Dirty Socks Hot Springs

Dirty Socks Hot Springs

Olancha, California

3.6(178)primitiveEasyFreeClothing Optional

Click thumbnails to view larger photos • Photos from Google Maps

🌡️Temperature106°F
🏊Typeprimitive
🥾DifficultyEasy
💰PriceFree
📅Best SeasonOctober through April
👥Crowd LevelLow

About Dirty Socks Hot Springs

Named for its distinctive sulfurous smell, this Owens Valley hot spring on the shore of seasonal Owens Lake fills a large shallow pool in the alkaline desert flats. Despite the name, the warm mineral water and sweeping Sierra views make for a memorable—if pungent—soak.

Access

Short walk

🏕️

Overnight

Yes

👙

Clothing Optional

Yes

Features

Sulfurous aromaOwens Lake shoreSierra viewsLarge poolDesert setting

Water Minerals

SulfurSodiumChlorideBoronLithium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Dirty Socks Hot Springs?
The water temperature at Dirty Socks Hot Springs is 106°F.
How much does Dirty Socks Hot Springs cost?
Dirty Socks Hot Springs is free to visit.
Is Dirty Socks Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes, Dirty Socks Hot Springs is clothing optional.
What minerals are in the water at Dirty Socks Hot Springs?
The water at Dirty Socks Hot Springs contains Sulfur, Sodium, Chloride, Boron, Lithium.
How difficult is it to get to Dirty Socks Hot Springs?
Dirty Socks Hot Springs has a easy difficulty level with short walk access.

Recent Google Reviews

Jennie Daniels• Google Review

"There is a locked gate across the road that says no camping. We parked off the roadway and walked down following cute burro hoof prints. There are two pools, one is the somewhat derelict man made one ..."

4/25/2025
nah yeah• Google Review

"Hot spring in the middle of nowhere. Private property, but not posted and not gated. Used to be a county owned park. Surrounded on all sides by public land 100 feet away. City of L.A. DPW building nex..."

5/2/2025
Kevin Kai Lin• Google Review

"scenic but dilapidated. geothermal vent is still active; warm water but overgrown. looks scary because it has plant matter growing in it, dunno about safety - the collecting pond did have fish in it t..."

9/21/2017