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When thinking of idyllic ways to pass time, a body of water and a beautiful view will suit just about every agenda. And the ultimate body of water to find “out there” is a hot natural spring, one that you can soak in for a few hours before the time comes to mosey back home. A hot spring has healing powers—boasting high concentrations of minerals (sodium, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate, among them), which, when absorbed into the body, can boost blood circulation, reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and combat fatigue. These are the health benefits that seasoned hiker Aria Zoner had in mind while mapping out the 2,421.4-mile Hot Springs Trail, which passes through 93 hot springs from Santa Barbara, California, to the Canadian border. After seven years of researching, walking, and many baths, Zoner completed the map, and with it proved that the therapeutic nature of hot springs were practically designed to comfort the gripes of hiking—acting as a stress- and wound-relieving mile marker to the end of every day. In other words, if you’ve ever thought of doing the Pacific Crest Trail (the one Reese Witherspoon does in Wild), you might want to reconsider.
Because it’s almost winter and there’s no better time of year to find a warm pool of water to relax in, here are three of the best hot springs the West Coast has to offer, in honor of the starting point of what could be your new favorite pie-in-the-sky hike in the United States.
Willett Hot Springs, Los Padres National Forest
In the spirit of the Hot Springs Trail, there’s an especially satisfying quality to a long soak taken after a long hike. Willett Hot Springs is located in the Sespe Wilderness, just north of Ojai. The spring drains into a large circular cow trough that’s up a spur trail near the dispersed campsites. At about 10 miles, it’s neither a terribly long or short hike, but it’s certainly a scenic one. The route takes you along the Sespe River, allowing for a quiet night soak in the mountains before walking down to your campsite and falling asleep. (If you’re feeling even more adventurous, continue on three miles to the Sespe Hot Springs, considered by most as the hottest in Southern California.)
Esalen Hot Springs, Big Sur
The Esalen Hot Springs are part of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, meaning they enjoy a more polished presentation than most of the rugged hot springs that are scattered throughout the Hot Springs Trail. But their location makes them some of the most alluring pools in the United States. Perched above the California coast, these clothing-optional baths come with the sounds of the Pacific splashing up against the beach, a front row view of the starry skies, and a rotating cast of characters who have been exploring “deeper spiritual possibilities” throughout their Esalen seminar. Baths come as a lagniappe with every weekend retreat, or are available between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. for public night bathing.
Orr Hot Springs, Ukiah
Orr Hot Springs Resort is located on the Mendocino coastal range, one of the most beautiful parts of California. The resort sits on 27 acres of land that include yurts and cabins available to rent for the night, if the inclination strikes. Keeping with its old hippie commune roots, clothing is optional at Orr and there’s a communal kitchen and dining hall on the property where you can enjoy your own food and wine. And if a day soaking in hot water isn’t relaxing enough, the resort has a sauna, cold pool, and massages for a next-level reset.