal sites like Wild Willy's, mentioned above. These pools allow for a two-for-one hot spring day due to their shorter approaches and close proximity.

To reach Hilltop Hot Springs, visitors can take an easy, half-mile out-and-back trail on an established dirt path across an open field with little elevation change. The route is exposed to the elements, so keep in mind that the weather and wind can highly influence comfort levels while visiting, but what it takes, it also gives back in panoramic views of the gorgeous surrounding mountain ranges.

At the end of the trail, visitors will find a single cement tub, reaching about 3 feet in depth, that's able to accommodate roughly six people or fewer. This tub gets hot water piped in from a nearby geothermal source to maintain cozy temperatures year-round. The tub is elevated on a plateau, providing unobstructed views across the scenic meadows and of the mountain ranges on either side. It's a terrific spot to catch the sunrise or sunset or incredible views of star-lit skies. If caught at the right time, the solitude of this spot can be unparalleled. When you experience the open exposure and epic mountain views, the feeling is unbeatable and profoundly serene. The free access and simplicity of it all make this an easy getaway in California. 

Sykes Hot Springs are found in the Ventana Wilderness area near Big Sur, within the Los Padres National Forest. These hot springs are not for the faint of heart, as they require a committed backpacking effort along the Pine Ridge Trail or an extremely long, single-day adventure. 

The trail totals about 10 miles one way, making it a 20-mile round-trip excursion starting at the Big Sur Station trailhead. The Pine Ridge Trail connects with the Big Sur Station trailhead and gains a total of over 5,000 feet in elevation. It is a well-traveled trail but considered a strenuous and challenging hike even for experienced hikers, with many steep and rocky sections. Bring water shoes for the multiple crossings along the wild and scenic Big Sur River. Bits of the trail weave through lush redwood groves, oak woodlands, open ridges, and canyon overlooks. Conditions of the trail can vary widely, and you should call the ranger station ahead of time for a conditions report. Summer months offer drier trails, and hiking post-rainfall comes with high water risks and potentially dangerous, muddy trails. 

At the end of the trail are three small, natural pools that sit riverside, tucked away in a remote canyon corridor. The redwoods tower above, and the coastal mist still eerily visits. The immersion in the deep wilderness limits the crowds, and visitors can find a rare sense of stillness. This scenic trail can provide deep relaxation and ultimate adventure for those who are ready to make the challenging journey.

To create this list, we reviewed reliable resources like AllTrails, user reviews on hiking forums and blogs, U.S. Forest Service descriptions, and established outdoor guides. Priority was given to the natural hot springs with primitive sites only accessible via scenic trails and high visitor satisfaction. We considered remoteness, accessibility, unique pool features, and surrounding landscapes. Remember to always check trail conditions prior to adventuring out to these rural areas.