Buckeye Hot Springs - Free soaking · donation encouraged in Bridgeport, CA (2026)
A cliffside hot spring cascades over colorful mineral deposits into stone-lined pools along Buckeye Creek. Nearby primitive campsites make it a favorite for overlanders.
Buckeye Hot Springs is a free wild soak on the East Walker River in California's eastern Sierra, about 8 miles outside Bridgeport. Hot mineral water seeps out of a hillside above the river, runs down through travertine deposits, and pools at the river's edge — where it mixes with the cold East Walker, creating soakable basins that range from too-hot to too-cool depending on which one you climb into. It's an iconic Highway 395 stop, free, and busier than its remote-feeling location suggests.
What to expect
Park at the small dirt pullout (room for ~10 cars) and walk a steep 5-minute trail down to the riverbank. There are usually 2-4 sandy basins at any given time, dug and rebuilt by visitors. The hottest pool is right under the seep; the coolest is in the river itself. Clothing-optional in practice. No facilities at all — pack out everything.
Temperature
100°-120°F
Pools
3 soaking pools
Best season
May-October
Reservations
Walk-up friendly
Dog policy
Leashed dogs welcome
Family policy
Adults only
Safety notes
- Steep, loose trail drops 200 feet to the creek—wear boots and keep pets leashed.
- Spring runoff can flood the lower pools; soak higher up when the creek is raging.
Amenities & etiquette
FAQ
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