🏆 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Valley State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Washoe Meadows State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Grover Hot Springs State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
