Soda Springs

Inyo County, California · Near Lone Pine
36.2100°N, 118.1760°W · 7,857 ft
100°F 7,857 ft Open Hike US Forest Service Camping nearby (10.4 mi)

High in Inyo National Forest, Soda Springs is a spring at soaking temperature reached on foot, a hike of a little over two miles from Beck Meadow Trail, the nearest road on file. Lone Pine, about 26 miles away, is the nearest town. It is national forest, open to all comers. Elevation is close to eight thousand feet, so the season is short.

Location

Sierra high country, cold for most of the year, with snowfall on record approaching eight feet a year. The approach is by trail. Troy Meadow Campground, around ten miles off, has the closest sites on record. No fee, and the land is public national forest. Rain outside the snow season is modest, and the average temperature stays on the cool side all year.

The recommended months are midwinter ones, which at this elevation and with this much snow means you need to check conditions with the Inyo National Forest before setting out. Troy Meadow is the camping option, ten miles or so away. The water is soaking warm and safe. Carry what you need for a four-plus-mile round trip.

Monthly Climate
30°
Jan
30°
Feb
34°
Mar
40°
Apr
47°
May
60°
Jun
65°
Jul
64°
Aug
58°
Sep
49°
Oct
38°
Nov
30°
Dec
Annual Precip: 18.4 in Annual Snow: 93.9 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 30°F · Water 100°F · +70° contrast
February Air 30°F · Water 100°F · +70° contrast
December Air 30°F · Water 100°F · +70° contrast
January offers 35°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
This Afternoon 79° Low 46° Sunny
Spring is +21° warmer
Saturday 77° Low 44° Sunny
Spring is +23° warmer
Sunday 75° Low 43° Sunny
Spring is +25° warmer
Monday 74° Low 42° Sunny
Spring is +26° warmer
Tuesday 73° Low 42° Sunny
Spring is +27° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Troy Meadow Campground 10.4 mi away

7800 feet elevation. 73 campsites. 24' maximum RV length. Connects to OHV trails. This campground offers high elevation forest camping. Including; bear boxes, paved parking spurs, and drinking water during season.

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,857 ft

Soda Springs sits at 7,857 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 31% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
100°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 100°F (38°C)
Avg Air Temp 46°F
Above Ambient +55°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Hike
Nearest Road Beck Meadow Trail
Distance to Road 2.2 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Inyo National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Soda Springs?
Soda Springs has a water temperature of 100°F (38°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Soda Springs located?
Soda Springs is located in Inyo County, California at 7,857 feet elevation, near Lone Pine. Coordinates: 36.2100°N, 118.1760°W.
How do I get to Soda Springs?
Soda Springs has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Beck Meadow Trail (2.2 mi from the road).
Is Soda Springs free to visit?
Soda Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Soda Springs?
Yes, Troy Meadow Campground is located nearby (10.4 miles away).