Slates Hot Springs

Monterey County, California · Near Carmel Valley Village
36.1230°N, 121.6400°W · 4 ft
122°F 4 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (8.3 mi)

Slates Hot Springs sits on the Big Sur coast of Monterey County, at sea level, with Carmel Valley Village the nearest town on record at about 25 miles. The water is hot, past the point where you could sit in it as it comes out. The road is a couple hundred yards back. Who owns it, and if you may enter, are unrecorded.

Location

The coast, right at the water. Wet winters with a good deal of rain and no snow. No name is given for the nearest road, and nothing is recorded about who owns the land or what unit it falls under. Wikipedia places the site eight miles north-northwest of Lopez Point. Escondido Campground lies eight miles or so away.

February tops the list of good months, with December and January behind it. Escondido Campground is about eight miles off. The source can scald on contact, so test before you touch. Access and ownership are unrecorded here, and given that the land was patented to a private owner in the 1880s you should confirm you are welcome before you walk in.

History of Slates Hot Springs

Thomas B. Slate filed a land patent for the site and the ground around it on September 9, 1882. The springs have gone by several names since, Big Sur Hot Springs among them, plus Slate's Springs and Slate's Hot Sulphur Springs.

Monthly Climate
56°
Jan
55°
Feb
56°
Mar
59°
Apr
61°
May
66°
Jun
69°
Jul
70°
Aug
70°
Sep
67°
Oct
60°
Nov
55°
Dec
Annual Precip: 27.2 in Annual Snow: 0.4 in
Best Time to Visit
February Air 55°F · Water 122°F · +67° contrast
December Air 55°F · Water 122°F · +67° contrast
January Air 56°F · Water 122°F · +66° contrast
February offers 15°F more contrast than September
Current Conditions
SW 18.0 mph
This Afternoon 65° Low 59° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +57° warmer
Saturday 63° Low 56° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +59° warmer
Sunday 61° Low 56° Sunny
Spring is +61° warmer
Monday 63° Low 56° Sunny
Spring is +59° warmer
Tuesday 63° Low 54° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +59° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Escondido Campground 8.3 mi away

Overview Escondido Campground is one of the best kept secrets in the Santa Lucia Mountains. This family-friendly campground boasts scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations and sprawling oaks this campground rests in a beautiful grassy meadow. The outdoor activities are endless. Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and bird watching are just a few of the activities you can do while visiting this Los Padres National Forest gem. Recrea...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
122°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 122°F (50°C)
Avg Air Temp 62°F
Above Ambient +60°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.1 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Slates Hot Springs?
Slates Hot Springs has a water temperature of 122°F (50°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Slates Hot Springs located?
Slates Hot Springs is located in Monterey County, California at 4 feet elevation, near Carmel Valley Village. Coordinates: 36.1230°N, 121.6400°W.
How do I get to Slates Hot Springs?
Slates Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.1 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Slates Hot Springs?
Yes, Escondido Campground is located nearby (8.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Slates Hot Springs?
With care. At 122°F Slates Hot Springs 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: Wikipedia