# Kern Hot Spring, California

Kern Hot Spring in California. 109°F (43°C). Backcountry · Public Land. Inyo County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/kern-hot-spring
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Kern Hot Spring?

The water leaves the ground at 109°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. It sits deep in the backcountry. It's on National Park Service land. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 109°F (43°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 6,908 ft |
| Access | Backcountry · Public Land, 10.8 mi from the nearest road (Mineral King Road) |
| Land | Sequoia National Park, National Park Service |
| County | Inyo County |
| Nearest town | Lone Pine |
| Coordinates | 36.47700, -118.40400 |
| Best months to soak | December, February, January (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | Cold Springs Campground (CA), 11.7 mi |

## About Kern Hot Spring

Kern Hot Spring is a backcountry soak deep inside Sequoia National Park, nearly eleven miles from the closest road. The record files it under Inyo County with Lone Pine as the nearest town, listed about nineteen miles off. Water comes out at soaking temperature, a touch over body heat. Public access is open. A photo exists.

The nearest road is Mineral King Road, and from there it is a long way on foot, deep in the park at nearly seven thousand feet. Winter snow is heavy. Cold Springs Campground is the camping the record lists, almost twelve miles from the spring. Land owner is the National Park Service.

This is a long backcountry walk, so check with Sequoia National Park about wilderness permits before going. the record's best months are the winter ones, which contradicts the snow figures; the record does not settle the question of timing. Temperature is safe to soak in. No fee recorded.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Lone Pine](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/california/lone-pine), 27 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in California](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california)
- [Jordan Hot Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/jordan-hot-springs): 124°F source, Hike, near Lone Pine, Inyo County
- [Soda Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/soda-springs-1): 100°F source, Hike, near Lone Pine, Inyo County
- [Dirty Socks Hot Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/dirty-socks-hot-spring): 93°F source, Short Walk, near Lone Pine, Inyo County
- [Springs, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/springs-inyo-county): 86°F source, Short Walk, near Lone Pine, Inyo County
- [Ward Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/ward-spring): 70°F source, Roadside, near East Porterville, Tulare County
- [Soda Spring, CA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/california/soda-spring-2): 72°F source, Roadside, near East Porterville, Tulare County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Kern Hot Spring?**
Kern Hot Spring has a water temperature of 109°F (43°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Kern Hot Spring located?**
Kern Hot Spring is located in Inyo County, California at 6,908 feet elevation, near Lone Pine. Coordinates: 36.4770°N, 118.4040°W.

**How do I get to Kern Hot Spring?**
Kern Hot Spring has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Mineral King Road (10.8 mi from the road).

**Is Kern Hot Spring free to visit?**
Kern Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.

**Can I camp near Kern Hot Spring?**
Yes, Cold Springs Campground (Ca) is located nearby (11.7 miles away).

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scovern_Hot_Springs