Mono County, California
Buckeye Hot Spring
Buckeye Hot Spring sits along Buckeye Creek in the Eastern Sierra, about seven miles north of Bridgeport off Highway 395.
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About this place
Buckeye Hot Spring sits along Buckeye Creek in the Eastern Sierra, about seven miles north of Bridgeport off Highway 395. This is classic Eastern Sierra soaking: a natural hot spring on public land where clothing-optional use has become the norm over decades, though there's no official designation. Hot mineral water bubbles up at the creek's edge and mixes with cold snowmelt, so you adjust the temperature by shifting your position—scalding near the source, comfortable where spring and creek blend. The main pool sits right at water level in a rocky canyon lined with aspens, with high desert air and big sky overhead. You'll find no facilities here—it's entirely undeveloped, which is part of the appeal for people who want a soak without the infrastructure of a resort. Weekends and summer evenings draw crowds from Reno, Tahoe, and up and down the 395 corridor. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Access requires a short walk of about a third of a mile from the parking area along a relatively flat trail. This is one of several popular soaking spots in Mono County, part of the Eastern Sierra's loose network of informal naturist-friendly hot springs that operate more on local custom than posted rules.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
You'll see a wide mix—locals from Bridgeport and Mammoth, weekenders from Reno and the Bay Area, road-trippers working their way along 395. Age range skews toward outdoorsy twenties through fifties, with occasional older soakers who've been coming for years. Mostly couples and small friend groups. The vibe is mellow and low-key, with an unspoken etiquette around respecting space and keeping it clean.
How to find it
From Bridgeport, head north on Highway 395 for about seven miles, then turn west onto Buckeye Road (a dirt Forest Service road). Follow it roughly three miles to the parking area. The trailhead is obvious—short walk downstream along Buckeye Creek to the spring. High-clearance vehicle helps on Buckeye Road but isn't always required depending on conditions. Bridgeport is the nearest town for gas and supplies.
Things to watch out for
Buckeye Road is usually passable spring through fall but can be rough or impassable in winter and early spring due to snow and mud. The spring itself is accessible year-round if you can reach it, and winter soaking under snow is popular with hardy locals. No cell service out here. Pack out everything you pack in—there's no trash service and the site suffers when people leave garbage behind.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Clothing is optional and common here, but you'll see both clothed and unclothed soakers — respect everyone's choice. Keep voices low, especially in the evening. The spring is natural and unmaintained, so be mindful of the delicate algae mats and mineral deposits. Don't use soap or shampoo in the water. Pack out all trash, including toilet paper if you need to use the backcountry. If the pool is crowded, be prepared to share space or wait your turn.
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