I love discovering places where I can relax and connect with nature. Grover Hot Springs offers that perfect mix of soothing mineral pools and stunning mountain scenery. It’s a spot where I can unwind after a long week and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

The natural hot springs draw visitors year-round. I always find the warm water and crisp air refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or a base for outdoor adventures, Grover Hot Springs delivers a memorable experience.

Overview of Grover Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs sits at the edge of the Sierra Nevada in Alpine County, California. I find the area calm year-round, with natural mineral pools fed by geothermal springs.

Park visitors get access to two distinct pools. One holds hot mineral water, usually ranging from 102°F to 104°F, while the other offers cooler water for swimming. These pools use untreated, naturally heated water sourced directly from underground.

The surrounding park covers about 553 acres. Pines, meadows, and mountain peaks create a scenic setting that draws hikers, birdwatchers, and nature photographers. The park includes a campground with basic facilities. Picnic areas and short walking trails give families and solo travelers accessible options for enjoying the landscape.

Grover Hot Springs attracts people seeking wellness and relaxation. Mineral content in the hot pools—like calcium, potassium, and magnesium—gives the water a distinct green tint and provides a soothing bathing experience. Snowfall in winter transforms the pools into a unique, steamy retreat, while warmer months bring wildflowers and clear skies for outdoor recreation.

Reservations for the pools and campground are available through the California State Parks website. Visitor numbers often increase during weekends and holidays. Local wildlife includes mule deer, squirrels, and birds such as stellar’s jays and mountain bluebirds.

Park staff monitor water quality and safety daily. I see that the site balances visitor enjoyment with environmental protection by limiting pool capacity and restricting food near the water.

Grover Hot Springs operates with posted opening hours and sometimes altered schedules for maintenance or after major storms. Day-use fees apply year-round for both the pools and parking.

Location and Accessibility

Grover Hot Springs sits in Alpine County, California, near the small town of Markleeville, and stands at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada. The mineral pools and surrounding park span an area with open meadows and forest, about 38 miles south of South Lake Tahoe.

Directions and Parking

Driving to Grover Hot Springs takes about 45 minutes from South Lake Tahoe or 2 hours from Carson City. I follow Highway 89, turning off on Hot Springs Road just before reaching Markleeville. The last few miles wind through open country and pine trees, and paved roads remain accessible for most standard vehicles year-round unless snow closes short sections after storms.

Parking sits at the main entrance, adjacent to the pool facility and picnic areas. Space supports 70 vehicles and includes designated spots for RVs. During busy weekends and summer holidays, I often arrive early to ensure a spot. Day-use parking fees apply.

Best Time to Visit

I visit Grover Hot Springs in early summer for mild temperatures and clear skies or in autumn when visitor numbers decrease and the aspen trees change color. Winter visits offer access to the hot mineral pool surrounded by snow, though the park sometimes closes for maintenance after heavy storms. Peak crowds fill the pools on weekends and during school breaks, so weekday mornings or late afternoons provide a quieter experience. Camping and pool reservations open on the California State Parks website, with high demand from June through August.

Facilities and Amenities

Grover Hot Springs offers comfort and convenience with several visitor facilities. These services maintain accessibility for families and solo travelers while supporting the hot springs experience.

Hot Spring Pools

I swim in two mineral-fed pools: a main hot pool with water temperatures between 102°F and 104°F and a second cooler pool designed for swimming. Lifeguards monitor both areas during public hours. Changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and lockers stand near the pool deck. I reserve pool entry slots online through the California State Parks system. Pool sessions last up to 90 minutes when demand is high. Wheelchair-accessible pathways connect the parking lot to the pools.

Picnic and Camping Areas

I picnic in shaded areas equipped with tables and grilling stations, located near the main pools and scenic meadows. Campers use 76 developed campsites arranged in looped sections. Restrooms, potable water taps, and food storage lockers sit throughout the campground. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with a maximum length of 27 feet. Campground reservations open six months in advance. Fire rings and bear-resistant trash containers provide safety and support local wildlife protection. Trailheads start near the camping loops, linking visitors directly to the park’s hiking paths.

Things to Do at Grover Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs offers outdoor activities for visitors seeking nature and relaxation. The park’s terrain, mineral pools, and wildlife habitats create varied experiences year-round.

Hiking Trails

Marked trails cover pine forests, open meadows, and scenic ridges within Grover Hot Springs State Park. I follow the Burnside Lake Trail for 3.5 miles to reach high-elevation views of the Sierra Nevada. The Hot Springs Creek Trail gives me a shorter option—about 1 mile—with wildflowers and bird calls in spring and early summer. Trail signs show distance and elevation for each path and ranger-led hikes run seasonally. Most trails start near parking areas and are suitable for different skill levels when visitors check for snow levels or muddy conditions.

Wildlife Viewing

Grover Hot Springs supports native wildlife including mule deer, squirrels, and western tanagers. I scan mountain meadows and stream banks near dawn and dusk to spot animals grazing or birds nesting. Common sightings include Steller’s jays in trees and black bears crossing distant hillsides in late summer. Interpretive displays by the visitor center describe local ecology and viewing tips. Quiet movement and steady observation increase my chances to see wildlife without disturbing their routines, especially along water edges and wooded clearings within the park.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

• Arrive Early in Peak Season

I park closer to the mineral pools during summer weekends and holidays by arriving before 10 a.m., especially when the day-use parking lot reaches capacity within an hour of opening.

• Reserve Pool and Campsite Access

I secure pool time slots and campground spaces using the California State Parks reservation portal, since reservations open up to six months in advance and fill quickly during busy periods.

• Check Park Alerts Before Visiting

I review the California State Parks Grover Hot Springs page for real-time updates about potential pool closure, maintenance, or limited access after storms.

• Pack Swimsuits and Slip-Resistant Footwear

I wear swimsuits before entering the facility for quicker access, and I bring sandals or water shoes since the pool deck and locker areas can get slick.

• Bring Food and Water for Day Use

I use the shaded picnic tables for snacks and meals, and I fill water bottles from the potable taps near the restroom since there aren’t food vendors on-site.

• Follow Wildlife Safety Practices

I store all food in bear-resistant lockers and dispose of trash in designated containers to avoid attracting wildlife, since black bears frequently roam the campsite and picnic zones.

• Respect Quiet Hours and Pool Guidelines

I observe posted quiet hours in the campground after 10 p.m., keep noise low near the mineral pools, and always shower before entering the hot or cool pool.

• Prepare for Varying Weather Conditions

I pack layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons, and I check local forecasts since temperatures fluctuate quickly at 5,900 feet elevation.

• Plan Hikes and Outdoor Activities Efficiently

I map out the Burnside Lake Trail or Hot Springs Creek Trail before arrival and bring trail-appropriate footwear, since some paths get muddy or icy depending on season.

• Carry Essentials for Families with Children

I keep extra towels, baby wipes, and snacks handy and remind children about pool depth rules for safe swimming.

• Use Day-Use Lockers for Valuables

I lock up wallets and keys before entering the pool courtyard, since personal belongings shouldn’t be left unattended on poolside benches.

Pros and Cons of Grover Hot Springs

Pros

• Mineral pools at Grover Hot Springs relieve muscle tension and support relaxation—pool temperatures usually stay between 102°F and 104°F, providing comfort after hikes or travel.
• Mountain scenery and pine forests surround Grover Hot Springs, with views of the Sierra Nevada offering photo opportunities and a calm atmosphere—meadows bloom with wildflowers during June and July.
• Amenities include lifeguard-supervised pools, on-site restrooms, locker rooms, and picnic tables—food storage lockers, bear-proof trash, and showers add convenience for day-users and overnight campers.
• Family-friendly areas suit children and adults, with shallow entry points to the pools and easy trails—campground sites (76 total, per California State Parks) permit tents, trailers, and small RVs.
• Wildlife viewing gives chances to see mule deer, songbirds, and chipmunks, especially along walking trail loops—observers can spot western tanagers and red-tailed hawks in spring.
• Accessibility features provide paved paths to pools and adapted parking spots—flat trails work for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Visitor capacity limits, especially on weekends and holidays, can mean waits—pool reservations fill quickly in summer and during school breaks.
• Shorter operating hours or pool closures happen for maintenance and during storms—rain or snow may limit access, with updates posted on the California State Parks site.
• Natural mineral content in the hot pool can cause a mild sulfur smell—some visitors report skin irritation after exposure.
• Winter snow and mountain weather change travel conditions—roads may close with heavy snowfall, often from November through March.
• Limited food options on-site make planning meals necessary—groceries and restaurants are 3 miles away in Markleeville.
• No cell service in most of the park, so making calls or using data isn’t possible without driving toward town.

Grover Hot Springs stands out as a place where I can truly unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Whether I'm soaking in the mineral pools or exploring the trails surrounded by mountain views I always leave refreshed and inspired.

If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with natural beauty and a touch of adventure this spot offers a memorable getaway. With a little planning your visit can be both relaxing and rewarding.