Saline Valley Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords
Hot Springs (Palm Springs): 36.814266,-117.768313
Chicken Strip Airstrip (south end): 36.805966,-117.780427

Write up in weekly paper (2000): . . . Death Valley fun spot called Saline Valley Hot Springs that even has its own airstrip. "In March, our attorney friend flew us in his plane," says Tahoe Area Naturists leader North Swanson, who was accompanied by his bride of five months. "It was pretty exciting. We only had 30 feet of runway left [when they stopped]."

But don't come to Saline if you're expecting to be alone. The Swansons were greeted by North's daughter, who'd been camping there for several weeks (you can do so for 30 days), and an estimated 40-50 other visitors who'd taken the usual way in – some 60 miles of bumpy dirt roads from Lone Pine or Big Pine. Still, the lure of this desert oasis is easy to understand. In fact, if you're like most travelers, you'll want to come back to it over and over. Where else can you find a clothing-optional hot springs with a sink to wash your dishes in, shower, sunken tub, lawn, trees, camping, and even a goldfish pond and library of books left by other visitors? Vault toilets were added recently. Bring tools, extra gas, and a spare tire for the dusty, three-hour trip in from the nearest highway.

Summer's too hot, so come in fall or spring. Dogs must be leashed. And watch out for wild donkeys that may try to steal your food if you leave it out.

Legal status: Part of Death Valley National Park. A ranger is always on duty nearby and the c/o status of the springs is tolerated, though nudity outside the area is not. The Timbisha Shoshone indian tribe, which was displaced from the area in 1933, says it objects to the nudity at the springs, and will shut them down if it ever regains ownership of the valley.

Directions: From Lone Pine, take Highway 395 south, then head east on Highway 136 about 12 miles, to Highway 190. Follow 190 about 10 miles and go left onto Saline Valley Road. (Or, from Los Angeles, follow Highway 14 to 395 and, exiting at Olancha onto 190, follow the road 17 miles to Saline Valley Road.) From here the drive will take about three hours. Eight miles after the Saline Valley Road turnoff, take the right fork, staying on the paved road. From here the drive is around 36 miles, as you follow what becomes a dirt road past the Panamint Valley, Santa Rosa Hills, Lee Flat, and Grapevine Canyon. After the 5-mile drive through Grapevine Canyon, stay on the road 20 miles, passing Salt Lake, and yet another 5 miles, past the dunes, until you get to a dirt road on the right (look for a green post). Follow it 6 miles to the springs. Or take Painted Bat Rock Road (look for a yellow rock with a painting on it), staying left at the fork, 7 miles until you get to the springs. Alternately, from Highway 395 in Big Pine, take Highway 168 northeast 2.5 miles. Turn right on Death Valley Road. Continue 15 miles, then go right onto Waucoba-Saline Road. Follow it 32 miles south to the painted rock noted above and turn left (see above). Driving time is also three hours.

Pools: Saline Valley features two cement pools and a natural pool. Morning dippers like to start the day at Sunrise Pool. Wizard Pool is next to several palm trees. Other palms can be found at Volcano Pool. Most of the area is wheelchair-accessible, with assistance.

The crowd: A number of vacationers, particularly from southern California, make the journey. The site is especially crowded on holiday weekends.

Problems: Long drive; no flushing or chemical toilet, though there is a latrine; extremely hot in late spring and summer. There have been many reported heat related deaths in thise valley over the years. Carry plenty of water and know what you are doing. Especially, do not go into this valley without letting someone know. Carry a GPS unit.


I've detailed the first route above, from Hwy 395 to the springs, as a GoogleEarth KMZ file so you can study the complicated route to your hearts content. The file can be downloaded from here

Virtual Panorama of Saline Hot Springs

Saline (Valley Hot Springs) Preservation Association
5322 Centinela Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066