Valley Springs
Valley Springs flows at 75 degrees just 21 feet from the road in Calaveras County, delivering readily accessible warmth in California's Gold Country foothills where historic mining activity shaped the landscape.
The spring emerges at 657 feet elevation in brush-covered Sierra Nevada foothills where oak and chaparral create the dominant vegetation. Easy roadside access leads to the thermal pool, allowing quick discovery without significant hiking effort.
The spring sits in terrain shaped by the region's gold-bearing geology, where groundwater heating occurs through circulation in fault systems. The area retains connections to the 1849 gold rush era that transformed this region, though modern access is far easier than historic approaches.
This roadside spring is accessible to anyone with a standard vehicle. The location makes it ideal for quick visits or as a stop during Sierra Nevada travels. Calaveras County's Mediterranean climate means spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions.
Is Valley Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Oak Knoll Campground sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.Recreation Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more. Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water. The "Rive...