Hog Hot Springs

## Overview Hog Hot Springs is a free natural hot spring located in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills of Kern County, California, near the community of Lake Isabella. Situated at approximately 35.566°N, 118.576°W, this remote geothermal soaking spot sits along the Kern River corridor — a region well known for its concentration of natural hot springs fed by deep fault-line geothermal activity. The hot springs in this area emerge where groundwater is heated by the earth's interior and rises to the surface along fractures in the granitic bedrock of the Sierra Nevada batholith. Hog Hot Springs has historically been used as an informal soaking destination by locals and adventurous visitors exploring the Kern River Valley. Like many of the free hot springs in this part of California, the site is rustic and undeveloped, offering a back-to-basics soaking experience in a scenic, semi-arid landscape. Water temperatures at hot springs in the Kern River area typically range from warm to very hot depending on the specific source and season, so visitors should always test the water carefully before entering. ## Directions 1. From the town of Lake Isabella, California, head south along the Kern River on **CA-178 West** (also known as the Kern Canyon Road). 2. Continue along the Kern River canyon, watching for unmarked pulloffs and dirt access roads on the river side of the highway. 3. The GPS coordinates for Hog Hot Springs are **35.566329, -118.576220**. Use a reliable GPS or offline map application to navigate to the precise location, as the turnoff may not be well-signed. 4. Parking is typically along the roadside or at an informal pulloff. A short walk may be required to reach the spring source near the river. *Note: Road conditions and access can change seasonally. The area may be affected by river levels, especially during spring snowmelt. Check local conditions before visiting.* ## What to Expect Hog Hot Springs is an undeveloped, primitive hot spring — expect a natural, unimproved soaking experience. The spring area is located in the rugged terrain of the Kern River Valley, surrounded by dry chaparral-covered hillsides and the rocky banks of the Kern River corridor. Depending on the season and recent weather, the hot spring water may pool in natural rock formations or user-built rock pools near the river's edge. Because this is a free, unmanaged site, there are no facilities — no restrooms, no trash cans, and no lifeguards. Visitors should pack out all trash and leave no trace. The water temperature can vary and may be extremely hot at the source, so always check before entering. Mixing with cooler river water (when accessible) can help regulate the soaking temperature. The Kern River Valley is a popular destination for outdoor recreation including whitewater rafting, fishing, and camping, so Hog Hot Springs can be combined with a broader trip to the area. Cell service may be limited in the canyon, so download maps and directions before heading out.