Sierra Hot Springs

The Sierra region of California and Nevada  is chock full of natural hot springs, ranging in size from two-person motel tubs to full-on mini pools.

Some have even been cultivated by industrious humans with poured concrete benches, recirculation valves and stepping platforms.

Having been given the opportunity to use an N50 Xterra the other night, we decided to round up the neighbors and head for the desert, following directions from a Falcon Guide book.  If you’re trying to find the springs but too lazy or poor to order the book, try this abbreviated online guide.

Whichever map you use to sojourn into the desert, make sure it’s a good one because the ride out to most natural springs is pretty lonely.

We found ourselves making turn after turn as the road deteriorated from highway, to single-lane, to dirt, and finally to about two kilometers of deeply-rutted track.

You do miss the dramatic mountain horizon by heading into the bush by night, but when the headlights have been out for a few minutes the starfield that makes itself known overhead is nothing short of spectacular.  Enjoy that view from a pool of clear, 105˚ water with the muted song of wind blowing over your beer bottle and you’ve got yourself the perfect setting to get to know your friends a little better.