Delonegha Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 35.5574,-118.6117

Delonegha used to be the little jewel of the Kern River. Unfortunately, a private party purchased it. They were intending to develop it. At the time, the rumor was that they charge five dollars to use the springs. The problem is that in order to keep people out they had the road posted for no parking. They have also bulldozed dirt onto other areas that could be used for parking. A lot of cars park about a mile south of the springs. It appears that everybody then hikes up to the springs. They are well worth the trouble. The springs are of low sulfur water that is a perfect temperature. The view from them is breath taking. There are several pools situated on a ledge overlooking the Kern River. I think they are high enough not to be washed out during the spring runoff. Another set of pools is on the other side of a rock formation that sits next to the river's edge.

To get there you take highway 178 northeast from Bakersfield. The highway will follow the Kern River on the south side. When you cross over the river the highway turns from a two-lane to a four-lane highway. You can just barely see some of the spring area as you drive by. You will need to turn around and park where everyone else does, south of the river.

In 2000, an experienced river rafter reported that the owner of the land surrounding Delonegha has abandoned the property, since he could not legally restrict the public use of the springs. However, before he left he destroyed all but one of the pools. Hopefully the locals will rebuild them but parking still may be a problem.