Iridat Spring
Iridat Spring emerges at 73 degrees Fahrenheit from the Merced County foothills at 1,198 feet elevation, creating a minimal 10-degree temperature differential. This modest thermal feature sits in the warm Central Valley fringe environment where geothermal activity decreases significantly.
The spring lies in oak-studded grassland and chaparral characteristic of the western San Joaquin Valley edge. Rolling foothills covered in blue oak, digger pine, and gray pine create a semi-arid landscape receiving only 11 inches of annual precipitation.
Located just 200 feet from the road, the spring is easily accessible. The warm climate and minimal precipitation create hot, dry conditions outside the brief winter rainy season. The area offers little shade and requires preparation for exposed hiking.
The spring reflects the transition from the Coast Ranges' more robust geothermal systems to the diminished thermal activity of the San Joaquin Valley. Its cool temperature indicates limited depth of geothermal circulation in this region.
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Iridat Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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