Keough Hot Springs
Keough Hot Springs emerges at 124°F in the Owens Valley near Bishop, situated just seven miles south along US Highway 395. The spring sits at 4,205 feet elevation beneath the towering Sierra Nevada escarpment and is managed by the City of Los Angeles for public access.
The spring lies 147 meters from the roadside in open Owens Valley terrain, where dramatic granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada dominate eastern horizons. Sagebrush, desert grasses, and scattered juniper cover the flats. Summer temperatures soar while winters remain cool at this elevation. The spring's 124°F water proves warm enough for comfortable soaking—approximately 63°F above local average temperature. Surrounding desert remains semi-arid with sparse precipitation, creating clear views across the valley floor to the high alpine zone of the Sierra crest.
Access is straightforward: seven miles south of Bishop on US Highway 395. Short walk from parking area places you at soakable water. Visit spring through fall when valley temperatures moderate. Summer heat can exceed 100°F; bring abundant water and sun protection. Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area lies 14.5 kilometers north with group camping, climbing, and fishing opportunities. Nearby Bishop offers full services, supplies, and accommodations.
Keough Hot Springs formed through geothermal circulation along the Owens Valley's active fault system, where subsurface heat drives groundwater upward. The valley itself represents a structural depression between major mountain ranges, with ongoing tectonic activity that maintains geothermal gradient. Local Paiute peoples knew these springs long before Euro-American settlement. The City of Los Angeles controls vast water rights throughout the Owens Valley, including this thermal feature, though public access remains open.
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Overview Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area includes two group campground sites. Named for glaciers that can be seen at the end of the valley, Clyde Glacier Group Site and Palisade Glacier Group Site sit along Big Pine Creek.Recreation Fishing is a popular activity in the creek and nearby lakes. Climbers make use of the steep, glacier-carved canyon walls for excellent climbing opportunities. The North Fork Trail climbs past waterfalls and zigzags through Jeffrey pine, manzanita and sage before...
Keough Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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