Paoha Island Springs
Rising from the volcanic island of Paoha in Mono Lake, Paoha Island Springs reaches 181 degrees Fahrenheit—one of California's hottest springs—emerging 132 degrees above ambient temperatures in a high-desert landscape.
Superheated waters discharge from volcanic vents on this island at 6,388 feet elevation, surrounded by the otherworldly saline expanse of Mono Lake. Sodium and sulfate-rich waters flow at extreme temperatures, creating a surreal geothermal laboratory where geology meets geochemistry on an island that periodically submerges and emerges with changing lake levels.
Reach the springs by boat access to the island only—this requires prior arrangement and respect for the primitive landscape. Expect a 3-mile hike from the lake shore. Best visited in warmer months when lake access is most feasible. Mineral-rich waters require caution; the extreme temperatures present serious safety risks.
The springs are part of Paoha's volcanic formation within Mono Lake basin, where tectonic activity and hydrothermal systems have operated for millennia. The island itself formed through volcanic and sedimentary processes, creating a unique ecosystem owned and managed by the City of Los Angeles for watershed protection.
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Rustic campsites with fire rings in Jeffrey Pine Forest. There is no trash service please pack out your trash.
Paoha Island Springs sits at 6,388 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 26% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Paoha Island Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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