Mono Hot Springs Resort - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Lakeshore, CA (2026)

Historic Forest Service cabins, a cafe, and natural granite tubs sit along the upper San Joaquin River near Kaiser Wilderness trailheads.

4.4Editorial pick
ResortDrive-up parking or paved path
Mono Hot Springs Resort - hero photo
Photo: monohotsprings.com
Mono Hot Springs Resort photo 2Mono Hot Springs Resort photo 3

Mono Hot Springs Resort sits at 6,500 feet in California's Sierra National Forest, on the upper San Joaquin River near the Kaiser Wilderness — a small, deliberately rustic Forest Service-permitted resort with 1930s log cabins, a tiny store and café, and several natural granite-bottom soaking tubs along the river. Access requires driving the famously sketchy Kaiser Pass Road (steep, narrow, no guardrails, single-lane in places, closed by snow October-May). Cabin and campground guests soak free; day passes are $25 when the store is open. Open roughly Memorial Day to early October.

What to expect

Drive Kaiser Pass Road from Huntington Lake (28 miles, 90 minutes minimum, expect to use turnouts to pass oncoming traffic). Check in at the small store, get directed to your cabin or campsite. The natural tubs are scattered along the riverbank — Iodine Pool, Old Pete's, and others, each unique. Cabins are deliberately rustic (no electricity in some, propane lighting), the café serves casual fare. Cell signal is zero; print everything.

Temperature

95°-104°F

Pools

6 soaking pools

Best season

May-October

Reservations

Required

Dog policy

Leashed dogs welcome

Family policy

Family windows available

Safety notes

  • The Kaiser Pass road closes each winter; expect single-lane cliffs and no guardrails once it opens.
  • Mosquitoes peak in July—pack repellent and long sleeves.

Amenities & etiquette

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