San Marcos Hot Spring
San Marcos Hot Spring emerges at 110°F on the slopes above Goleta in the Santa Ynez Mountains. The 49-degree temperature differential above ambient air makes it a significant geothermal resource for this region.
The spring sits at 1,486 feet elevation within Los Padres National Forest, accessible via a short walk of roughly 900 feet from Chumash Highway. The surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains provide a scenic backdrop of oak woodland and chaparral, with the thermal waters creating a small pool in the rocky terrain.
San Marcos Hot Spring is protected within Los Padres National Forest as a managed thermal feature. The area experiences mild winters and dry summers typical of the southern California coast, with minimal annual precipitation and snow.
Access the spring with a short walk from Chumash Highway. Visit during spring or fall for moderate temperatures. The spring is open for day use; respect Forest Service regulations and leave no trace.
Is San Marcos Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Fremont Campground is a family-friendly facility located just off California's western coast. It provides access to a variety of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as some off-road vehicle trails, in a scenic area. Recreation The Santa Ynez River is popular for a variety of water-related recreation. It can be accessed at nearby White Rock Day Use Area. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir, is also nearby. It offers boating, kayaking and fishing o...