Grover Hot Springs State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Grover Hot Springs State Park — An alpine hot springs park near Markleeville in Alpine County, California, featuring a natural mineral hot pool (102–105°F) and adjacent cold pool, a campground in a beautiful mountain meadow, hiking trails to waterfalls and alpine lakes, and a low-sulfur mineral soak without the typical “rotten egg” smell.
Grover Hot Springs State Park is a high-Sierra sanctuary — offering one of California’s best natural hot springs soaking experiences in a stunning alpine meadow setting at 5,900 feet elevation. The mineral-rich hot pool is heated by six natural springs and notably low in sulfur, making for a pleasant, odor-free soak. Combined with excellent camping and hiking, it’s a four-season destination in the remote beauty of Alpine County.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 4 mi west of Markleeville, Alpine County, CA |
| Elevation | 5,900 feet |
| Hot Pool | 102–105°F — mineral-rich, low sulfur |
| Cold Pool | Adjacent — for contrast plunging |
| Day-Use Fee | ~$8/vehicle ($7 senior) |
| Pool Closed | Wednesdays (off-season) — CALL (530) 694-2249 first |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs Soaking | Natural mineral pool — 102–105°F, low sulfur |
| Camping | ~76 sites — mid-May to mid-Sep (limited winter) |
| Hiking | Hot Springs Creek waterfall, Burnside Lake trail |
| Wildlife Viewing | Alpine meadow — deer, marmots, birds |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Winter — snowshoe trails through meadow |
| Stargazing | Dark skies — remote Alpine County |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hot springs smell like sulfur?
No — Grover Hot Springs is notably low in sulfur content, so it lacks the strong “rotten egg” smell common at many other hot springs. The water is mineral-rich and pleasant for soaking.
Do I need a reservation?
Camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.com. For the hot springs pools, no reservation is needed — it’s first-come, first-served. But always call (530) 694-2249 to confirm pool status before driving out.
