Keough’s Hot Springs - Hot Springs in California

Owens Valley was the scene of the California Water Wars.

This hot spring pool has also been at the mercy of history.

California Water Wars

Just a 10-minute drive south of Bishop, the largest city in Inyo County, California, is Keough's Hot Springs.

It consists of old-fashioned natural hot spring pools, RV park, and campground.

Originally used by the Native American Paiute tribe, whites began to settle in this area in the late 1800s.

The water temp was first measured in 1859 and recorded at 127 degrees F.

That has not changed significantly today.

OWENS VALLEY HISTORY

Keough’s Hot Springs was founded in 1919 by Philip P. Keough, who had an idea for a health resort.

At the time, it was more than just a pool, but flourished greatly as a prestigious social gathering place for fishing, dining, dancing, events, and accommodations in cabins.

It also had a beautiful orchard using hot spring water, where visitors could eat grapes, apples, pears, and peaches for free.

In 1926, Keough sold the land and water rights to the City of Los Angeles.

Capybara

Why Los Angeles?

Very far away.

Alpaca

In fact, the City of Los Angeles was facing a shortage of water sources due to rapid expansion.

The mayor's fraudulent acquisition of land and water rights in the Owens Valley has been dubbed the California Water Wars because it disrupted the local economy and caused conflict.

Once owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Keough's Hot Springs was subsequently leased on a short-term basis to various operators.

As a result, some have bitterly argued that maintenance and improvements are no longer made from a long-term perspective.

Time Travel

Now, Keough's Hot Springs has been at the mercy of such history.

The old-fashioned atmosphere was rather charming to me.

Separate men's and women's changing rooms by the pool.

The ceiling looking up from the changing rooms was also wonderful.

It was a December visit, and the pool, surrounded by walls on all sides, was so fantastically steamy that it was impossible to get a full view.

The swimming pool is 100 x 40 ft.

Depths range from 3 to 8 and a half feet.

The source of the intense steam was a facility that sprayed the geothermal water into the pool.

This kept the temperature of the swimming pool lukewarm, around 90 degrees F.

Behind the spray system was a hot pool covered by a roof.

This is the place to take your time and enjoy the water.

The 104 degrees F water was clear, colorless, tasteless, and odorless.

The landscape was enveloped in thick steam, and soaking was like stepping back in time.

Summary

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