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Dolans Hot Spring

Monterey County, California · Near Greenfield

36.0840°N, 121.5840°W · 1,193 ft

98°F 1,193 ft Restricted Short Walk OTHS Camping nearby (6.5 mi)

Dolans Hot Spring flows at 98°F from coastal mountains within the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve, a restricted-access research area where public visitation remains limited to protect ongoing scientific work.

Location

0 miles from Greenfield, CA

Get Directions → All springs near Greenfield →

The thermal spring emerges at 1,193 feet elevation in steep terrain above the Big Sur coastline, requiring a walk of roughly 3,637 feet through dense forest and chaparral. The setting combines the region's characteristic oak woodlands with dramatic topography overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Access to this spring is restricted due to its location within a University of California Natural Reserve System facility. The spring sits on protected land managed for research and conservation, limiting public visitation. Researchers and authorized visitors can reach the spring via the established access trail.

History of Dolans Hot Spring

Dolans Hot Spring (also recorded as Slates Hot Springs) formed through geothermal processes in the Santa Lucia Mountains, a tectonically active region. The spring's name reflects its European heritage—Thomas B. Slate filed a land patent for the site in 1882, establishing early claims to this thermal resource.

Monthly Climate

51°

Jan

51°

Feb

53°

Mar

55°

Apr

58°

May

64°

Jun

68°

Jul

69°

Aug

68°

Sep

64°

Oct

56°

Nov

51°

Dec

Annual Precip: 25.5 in Annual Snow: 0.4 in

Best Time to Visit

January Air 51°F · Water 98°F · +47° contrast

February Air 51°F · Water 98°F · +47° contrast

December Air 51°F · Water 98°F · +47° contrast

January offers 18°F more contrast than August

Current Conditions

51°F

SSW 0.0 mph 97% Good soaking weather

Thursday 76° Low 56° Sunny

Spring is +22° warmer

Friday 76° Low 57° Sunny

Spring is +22° warmer

Saturday 78° Low 56° Sunny

Spring is +20° warmer

Sunday 79° Low 58° Sunny

Spring is +19° warmer

Monday 80° Low 65° Sunny 1% precip

Spring is +18° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping

Escondido Campground 6.5 mi away

Overview Escondido Campground is one of the best kept secrets in the Santa Lucia Mountains. This family-friendly campground boasts scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations and sprawling oaks this campground rests in a beautiful grassy meadow. The outdoor activities are endless. Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and bird watching are just a few of the activities you can do while visiting this Los Padres National Forest gem. Recrea...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

What to Bring

Dolans Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.