Mono Hot Springs
Mono Hot Springs emerges at 109°F in the High Sierra's alpine terrain, set at 6,561 feet where thermal water feeds a series of mineral-rich pools beside the South Fork of the San Joaquin River.
The springs occupy a narrow valley carved by glaciers, with aspen and lodgepole pine rising above pools that range from tepid to comfortably warm. Snow blankets the area from November through May, while wildflowers frame the water in summer months. The setting is intimate and relatively undeveloped, preserving the raw quality of the geothermal feature.
These springs were known to local Mono and Miwok peoples long before European settlement. The modern resort developed in the late 1800s as miners and seekers of therapeutic waters moved into the Sierra. The high elevation location and short summer season have kept the springs from becoming heavily commercialized.
Access is straightforward—the springs sit just 12 feet from the road at roadside elevation. The High Sierra climate means most visitors arrive June through September; winter access is unreliable. Bring adequate clothing for rapid weather changes and plan for cool nights even in summer.
Is Mono Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Mono Hot Springs Campground sits above Kaiser Pass in the High Sierra, on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River in an area known for its hot mineral baths. The camp is divided into two sections that are separated by Mono Hot Springs Resort, and some sites are shaded by aspen and lodgepole pine. The campground sits at an elevation of 6,700 feet with many cliffs in the area. It makes a great base for exploring the nearby Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas or for simply relax...