Buckeye-travertine Hot Springs And Creek Destinations

Tucked into the high desert landscape of the Eastern Sierra near Bridgeport, California, Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs represent two of the most rewarding — and wildly different — geothermal soaking experiences in Toiyabe National Forest. Neither destination is developed or officially managed, which means you get something increasingly rare in the American West: a genuinely wild soak, where the smell of sulfur mingles with sage and pine, and the backdrop is pure Sierra Nevada grandeur.

The Setting and Landscape

Buckeye Hot Springs clings to a hillside above Buckeye Creek, where geothermally heated water cascades down a terraced rock face into naturally formed pools at the water's edge. The creek rushes below, cold and fast with snowmelt for much of the season, and the contrast between icy creek water and the steaming mineral pools is part of the magic. Cottonwoods and willows frame the creek corridor while open sagebrush slopes rise on either side, framing views toward the surrounding peaks.

Travertine Hot Springs, by contrast, feels almost otherworldly. Brilliant white travertine formations — built up over centuries by mineral-laden geothermal water — create a lunar-like landscape of snow-white pools perched above the valley floor. From here, panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and the Bridgeport Valley stretch out in every direction, especially vivid at sunrise and golden hour. The two sites share a region but could not feel more different in character.

Soaking and Water Experience

Both destinations are hot springs rather than traditional swimming holes — the experience here is therapeutic soaking rather than laps or diving. The mineral-rich waters are believed to carry restorative properties, and even a short soak leaves skin feeling silky and muscles noticeably looser. Temperatures vary by pool and season, and savvy visitors mix their soaking with a wade into Buckeye Creek to cool off between sessions. The pools are naturally formed and shallow enough for comfortable lounging, and the geothermal flow means the water is continuously renewed.

Because these are unofficial sites, there are no lifeguards, no designated swimming areas, and conditions can change. Come prepared to read the environment on your own terms.

Plan Your Visit

The best time to make the trip is between May and October, when the roads are passable and the landscape is at its most alive — wildflowers in spring, crisp mountain air in fall. Getting to Travertine requires navigating an unpaved road, and winter access to both areas may demand a 4WD vehicle. Buckeye benefits from a nearby National Forest campground with picnic tables and toilets, making it an ideal basecamp for a night or two under the stars. Travertine has no facilities, so bring everything you need. Both springs are free to visit. The closest full-service town is Bridgeport, California, where you can fuel up and grab supplies before heading out. Carson City, Nevada, lies to the north and offers additional lodging and dining options for those traveling the greater region.

Historically, these springs were considered sacred by Native American tribes for their healing properties and spiritual significance. Today, they remain a testament to the region’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles, avoid leaving trash, and refrain from disturbing natural formations or wildlife. Protect the fragile ecosystem by staying on designated trails.