I have been to these springs at least twice year for the last five or six years at different times of the day or night, they are quite relaxing and a great escape from reality if only for a short while. There is also a cold spring there that no on uses so needless to say my chocolate lab has her own private pool. I have never encountered any local police there or had any problems. I have met a few cool people while visiting the springs. I have seen people from BLM once or twice during my visits, they were usually cleaning up the area or departing. this area is very clean and the visitors always pack out their trash. I always look forward to a trip here as well as my dog. Just a reminder these springs are on Bureau of Land Management land, Public lands, Preserve it for everyone…
Travertine is a great spring, but it can get very crowded. However, there’s another hot spring nearby within a short walk if Travertine’s full. It’s called Molly’s Hot Spring.
It’s hard to find, very small, sometimes very hot with no way to cool it off (the tempurature varies at this spring), and a bit algae covered. However, if just you and close friend can’t find a spot at Travertine’s, and the temperature’s right, it can be a very delightful, very secluded and quiet soak!
From the lower pools, face downhill towards the valley. On your left several hundred feet away is a ridge comprised of travertine rock. Head towards that ridge, and find a decent place to climb up on top of it. On the other side, you’ll see a small valley with a dirt road, and one telephone pole. Head towards the telephone pole, and you might run into it after walking a several hundred feet to maybe 1000 feet (depending on where you crossed the ridge). If you get to the pole, look back up hill and you should see it. Good luck!
My first trip to Travertine was Thanksgiving 2003 — it was beautiful and a wonderful experience. I went again last May and both my friend and I went away with itchy, irritated skin. I was there late at night on July 4, 2005 and also on the morning of July 5 and had a similar reaction to the water, sitting only in the upper (‘old man’) pool by the parking area this time. My skin is dry and irritated anywhere I touched the pool — my arms, back, back of my legs, bottom.
In addition, the local law enforcement has been coming up and telling people to put on swim suits — even at 11pm. They are hassling people who are up at the hot springs, demanding to see ID and asking questions without cause. Not a fun experience and I will be happy to leave Travertine to the rest of you.
2/8/02- Finally found the springs at 11:30 PM. Slipped into one of the lower dug out pools, room enough for two and enjoyed a specatular view of the stars, and the sounds of the water falling into the pool. The water is clear, and nice and hot. We were enjoying our soak, and the stars, with the outside temp 17 degrees, and we still worked up a sweat. The area is posted no camping, although there was one person sleeping in his car. The upper pool is rather large and right by the parking area. From the upper pool, go about 200 feet towards the NW and you will find the lower pools. These are all cemented and have small streams of water flowing into them. The lower pools and those dug out have hot water flowing into them, allowing you to control the temperature of the pool by controlling the flow of water. There are several other smaller dug out pools beyond these lower pools. Well worth the drive. An excellent area.
03/16/99- I was up there last year & unfortunately you can no longer camp at the springs. The roads are blocked off with some rather impressive boulders, you can still walk in the last 50 yards but the rangers make spot checks in the evening to shoo you out. The good news is they are a still one of the most beautiful spring to watch sunsets from & the bakery in town is worth the trip even if the owner wasn’t unofficial keeper of the springs.
06/20/98- This is one really nice place if you have not been there it is worth the drive. You do not need a four wheel drive either. I have gone three years in a row during summer months and have never had a problem in my old buick. Lots of privacy during the week, a very romantic place for couples.
6/20/2003- Went to Travertine over the Memorial Day Weekend 2003. Cement pool had just been refilled and was reportedly too hot but it had cooled enough for people to get in by the time we left. The 3 lower pool (connected with small trickling waterfalls) were nice but the mud is dirty (hairy) When we got there there were probably 10 people. Through out our visit numbers got up to maybe 18. Families, singles, young and old. There was still snow on the mountain peaks with nice views. Fairly easy to get to.
California Central East
I was at travertine yesterday . mollies as well . Excellent! Empty.. Well that is the time of day and the time of year.. Two thumbs up! RA
I have been to these springs at least twice year for the last five or six years at different times of the day or night, they are quite relaxing and a great escape from reality if only for a short while. There is also a cold spring there that no on uses so needless to say my chocolate lab has her own private pool. I have never encountered any local police there or had any problems. I have met a few cool people while visiting the springs. I have seen people from BLM once or twice during my visits, they were usually cleaning up the area or departing. this area is very clean and the visitors always pack out their trash. I always look forward to a trip here as well as my dog. Just a reminder these springs are on Bureau of Land Management land, Public lands, Preserve it for everyone…
Travertine is a great spring, but it can get very crowded. However, there’s another hot spring nearby within a short walk if Travertine’s full. It’s called Molly’s Hot Spring.
It’s hard to find, very small, sometimes very hot with no way to cool it off (the tempurature varies at this spring), and a bit algae covered. However, if just you and close friend can’t find a spot at Travertine’s, and the temperature’s right, it can be a very delightful, very secluded and quiet soak!
From the lower pools, face downhill towards the valley. On your left several hundred feet away is a ridge comprised of travertine rock. Head towards that ridge, and find a decent place to climb up on top of it. On the other side, you’ll see a small valley with a dirt road, and one telephone pole. Head towards the telephone pole, and you might run into it after walking a several hundred feet to maybe 1000 feet (depending on where you crossed the ridge). If you get to the pole, look back up hill and you should see it. Good luck!
My first trip to Travertine was Thanksgiving 2003 — it was beautiful and a wonderful experience. I went again last May and both my friend and I went away with itchy, irritated skin. I was there late at night on July 4, 2005 and also on the morning of July 5 and had a similar reaction to the water, sitting only in the upper (‘old man’) pool by the parking area this time. My skin is dry and irritated anywhere I touched the pool — my arms, back, back of my legs, bottom.
In addition, the local law enforcement has been coming up and telling people to put on swim suits — even at 11pm. They are hassling people who are up at the hot springs, demanding to see ID and asking questions without cause. Not a fun experience and I will be happy to leave Travertine to the rest of you.
In addition, the
2/8/02- Finally found the springs at 11:30 PM. Slipped into one of the lower dug out pools, room enough for two and enjoyed a specatular view of the stars, and the sounds of the water falling into the pool. The water is clear, and nice and hot. We were enjoying our soak, and the stars, with the outside temp 17 degrees, and we still worked up a sweat. The area is posted no camping, although there was one person sleeping in his car. The upper pool is rather large and right by the parking area. From the upper pool, go about 200 feet towards the NW and you will find the lower pools. These are all cemented and have small streams of water flowing into them. The lower pools and those dug out have hot water flowing into them, allowing you to control the temperature of the pool by controlling the flow of water. There are several other smaller dug out pools beyond these lower pools. Well worth the drive. An excellent area.
David
03/16/99- I was up there last year & unfortunately you can no longer camp at the springs. The roads are blocked off with some rather impressive boulders, you can still walk in the last 50 yards but the rangers make spot checks in the evening to shoo you out. The good news is they are a still one of the most beautiful spring to watch sunsets from & the bakery in town is worth the trip even if the owner wasn’t unofficial keeper of the springs.
Larry
06/20/98- This is one really nice place if you have not been there it is worth the drive. You do not need a four wheel drive either. I have gone three years in a row during summer months and have never had a problem in my old buick. Lots of privacy during the week, a very romantic place for couples.
David, CA, USA
6/20/2003- Went to Travertine over the Memorial Day Weekend 2003. Cement pool had just been refilled and was reportedly too hot but it had cooled enough for people to get in by the time we left. The 3 lower pool (connected with small trickling waterfalls) were nice but the mud is dirty (hairy) When we got there there were probably 10 people. Through out our visit numbers got up to maybe 18. Families, singles, young and old. There was still snow on the mountain peaks with nice views. Fairly easy to get to.
Diana, CA, USA