A hot spring that boldly takes its name from the state.
The historic buildings alone are worth a look.
Caution
There is information that it is currently closed for renovation. Please consider visiting based on the latest local information.
Place Name Itself
California Hot Springs is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the nearest city, Bakersfield.
Take State Route 65 north to the intersection of Ducor and take Hot Springs Drive east toward the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Even before I reached the pla facility, I found “Hot Springs” signs everywhere.
In fact, California Hot Springs is the name of a community with a population of only 50 residents.
The name of the facility there is the California Hot Springs Resort.
California Hot Springs Resort and its parking lot are easily accessible along a paved road that gradually gains altitude.
Located inside the Sequoia National Forest, this place has a long history, with the Native American Yokuts having installed hollowed-out log tubs as early as the 1800s.
Development as a resort began in 1882, and construction of the hotel began in 1908.
The existing building is a recreation hall built in 1926.
After two fires destroyed many of the buildings, it was abandoned for 16 years and was restored in 1985.
Once inside the building, I saw the high ceilings with exposed beams and hardwood floors.
Even though it was my first time here, I felt a nostalgic sensation as if I had come to the school gymnasium, which was filled with memories.
The reception desk, gift shop, and ]delicatessen were all housed in this large space.
In the delicatessen, not only drinks and ice cream, but also hot breakfasts seemed to be popular.
Look Out for the Bedrock
To get to the pool area, go downstairs.
The entrance was at the height of the second floor.
The changing rooms and shower rooms for men and women were unified in brown, and had a simple atmosphere.
After passing through the building, I came out onto a narrow area facing the mountain stream (Deer Creek).
The hot spring was formerly called Deer Creek Hot Springs.
I've come to the pool area.
What caught my eye here was the foundation of the building.
The natural bedrock had risen, and the building had been constructed to match it.
It is said that the sources were originally located about 10 to 20 feet above the bottom of the valley, in four places.
The swimming pool took up the majority of the pool area.
There were two circular Jacuzzis at the back, each with a water temp of 100 degrees F and 104 degrees F.
They were filled with geothermal water, but the smell of the chemicals was quite noticeable.
Although the characteristics were difficult to discern due to the chlorine, it was thought that there was almost no effect from minerals such as sulfur.
Although I wasn't satisfied with the state of the water, the historical building, which stood out against the beautiful backdrop of the Sequoia National Forest, made a strong impression on me and was worthy of the name California.
Summary
California Hot Springs Resort, California Hot Springs, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging (RV park)
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical: Yes
Water temp: Up to 104 degrees F
