Palm Spring

Also known as: Wizard Pool
Inyo County, California · Near Lone Pine
36.8140°N, 117.7630°W · 1,499 ft
120°F 1,499 ft Open Backcountry National Park Service

Palm Spring is a hot spring deep in the Death Valley National Park backcountry, in Inyo County, with Lone Pine the closest town at roughly 24 miles. OpenStreetMap calls the same spot Wizard Pool. The water is hot, well past comfortable soaking temperature, and the spring lies more than six miles from the closest road. Public access is listed as open.

Location

Low desert inside a national park. Reaching it means a backcountry trip of over six miles each way from the nearest road, which carries no name on file. The Park Service owns the ground. Rain is scarce through the year and what little snow falls does not amount to much. The annual average temperature runs warm, so the months the record prefers are the cold ones.

Go in the winter, December through February. Backcountry access in a national park means checking current conditions with the park before setting out. The water is hot enough to demand a test before you get in. No campground shows up nearby in the record, and no fee is listed.

History of Palm Spring

OpenStreetMap records this spring under a second name, Wizard Pool, and tags it as a hot spring.

Monthly Climate
51°
Jan
55°
Feb
63°
Mar
73°
Apr
80°
May
92°
Jun
96°
Jul
95°
Aug
87°
Sep
74°
Oct
59°
Nov
50°
Dec
Annual Precip: 7.1 in Annual Snow: 7.2 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 50°F · Water 120°F · +71° contrast
January Air 51°F · Water 120°F · +69° contrast
February Air 55°F · Water 120°F · +65° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Where to Stay

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Temperature
120°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 120°F (49°C)
Avg Air Temp 73°F
Above Ambient +47°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 6.6 mi
Bath Type Hot spring
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency National Park Service
Designation National Park
Unit Death Valley National Park
Manager National Park Service
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Palm Spring?
Palm Spring has a water temperature of 120°F (49°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Palm Spring located?
Palm Spring is located in Inyo County, California at 1,499 feet elevation, near Lone Pine. Coordinates: 36.8140°N, 117.7630°W.
How do I get to Palm Spring?
Palm Spring has Backcountry road access (6.6 mi from the road).
Is Palm Spring free to visit?
Palm Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Is it safe to soak at Palm Spring?
With care. At 120°F Palm Spring is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: OpenStreetMap