Gilroy hot springs

## Overview Gilroy Hot Springs is a historic thermal spring site nestled in the foothills of the Diablo Range, east of the city of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, California. Located at approximately 37.0774°N, 121.4939°W, the springs sit along Gilroy Hot Springs Road in a secluded canyon that has drawn visitors for well over a century. The hot springs have a rich and storied past. Long before European settlement, the Ohlone people are believed to have used the thermal waters for their healing properties. In the mid-to-late 1800s, the site was developed into a popular resort destination, attracting visitors from across the San Francisco Bay Area who came to soak in the naturally heated mineral waters. At its peak, the Gilroy Hot Springs Resort featured bathhouses, a hotel, a dance pavilion, and other amenities that made it a beloved getaway. The resort operated in various forms through much of the 20th century before eventually closing. The springs are geothermally heated, with water rising through fault lines in the region's complex geology. Historically, the water temperatures at the various spring vents have been reported to range from warm to quite hot, and the mineral content — including sulfur — has long been associated with therapeutic bathing. The area is characterized by oak-studded hillsides, seasonal creeks, and the rugged beauty typical of the inner Coast Ranges. In more recent years, the Gilroy Hot Springs property has been incorporated into the broader conservation lands managed in the region, with portions of the surrounding area falling within or adjacent to Henry W. Coe State Park. Access to the springs themselves has been restricted at various times, so visitors should check current land management status and access permissions before planning a trip. ## Directions 1. From downtown Gilroy, head east on Leavesley Road. 2. Continue as Leavesley Road transitions into New Avenue, then follow signs toward Roop Road. 3. Turn left (north) onto Roop Road and continue until it becomes Gilroy Hot Springs Road. 4. Follow Gilroy Hot Springs Road east into the foothills. The road narrows and becomes more rural as you travel deeper into the canyon. 5. The springs area is located along Gilroy Hot Springs Road between addresses 5171 and 5325. GPS coordinates: 37.07739, -121.49389. *Note: Road conditions can vary seasonally, and portions of the road may be unpaved. Access to the springs property may be gated or restricted — check with local land management agencies for current access information before visiting.* ## What to Expect Gilroy Hot Springs is situated in a beautiful, relatively remote canyon setting east of Gilroy. The surrounding landscape features rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, and seasonal wildflowers, especially in spring. The area is quiet and feels far removed from the bustle of Silicon Valley, despite being only about 30 miles south of San Jose. The thermal springs emerge from multiple vents in the area, and historically the water has carried a noticeable mineral scent, particularly sulfur. The water has historically been used for bathing rather than drinking. Remnants of the old resort infrastructure may still be visible, lending the site a sense of history and nostalgia. Because the property has changed hands and access policies have shifted over the years, visitors should be prepared for the possibility that the springs are not publicly accessible at all times. It is advisable to research current ownership and access rules before making the trip. Cell service in the canyon can be limited, so download maps and directions in advance. The road in can be rough, particularly after rain, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Summers in this part of California can be very hot, so bring plenty of water and sun protection if visiting during warmer months.