Best Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe
Natural Hot Springs Near Tahoe
There’s nothing quite like soaking in the cocoon of a natural hot spring. The welcoming warm waters are infused with minerals and have the power to melt away all of your worries and cares. There are plenty of hot springs all over California and Nevada, but one particular hotspot for these natural wonders is the Lake Tahoe area. Even if you’re visiting during the deep scourge of winter, these hot springs will keep you nice and toasty while you relax and unwind amid unparalleled mountain views.
Today, we’ll explore some of the best hot springs near Lake Tahoe. While you may have to travel a bit to find some of them, all of these crystal-clear springs are worth the journey.
Relax in Natural Hot Springs at Carson Hot Springs in Carson City
Choose from four outdoor pools or nine indoor pools at Carson Hot Springs, found an easy hour drive from Tahoe in Carson City, Nevada. No matter what time of year you visit, from the frigid days of winter to the balmy summertime evenings, these easily-accessible natural springs are always the right temperature, with the pools ranging from 95-104 degrees year round.
Carson Hot Springs boasts waters that are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and lithium, and relaxing in these mineral-infused springs is a great way to soothe any aches and pains after a long day of skiing. Whether you want a communal experience at the outdoor pools or you’d like to enjoy some clothing-optional privacy in one of the indoor pools, this natural hot spring has it all.
Enjoy a Serene and Experience at Sierra Hot Springs
One of the best kept secrets in the Tahoe area, Sierra Hot Springs about an hour north of Kings Beach is the perfect place to go for a tranquil and relaxing soak, especially if you’re craving a clothing-optional swim.
There are a few pools at this hot spring resort, but by far the most popular is found within the Temple Dome (also known as the Hot Pool for its temperatures between 100-110 degrees), a gorgeous geodesic dome with stained glass windows and skylights that overflow with sunshine. For those who want to enjoy the outdoors, the Meditation Pool is the perfect spot, and it’s quite special to sit in this faux natural pool after the sun sets and gaze up at the star-soaked skies beyond the mountains. There’s also the option to reserve one of their private Phoenix baths, which are filled with freshly-warmed spring water, if you’re looking for a solo experience.
Unwind at 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort
Wherever there are natural hot springs, people have always enjoyed them, and they couldn’t be more true than at David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort, located in the historic town of Genoa, Nevada.
This long-standing settlement was first visited by New Yorker David Walley in the 1850s, and he was so enamored with the heated pools and natural setting that he purchased the springs right then and there. By 1862, the first resort had been built on the property, and with it, a soaking tradition was established that has continued until modern times.
At this popular hot springs resort, you’ll find a total of five mineral pools (kept between 98-104 degrees) and a heated swimming pool that’s open seasonally as well. After a long day of skiing some of the finest powder in the Sierra Nevadas, these pools are a dream come true for many skiers, as the sulfur-rich waters are particularly good at soothing sore muscles.
Take a Drive to Steamboat Hot Springs
If you’re flying out for a Tahoe vacation, chances are you’ll land in Reno, Nevada. While you’re there, check out the only mineral springs in the area, the Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa. This unique hot spring resort was once a historic hospital that used the powers of its mineral waters to treat the sick. Its name was even coined by Mark Twain himself back in the 1860s, when he likened the geyser’s noise to the sound of a steam engine at work.
Despite a series of fires and natural disasters that plagued the spot in the early 1900s, people kept flocking to its healing waters, and nowadays, Steamboat Hot Springs is the premier place for a relaxing soak and a spa day. With options for beautifully-tiled private mineral baths or soaks in the outdoor pool amid the natural scenery, there’s something for everyone, even if you’re craving a long massage and a reflexology treatment after your dip in the springs. Reward yourself during your next Tahoe vacation with a trip to Steamboat–you’re sure to walk away in a better mood.
More Ways to Make Your Next Tahoe Trip Magical
Lake Tahoe is a hot springs paradise, with so many beautiful warm pools dotted around the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Whether you’re craving a dip in a sacred dome at Sierra Hot Springs or you’re looking to explore some Nevada history at Steamboat, there is the perfect pool for you in the Lake Tahoe area.
Want to find out more ways to make your next Tahoe vacation a magical experience? Check out some of the best summer events in Lake Tahoe or some of the best Tahoe family activities.