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Sierra Hot Springs
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels
521 Campbell Hot Springs RdSierraville, CA 96126
(530) 994-3773
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 6 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
41 reviews for Sierra Hot Springs
Review Highlights
"FYI, the Meditation Pool is probably more relaxing."
(in 10 reviews)
"The pools are clothing optional aka boobies/peeners galore..."
(in 8 reviews)
"...and prepare meals (but bring your own food, there is very..."
(in 3 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Moses H.
Sacramento, CA
1/30/2012
I can't say enough good things about this place.
Great management, incredibly low prices, crystal water, often no sulfur at all depending on time of year ... This place is less formal than Harbin, also slightly less hippie-ish at the same time, in that there are plenty of people in swimsuits, it's incredibly clean, and there are families here, something I've never seen at Harbin.
Also, the prices! CHEAP, for what you get. The rooms in the main and the second hotel are spotless and comfortable. The steamroom/sauna in hotel 2 is nice too, and the food in the main kitchen (open every night except Sunday, I think) is TERRIFIC and cheap ($7 for a huge bowl of lamb stew - what a deal).
Go in the Spring and Summer because the sand-bottomed meadow pool is certainly one of the nicest springs in the united states, and I've been to a lot.
The staff are friendly and laid-back, but not to the point of indolence. You definitely get more than you pay for here.
There are also good restaurants nearby - a great cowboy steakhouse not far away, fantastic fried chicken at the gas station (they make it there!) and a nice breakfast/lunch diner in town. -
Review from Darren K.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2012
Just got back during a huge winter storm. Having been to their sister establishment, Harbin Hot Springs, here are my pros and cons.
PRO: Beautiful setting. Way up in the mountains. Lots of snow covered trees. I got there in the afternoon and when I got in the pool, there was snow coming down and steam off of the pools. Nice staff. Free WI-FI.
CONS: Quite a trek from Oakland in a snow storm. Be prepared to put chains on over Donner Pass, unless you have 4 wheel drive with snow tires. I would like to come back in the summer. The main pool is a bit far from the lodge so you have to drive a short distance there and back. In the summer this would be a nice walk. In the winter...having to put your heavy clothes on and off and get in the car every time you want to soak takes some of the fun out of it. As, I think, others have mentioned, the hot pool is really not quite hot enough. Still awesome but would be much better if it were a bit hotter especially with aforementioned cold drive back to lodge. Other than that it was great. I do have to mention that the lovely fireplace in the slightly cramped lodge stunk to high heavens in my 2nd floor lodge room and I think the fumes made me ill. Also, restaurant, which looked cool from the pictures, is closed during the winter...wtf?
So, all in all a good review but make the hot pool HOT! -
Review from Jenn C.
1/19/2012
For years, I have heard raves about Sierra Hot Springs and have wanted to go check it out. I was very disappointed when I finally made it here.
First - major disappointment and kink in my schedule: the restaurant was not open on a Sunday. I did not have breakfast and hadn't a lot of supplies to make up a lunch - that was pretty tough news to receive.
Second - I have never been to hot tubs or baths that were grubbier and nastier than Sierra. The large main pool had a disgusting oily black line around the edge of the water and there were dead frogs everywhere in the water and inside the filters/traps on the sides. The showers were nasty.
Third - people were distractingly noisy. Even though the quiet pool has nice big signs - everytime a hetero couple would come in, they would plop down in the lukewarm pool with the nifty sandy bottom and start yacking away loudly.
The water here was not all that hot. It was not very relaxing. It was dirty - something which was blamed on "a big group of people who came here from burningman and were in the pools all night" - well great - if you have a big group who occupies the pools for a long time, why not send staff out in the morning to clean up? Disgusting, really.
I promise - I won't be back.Listed in: Cross-Country & Back in 100…
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Review from Jada B.
11/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Yes, you will most likely run into people buck @$$ naked. If that's going to make you squeamish, this is not the place for you. Clothing is optional, and there usually are some people in suits, but most are letting it all hang out. Personally, I think it's part of the fun of it.
The setting is gorgeous. The water is lovely and a bit sulfurous. There are several pools to choose from, ranging from nicely warm to the blazing hot meditation tub with ice cold plunge tubs. Most are a bit of a walk from the parking, so be prepared if the weather is cold. Nice shower and changing facilities. Bring your own towels.
One thing I've noticed, is the crowds are very different during the week versus the weekend. People seem to be far more respectful of the serenity during the week, keeping their voices lowered, children are better monitored, follow the rules, etc. On the weekend, I have experienced the pools with people carrying on with no respect to the quiet, kids running and screaming and throwing snow in the pool, people loudly talking about getting high, the changing room reeked of weed, a couple people blatantly refused to shower before getting in the pool eventhough signs are posted everywhere, an overly amorous couples nearly getting it on in the shallow end. It can be a zoo. Not my idea of what I want from Sierra Hot Springs. And immediately after Burning Man? Oh my God, forget it.
But on a weekday, this is one of my favorite little day trips. Even the drive out from Reno is beautiful. -
Review from Chris M.
Rocklin, CA
11/12/2011
One of my favorite places on the planet. If you are of a mind to experience nature and feel refreshed this is the place. I have spent a lot more money and been significantly less satisfied in other places, this is truly one of God's blessed places. Spend a few dollars and let your soul expand here. Water is one of the elements that ties us to the earth and God, I felt truly blessed to see the snow fall while I was warmed by nature's earthen waters flow over me. Go and experience, it is well worth the money and you will never regrtet it.
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Review from Lulu B.
Redwood City, CA
7/12/2011
Sitting naked in a hot pool under the stars. Sounds like a perfect evening to me!
If you don't mind seeing a lot of old lady bush and old man dong, then check this place out. It's worth a visit. If you go on Saturday be sure to check out the dinner in the lodge. But stay away from the lentils......you don't want to turn the hot pools into a jacuzzi ; ) -
Review from Tom B.
Vacaville, CA
6/30/2011
What a fantastic place!
This place is not the Ritz but where can you see eagles soar and shooting stars pass overhead all night while soaking in hot pools of water 5000 feet above sea level?
The airport (O79) is great and right next to the lodge just watch the winds and density altitude if your a pilot.
The drum circles at New and Full moon are special and all are welcome and enjoy the monthly summer, fire circles.
Staying in the lodge is the best! You will meet so many fun travelers.
The massages for 90 minutes are half price of what they cost on a cruise ship and the staff are in tune with nature.
Yes, the pools are clothing optional but there is no judgement if you don't come with Barbie's body or a six pack. Everyone is so at peace here. If you are looking for a place to truly unwind, then you have found a garden of eden. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty. Take your watch off. Leave your work at home. I have been here a hundred times over many years and never tire of the place. This is the best medicine. -
Review from dori m.
Portland, OR
11/18/2011
an AWESOME place to retreat!
stay in the lodge if you can - you can walk to the pools from there, there's a real fireplace and a snack bar for those late night munchies.
if you have to stay at the Globe (their hotel in town) it is CHARMING with a great kitchen, but... there is no functioning fireplace. also, if you're here at the Globe (i'm writing this from here) you want to ask for a room on the BACK side of the hotel.
Mine was on the front side, and this is a bit of an intersection (highways 89 and 49) - cattle haulers idle their trucks ALL NIGHT LONG right across the street and yeah - you can totally hear it in your room. in the mornings, they park FULL TRUCKLOADS (yes, meaning loaded with moaning cattle on their way to god knows where, but probably where you think) - also very audible RIGHT THROUGH YOUR WINDOW.
and if it's not a cattle truck? it's a logging truck, and they also pass by pretty frequently, loaded up with remnants of the nearby forests.
but sierra hot springs itself? beautiful people, beautiful locale, beautiful pools, and there are eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls all flying overhead... i can't wait to come back (but yeah, i'll be staying in the lodge if i can, or in the back of the globe).
also, winter rates - SO AWESOME! forty bucks a night. can't beat it. yeah it's cold going between pools but hey... it's warm once you get in. :) -
Review from Mark S.
Napa, CA
8/27/2011
There were two people with cameras in the main clothing optional area.
That's what started this little rant, but I'm apparently not going to stop until I'm done.
I informed a staff member of this and she snapped at me (angrily, really, I haven't been addressed with such venom in a while) that she wasn't willing to do anything about it but I was welcome to, since it was in fact against the rules.
Apparently there *are* rules against cameras but the guests must enforce them.
The hot pool wasn't hotter than the last hotel jacuzzi I was in, so yeah: not very hot.
At Harbin it's 110 degrees: You have to remind yourself as you get in that your skin will not actually peel away from your body. When we checked in we were told that it was 112 in the hot pool, I was actually worried.
The guy who checked us out four hours later assured us that it was 104, but that would make a pretty big difference to me from "I'm not dying" to "I'm having a bath", so I'm thinking that he didn't know.
The cold plunges were two in number, each single occupant (unless you're friendly enough to share a coffin) and one was broken (it wouldn't fill more than about 18 inches as the plug kept coming out).
There was a note in the room that said towels were available in the pool area, so we didn't bring towels, so we had no towels.
Thanks.
The sauna was out of order "There's a reset button" we were told, at the front desk, which is about 1/4 mile from the sauna.
So the procedure for the sauna is:
Get out of the cold plunge, go to the sauna, find it cold, read all of the signs, walk to the car, drive to the front desk, ask them why everything here sucks, drive back, hike a bit more, press the reset button, wait for it to get warm, then HAPPY SAUNA TIME!
When we first arrived I was dead tired. We tried to take a nap.
The bed just plain does not work as a bed. I can only guess that it's something like a futon over springs on a charming rustic wood frame and yeah, with the paper thin walls and all the popping and creaking it did when we tried and failed to nap, sexy time there would be comedy for anyone around.
The best thing that I can say is that two out to the three folks running the place were really, really cool, and gave us most of a refund since we left within a few hours of arrival.
We paid day use fees, which I would do again if I was a local (within about twenty minutes local) and knew what to expect.
The trouble is that I expected what was on the menu, and it really wasn't served.
This review is to save everyone who knows from the good stuff from treating this place as anything other than a pit stop. -
Review from jan s.
Oakland, CA
8/8/2010
A lady friend and I decided to finish a weekend getaway with a trip to Sierra Hot Springs. I'd never been, but after hearing of it, i made sure we got there. Showed up and the guy @ the counter told us not to leave any pets in the car, apparently there has been at least one incident of a bear breaking into a car for a doggy meal. dog. as a meal, that is. womp.
Anyway, we took care of business and walked to the showers. I wasn't sure if i had planned on being completely nude, but as soon as I walked up and saw some [older, 'larger'] guy sitting ass nekkid with his legs crossed, zero shame, i decided I couldn't look worse than that. The waters awesome. dunking from the hot as hell pool into the icey-like baths was a shock to the body, but amazing.
Everyone was chill, though I was a little iffy about the guy standing at the end of the pool with dark shades on, his head seemed to stay focused on topless women. what're you gunna do i guess...
After the more 'public' area we ended up making our way to the meditation pool. The sun was gettin lower in the sky and was bouncing off the sulfur water. Little waves in the pool causing the light to look like twinkling stars. I shit you not, it might have been one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Most amazing place ever. -
Review from Margaret R.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
I think this is one of those places where hippies or spiritual people go to find themselves. It offers retreats and yoga classes.
The place requires $5 for a month membership or $10 for a year membership. In addition, you have to pay another $15 / person for each visit. However, each group only requires one person to have a membership.
There are several different short trails that lead to different hot springs. It would have been nicer if we could drive to each one, but I understand that it's all about becoming one with the world.
We went to the private baths, which looked like a out-house tub in the ground. However, it was nice and relaxing. The water was supposed to be ~90 F, but it didn't feel that warm. I didn't like that the tub requires 30 minutes to fill and there were bugs floating around...however, again one with the world.
Later, we went to the pool, which had hotter water of 90-100F, and a small dome with water of 100-110F. The pool was really cool since I've never swam in sulfur water. In addition, the water in the dome was extremely relaxing as I was sore from mountain biking.
Clothing optional. Towels can be rented for $1.Listed in: Lake Tahoe Area
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Review from Donna H.
5/13/2008
It's always nice to get away from it all, or in our case, bring it all with you. My relatives would head over to a nearby town to stay with a family friend during long weekends and we'd spend a good couple of hours each day at the Sierra Hot Springs. The pools are clothing optional aka boobies/peeners galore, so yes, we were that Asian family decked out in bathing suits. Be prepared and stop giggling at the naked people!
Most people will respect your space and it's a relatively big pool. If I came here alone, it'd be fine to be nekkid.. probably wouldn't run into anyone I knew. But with any people I remotely know, that's just hellas wrong! (unless it's kimmy, my fav korean, of course! see my review for kabuki spring & spa)
So, once you pay, you can walk up a trail to the Warm Pool/Temple Dome, or the other side where the Meditation pool is. The facilities are very clean, and there is a rule about keeping noise to a minimum. Children who are "well-behaved" are allowed at the pools (excluding the Meditation one) during certain hours.
It's uber relaxing especially at night when you're in the outdoors Warm Pool or the outdoors Meditation (Hot) Pool, where you can see the stars you would miss when in the big city. When you're sick of the outdoors, you can head over to the two Cold Plunge Pools and the other Hot Pool in the Temple Dome. It's been a long time since I've been back, but now there's a sauna! FYI, the Meditation Pool is probably more relaxing.. rock steps, no children allowed...
The changing area has cubbyholes for belongings and about 4 showers, so it gets crazy when there are lots of people. They should have an area where people can shower in the open along with the 4 private showers.. That way the people who were already running around nekkid in the first place, can use the open space, while leaving the private space for the people who want privacy..
Prices aren't too bad, but we've always gone with a local resident who has a membership.
Don't forget to take off your silver jewelry! The high sulfur content will tarnish it.. I always forget to take off mine, but I just wear it again and it'll eventually go back to normal) -
Review from Ellen C.
Reno, NV
1/2/2010
I've been coming to Sierra Hot Springs for three years now. The location is gorgeous, surrounded by fields and pasture. The property backs up to US Forest service wooded land. The place has an earthy and peaceful vibe. The water, which contains a lot of silica, is silky smooth and nice. The clothing-optional atmosphere is fine with me.
I once would have given Sierra Hot Springs 5 stars. Because of certain changes, crowds, and noise -- I now give them only 3 stars. On my most recent trip, over New Year's Eve/Day, it was really crowded, which took away from the experience. Although there are signs all over about observing silence, people talked and were rude.There are several aspects to Sierra Hotsprings, so I'll break it down:
TEMPLE HOT POOL
My favorite spot has always been the temple hot dome pool. This area is a silent meditation area -- no talking allowed. The pool is hot with a sand bottom. It is located in a geodesic dome structure with windows atop and a stained glass window. There are two cold plung pools in the temple hot dome. There are places to hang towels and a large wood-carved Budda. Provided that the hot pool is not crowded and people shut their mouths, it is a wonderful relaxing place.
LARGE WARM POOL
Adjacent to the temple hot pool is an outdoor warm pool. It is large enough for swimming. Again, it can be quite relaxing to float and look at the stars, the sky, etc. On my most recent visit, there were many people talking loudly and families with kids there. While kids are allowed in the warm pool, they are supposed to be quiet and under control by their parents. Signage all around the pool indicates this, yet quietness was not observed by all.
DRY SAUNA
There is a dry sauna adjacent to the warm pool. It is nice and was recently refurbished. However, it is very small -- capacity is 3 people. The dry sauna is the only place where people were quiet.
OUTDOOR MEDITATION POOL
There is an outdoor pool that is made from rocks with a sand bottom. It is near the main lodge and you walk to it. The water temp is warm, not hot, so it is not appealing to me in the colder season. In summer, it is nice.
PHOENIX BATHS
The Phoenix baths are up a hill. They are described as tubs that can be refilled with fresh water for each user. There was a sign indicating that they were closed on my most recent visit (New Years).
MAIN LODGE
The main lodge is frumpy but comfortable. The rooms are basic -- view from the window was wonderful -- snow covered fields. Floors are creaky and it feels like you're staying in one of Grandma's upstairs bedrooms. They have about 7 private rooms with shared bathrooms upstairs, plus an attic "dorm," which has 5 single beds. Also a massage room upstairs. Downstairs there is a main room with a cozy wood burning stove that heats the whole lodge nicely. Couches surround the wood stove. There are books, games, an old piano, and other items of interest. Mostly, the people are interesting. Easy to chat with folks sitting around the fire. The communal kitchen is basic, but adequate. Rooms (at Main Lodge and the Globe Hotel) are $88 Sun-Thurs and $110 weekends and holidays. Price of room includes 24 hr soak in the pools.
THE GLOBE
The historic Globe Hotel, about a mile from the main lodge, is owned by Sierra Hotsprings. It has11 private rooms, two shared bathrooms, a large living room area with sofas, and a communal kitchen. The rooms at the Globe are not luxurious by any means. They are quaint and interesting. Each is themed with a different country -- reflecting the name -- "The Globe." I've stayed in or at least seen several of the rooms at the Globe -- here's a brief run-down of them:
Rooms 1 (Ireland) and 2 (Morracan) are downstairs. Both rooms seem smaller than the upstairs rooms. There is a shared bathroom downstairs.
Rooms 5-11 are upstairs. Room 7, the one I stayed in most recently, has a French theme, with a queen bed. Room 8, which is legend to be "haunted," has a queen bed and a single bed. Room 9 has an Indian theme with a full or queen bed. Room 10 has an African theme with a queen bed. Room 11 has a Victorian theme with a queen bed. Room 3 has Mexican theme and Room 4 is an oriental theme -- it appears that Rooms 3 and 4 are a tad smaller than the other upstairs rooms.
The Globe formerly had a nice large steam room downstairs, but on my most recent trip, I was informed that it was taken out. Now it's just a massage room. This is is a definite negative for me, as I enjoyed the steam room.
FOOD:
Be advised to BRING YOUR OWN FOOD to cook. The Philosophy Cafe, located in the main lodge, is only open on Saturdays. There are only two restaurants in Sierraville: breakfast & lunch @ the Roundup Cafe and dinner @ Los Dos Hermanos, which is good -- when it is open. It was closed over the New Years holiday.Listed in: Hot Spring Resorts
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Review from Sean S.
4/19/2010
I really love this place. Rejuvenating... refreshing. And at night you'll see more stars in the sky then you've ever imagined. You'll hear frogs at night, and in the morning you'll hear animals grazing, and birds chirping.
Very mountain rustic, with some great hotsprings. You have warm, hot & cold to choose from. Clothing optional... This place is run by the same people who own Harbin, though I've never been there I've heard great things.
One thing, it gets cold cold cold at night, yes you are in the mountains, and there's a reason why you still see patches of snow in the winter.
How to find it? It's about a 25 minute drive north of hwy 80 from Truckee, outside of Reno, but still in California... -
Review from Ubersheist G.
Santa Barbara, CA
6/11/2007
Rustic, new-age-y, pachouli-smelling, run-down, and filled with naked hippies and ailing septuagenarians... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This place is not the Hilton. Pretty far from it. The historic lodge is ancient, musty and terribly creaky. The help is usually disheveled. You have to walk about a 1/4 mile to the hot springs.
With all of that said, I love the place. It's supremely comfortable and always leaves me feeling relaxed and rejuvinated. Gazing skywards in the "dome" pool, contemplating the strange architecture as snow falls outside and sand flows between your toes is truely heaven on Earth.
The hot springs and it's adjacent hotel/dormatory are pretty remote. My tip is to come there prepared with your own food, a good book, and shoes that can stand a bit of mud from the walk over to the pools.
I've also had two professional massages from CMTs who are on staff at Sierra, and had two of the best massages ever.
If you're open-minded, free-spirited, and love a good soak, then don't pass this place by.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Allie A.
2/2/2010
Gettin' nekkid and enjoying hot springs - it's a time-honored tradition that everyone's got to do at least once in their lifetime. If it's not on your bucket list, put it on.
In order to allow nudity (I mean, clothing-optional activities), this places charges a membership fee. It's not much, $5 for a month, plus the cost of an all-day entry fee ($20).
The set-up is quite nice, set back into the woods. If you're lucky and it's not too crowded, the silence, punctuated by birdsong, is part of the beautiful experience here. I always meant to try one of the neat little bathtubs they have tucked away in the woods, but I haven't had the chance yet.
On the weekends, it does tend to get crowded and you'll see a lot more kids around. There's the occasional creeper who stares, but for the most part, people are quite respectful. Yes, you're going to see bodies of all genders, ages, sizes and shapes, hairy and shaved - but that's what real life is about. Not every woman is 5'10", 115 pounds, with silicone implants. Not every man has washboard abs. But I think I'd probably feel MORE uncomfortable if everyone was like that.
I enjoyed the hot springs inside the geodesic dome - but come prepared - Don't Wear Your Jewelry! I had a ring that was hopelessly ruined by the minerals in the water. It wasn't an expensive ring, but I liked it and can no longer wear it.Listed in: Quirky places around Reno /…
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Review from Jaz W.
ASTORIA, NY
7/14/2009
A recent visit here with two very good friends brought us through the entire spectrum of human emotion. The experience was liberating, relaxing, uncomfortable, magical, and most certainly unique.
The grounds themselves were simultaneously more and less than I had anticipated. The setting of the hot springs was insanely gorgeous, and I will never forget my moonlit walk to the large swimming pool. However, the facilities were vintage 70's era all the way. Admittedly, this is part of this place's charm.
So, my visit to Sierra Hot Springs marked my first experience with public/group nudity. In and of itself, really not a big deal, after the novelty wears off. And feeling the air on my skin, and the warm water on my body was quite nice. Liberating, indeed.
However, one of my friends was made to feel very uncomfortable by the presence of another patron, who would not stop staring at her. She felt as though she was being followed around, and we wound up leaving the area, going to the remote meditation pool just to escape him. Not cool.
But escaping to the Meditation Pool was an experience unto itself. Sitting in the pool, I looked up at a sky full of stars, like rhinestones scattered on velvet. The full moon hung behind the branches of a quaking Aspen tree... for me, that defined the word magical. Getting dive-bombed in the face by a bat (yes, a flying rodent) shortly afterwards was totally unexpected and a bit freaky, but I guess these things happen when you hang out in the forest. That's just Mother Nature, reminding us who's boss. :-)
Above all else, Sierra Hot Springs is a totally unique adventure, and while I probably won't go back, I'm glad I experienced it. -
Review from Amanda B.
Sacramento, CA
4/26/2007
My first passion is food, my second hot springs. I don't know why, but something about soaking naked in a hot slippery pool that sometimes stinks like eggs is amazing. I swear I come out feeling like a new person. Sierra Hot Springs was my first developed hot spring experience. In New Mexico there are several spots in USFS land that attract cult followings and are absolutely free.
At Sierra, I pony-ed up my money, stripped, washed down with most amazing homemade lavender soap and jumped in the warm pool (I can't take the cold plunge), moved on to the hippy-dippy geodesic dome hot pool (with sand at the bottom which is so amazing for the feet) and was immediately in love with Sierra Springs. I lounged in the Sauna, purged of all bacteria and viruses in my body, and left a new person.
Read Dan K.'s review for more details, but I would skip Harbin and go straight to Sierra. I wasn't afraid of hippies or old scuzzy dudes. I relaxed and enjoyed my soak. -
Review from Marcy M.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2009
My props to the wonderful, friendly staff... I feel guilty already for what I'm about to say...
I came here to get away... but as soon as I arrived, the guests stressed me out. Within 5 minutes, I was busted for bringing a bottle of wine by an aging female hippy, chatted up in the Meditation pool, and lectured on conspiracy theories and intentional communities and ownership by someone who told me 'I meditate, I don't read'. Another woman, before even introducing herself, attempted to bum a 5 hour ride back to the city with me... no social decorum whatsoever. I don't even know you, lady! That and the amorous couple in the meditation pool the next day had me walk back lest I disturb them from their moment.
I've not too too much against hippies, but I really didn't come here for 'community'. I came here to be left alone.
Between the screaming children on the lawn, the broken sauna, too too hot hot pool, and bugs in the warm pool, I just could not chill out.
Until snagging some privacy at 6am in the meditation pool, only faint traffic noise (yes hard to believe but sound travels across the valley), I finally was able to breathe a bit.
I see this place as a pit stop and not a destination.
Again, it is what it is, needs a little more cleanliness and care, but the staff are sweethearts and I gather they do whatever they can to keep it going. -
Review from Audra K.
Washington, DC
7/2/2008
Room 8 is haunted. (Just ask at the lodge) It used to be a brothel a long time ago. The place is pretty spooky! We traded our key in for 2 beds in the dorm room up at the lodge. Closer to the tubs and a few more "live people" to keep us company.
On the other hand, the Globe is a great spot for large groups of people or couples to rent it out for a weekend. My friends did that a few years ago and had a great experience. But this past weekend there were only 2 of us, and it was too eerie! -
Review from Danyell K.
Tahoe City, CA
Updated - 12/21/2009
My, how...er...POPULAR you've gotten, Sierra...could it be a direct result of the e-mail list? I'm all for the Springs being enjoyed and everything, but I couldn't get AWAY from people AT ALL yesterday.
I understand that Sunday is a popular day. I really do. My last visit was on a Saturday afternoon, so I figured they'd be similar.
I was so wrong. This time, everyone was naked...and this time, they were out in full force.
The meditation pool was still nice...until a European couple came to it and proceeded to talk constantly. I left because of the noise. (And they weren't even enjoying the pool, itself. They were reading magazines under winter coats!)
The warm pool and hot spring were shoulder-to-shoulder and there was a water yoga class going on, so you couldn't really get into the warm pool without being assaulted by water noodles.
The dry sauna had five people packed into it - I would call capacity at three.
Top this all off with young kids splashing around in the hot spring and people failing to observe "silence" in meditation areas....I was sorely disappointed this time around.
I'm happy the springs are being enjoyed, but I think Sierra is starting to gain popularity too quickly and capacity is diminishing the nature of the springs. Might I suggest capping off the visitor count at a limit to ensure a pleasurable visit for all guests? Some of us DO use the springs to meditate.
I went home and read the printed-out newsletter. I read of a water slide being installed. This is ridiculous and I really hope Sierra Hot Springs gets a grip on things and decides NOT to add a water slide! This would completely take away from the silence and retreat and meditation aspect of everything.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2009
This place is absolutely wonderful! I would give it five stars easily - except the Globe Hotel is… Read more »
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Review from anita n.
Redwood City, CA
9/20/2011
I love this place and try to make it here at the very least once a year. Usually I trek up to the hot springs when I'm already in the tahoe area... but the last time ventured up specifically to spend a weekend here. I was going to camp, but instead decided to try out the globe hotel. Many people have said it's haunted... and perhaps it is, although nothing supernatural happened while I was there. The room was decorated in an african theme which was quaint and nice. The bed was too hard for my liking... but for some it may be what they like. Besides the bed being uncomfortable, I would stay at the globe again for sure. Sierra hot springs is a super chill place that is an excellent place to unwind. I highly recommend it!
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Review from kathryn f.
El Sobrante, CA
9/2/2008
This review is for the hot springs part of the resort only.
As of Sept. 2008 they have 3 pools open: an extremely hot tiled cement pool with cold plunge beside it that is housed in a geodesic dome, a warm swimming pool and a less developed warm pool (meditation pool).
Although the pools seemed clean and well maintained, and the surroundings are very pleasant I am only giving it 2 stars because of the atmosphere created here. It was quite busy when I was there and everyone was stark naked, which usually isn't a problem for me except that when everything is well lit and a bunch of the patrons are doing naked yoga right in my face (because the pool is set down into the floor you really do end up with genitals right beside your face when people decide they want to do some yoga). Most of the patrons are total hippies too, so be warned. The worst thing though is that there is a no talking rule for all of the pools which gets really stuffy. Oh and there's no alcohol allowed either. I wont be going there again.
By the way, we drove straight through the resort and camped in the national forest for free and it was pretty nice, heaps of flat places to camp and the forest is dense enough for some privacy. You can camp for free within easy walking distance of the resort. -
Review from DJ P.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009
This was a first time experience for me on many levels. I had never visited a hot spring / resort before, nor had I ever ventured out into co-ed public nudity. The grounds were quite gorgeous, but the changing room areas were a bit old school / swanky 70's feeling. The sauna was also tiny... like only 5 people at a time.
Over all, being outside under the stars in a natural hot spring was quite invigorating. There were a lot more people in each pool / hot spring than I expected, but over all everyone kept to themselves. I think there is a no talking rule, especially in the mediation area, but people were still being inconsiderate while massaging each other and talking some jabber about pressure points while I was in there. The water temperature in that pool was REALLY warm btw... and I loved it.
None the less, I did not feel awkward shedding my clothes here and jumping in with everyone else. My friends and I went on the 4th of July, watched the sun set, and had a very relaxing visit here. There was quite the variety of all walks of life, but to sum it up in one word - Earthy. -
Review from Amar K.
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
we made plans to go here for my bday weekend, which also fell over the jan holiday, so it made it a do-able drive from the bay area - about 4-4.5 hours.
My very first time at SHS left me with a pretty favorable impression.
There a few things I would rate 5 stars and some I would only give 2. So here's a broken down list
the good:
location - middle of no where sierras seclusion - 5
gorgeous forested setting and lovely open meadows surrounded by snow tipped mountains - 5
friendly and helpful staff were responsive to inquiries before arrival and during our stay- 5
lovely warm pool filled with mineral water surrounded by a deck and chairs - 5
beautiful hot hot springs tub enclosed in the "temple dome" with two cold plunges, and beautiful stained glass - 5
amazing mineral fed 'meditation pool' on the property, set off into the woods (great hiking), somehow I managed to sit here for 9 hours straight, fabulous - 5
We spent our nights at the globe hotel - less than a mile from the SHS, both the globe and the lodge have great kitchens where you can store and prepare meals (but bring your own food, there is very little at surrounding area stores) - 5
Shared bathrooms at the globe where not as big a deal as I thought, and it was a pleasure most times it felt like we had the whole place to ourself - 4
the bad, the ugly
Dressing rooms that lead to the main pool could use better upkeep throughout the day. on several occasions the soap was very low, and one shower (the middle most one) smelled horribly of mold. The other shower stall didn't look much better, but certainly didn't have the stench... encouraging everyone to shower before they enter the pools seems like a must, but seriously, someone clean these showers, gross! -1
the site claims to have wifi - but it only works in certain places of the building or certain times - I would have just preferred they didn't have it, or that it was actually working and accessible, don't count on it - 2
The lady cleaning the globe seemed a little unhappy, maybe she wished she was on a holiday weekend too, but her dark mood was a little bit of a downer, even my partner made a comment about it- 2
what goes best with amzing mineral baths? A great sauna! While the site has a "newly updated" sauna, it's pretty small, fitting around only 4 people comfortably... and at least twice while I was there we were trying to cram 5 or 6 people inside, for heaven's sake, such a nice place should have a bigger sauna (think Kiva, or Stewart mineral springs)- 2
the lodging at the globe offered a "dander-free" alternative for those with allergies, as there are resident pets at the lodge. While we stayed at the globe due to space availability, not allergies, I am sensitive to dust and dander. While the globe is a very beautiful hotel, which appears to be reasonable well kept for its age, our bedroom at the globe had a slightly musty smell, and maybe dusty too (like older carpet?) which gave me pretty substantial asthma both nights to where I had to use my inhaler. - 2
the rooms at the globe are sweet but small (this is an older building from around the turn of the century), some rooms may be better than others for two people. We had a queen size bed, that just fit into the rm with a dresser and small side table, there was barely any room to move around. luckily we didn't spend too much time in the room, but we were a little taken by how small the rm was - 2
All in all this is a wonderful magical place. But do your homework and come prepared, and it will make it that much more of a pleasurable experience.
I can't wait to go back sometime soon. -
Review from Timothy J.
Mountain View, CA
3/19/2010
Thanks to yelp or we never would have known about Sierra Hot Springs. This is a great place if you ski in Lake Tahoe. It's not very far
out of town and a great place to soak after a long day of
snowboarding or skiing. It is also fairly inexpensive.
For some additional pictures and a review, please see
my blog at http://hotspringofcali...;
Cheers!
THJ -
Review from Shayna N.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2008
naked old hippies, water yoga, nature, fields ... aahhh.
The hot spring tub is in a dome at the end of a lane. In the same area you can find two ice-cold chill tubs. You can jump from one to the other til your whole body tingles and you can't tell what's hot or cold any more. There's an out door pool and deck to lay in the sun with a sauna behind it (it wasn't working)
We came with a group over 10 and got a discount packet of $11 / 3 hour pass. There's also a lodge and places to stay and camp.
I'm still relaxed. Yeah, it's a probably little tooo hippy for me but once I jump from hot tub to cold spring and back several times i'm way too chill to complain about anything. -
Review from Mike W.
El Sobrante, CA
7/27/2008
A good place to stay is the Globe Hotel- their hotel property in Sierra Valley crossroads. You can use the kitchen there to make your food. I think the Globe Hotel has a sauna. The bathrooms are big and spacious.
It's not too far from the Springs. I think we paid $99 for the room. We've also stayed at the old Lodge and eaten in the kitchen downstairs. Nice to be there around the fireplace with a book. We always go in the dead of Winter and walk through the snow to the Springs and it's never crowded.
I think the road to the place is called Lemon Springs.
Don't forget to drive over to Loyalton to the Blue Moon Bakery. Loyalton is a real wild west spot.
Birding in the Spring and Summer is great. Drive to Marble Hot Springs road and look for Bittern and Cranes and Ibis and Marsh Wren etc etc. Swainson's hawks are very handsome.
Explore the backcountry above Sierra Brooks and look for Lewis Woodpecker.
I don't think it's dog friendly. That's the only reason we don't go anymore. We have too many doggies! -
Review from Jef B.
Sacramento, CA
9/19/2009
This review is for the Globe only - not the hot springs.
We made the mistake of deciding to come here after Burning Man. The place was packed with hippie-type Burners, apparently this is the thing to do after the Burn. But we got here so late, and had so much driving to do the next day, that we ended up just crashing in the Globe.
The Globe, without the hot springs, is really not that great. There is an odor to the hallways and rooms. The room was clean but there was a paucity of electrical outlets. Rooms are not well lit. For $88 I think I would have liked a private bathroom. The dirt road to the main office of the Hot Springs was also a bit more rugged than I was expecting; I had a huge amount of gear bunji'ed to our car and after Burning Man I guess I had had about as much of savage wild dirt roads as I could handle.
But it's our own fault. We should have just gotten a hotel room in Reno. We look forward to experiencing the Sierra Hot Springs themselves sometime soon - maybe then the Globe will look better. -
Review from Charlie K.
Mountain View, CA
2/21/2007
I am writing this review with experience here and at Harbin hot springs and Wilbur hot springs, both of which I have also reviewed.
Sierra hot springs is totally run-down and sketchy remote, but the seclusion and remoteness of the location made it a lot less crowded. We went on a holiday weekend in the summer, and were lucky to get one of the "best" rooms in the main house. The room was basically assembled out of furniture and sheets/curtains out of a thrift store. The price was pretty high for what we got, and I might camp next time. The kitchen was tiny, and the common areas were pretty sparse as well. The restaurant was OK, but not open very often.
The main tubs, which are a 5-10 minute hike from the house, were alright, but crowded (not as crowded as Harbin though). There is one big warm pool, which was great at night because we could see the stars and whatnot. The smaller hot plunge was cool, as it was enclosed in a little hut. It was supposed to be a quiet meditation place or something, but there were still noisy people in there sometimes. There were some other springs scattered around the property, but we couldn't find any that were suitable for soaking. There is one other tub that's developed that's out in the woods by the campground. This tub is the best ever! It's surrounded by garden with lawn and a little sun deck, and the tub itself is lined with large stones, and the ground is sand. It's far enough away from everything that it's pitch black at night, so you could get in and not even know someone else was in there! The only downfall of this is that the shower is ice cold and outdoors. All other showers are indoors, which is nice.
The property is attached to the Tahoe National Forest, so there is plenty of hiking and off-road driving nearby, and the seclusion is really a good benefit.
In general, I recommend this hot springs, but not so much the lodging and the crowds. Come at night, and confine yourself to the remote, outdoor pool, and you might have a relaxing time. -
Review from Sharon M.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2008
if you are a nudity loving burning man share all type (like, for example, my husband) there would be nothing to say bad about sierra hot springs. i, however, am a cynical gal who doesn't love a naked nutsac all that much.
what i do love, though, is a late night pitch black soak with a best friend in a natural hot spring pool with sandy bottom and so many stars it looked like an optical illusion. bats flying overhead so close they create a wind against your skin.
i also love a pool sized natural hot spring with a gorgeous sunny deck and a view of cows grazing away.
don't love a shared kitchen. don't love being excited for a great restaurant to arrive and find it's only open on weekends. don't love the child's pose from a dude one foot away from my head, sac a swingin' in my face. -
Review from Lilah A.
Oceanside, CA
6/24/2010 2 photos
This was my first experience to a hot spring, maybe it was who I was with, but I think it all created an amazing experience. I can't wait to take more advantage of the yoga classes, restaurant, and lodging when I return to Tahoe.
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Review from n b.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/27/2008
Very simple accommodations near the Sierra Hot Springs which is a short drive away. Bathrooms are shared. The only time I've been there and it's been really crowded was during New Year's one year.
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11/12/2006
I don't wear patchouly, have never had dreads, and don't like drum circles. But I like hot springs.… Read more »
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Review from tahoe g.
Squaw Valley, CA
1/18/2010
I have to agree with a lot of what has already been said. It was an experience, I'll give it that.
I came here to relax and get a massage at the lodge. The pools and "meditation area" weren't very relaxing nor was it possible to meditate with kids running around and yelling and many of the people there talking loudly and eating and dropping crumbs. A group of kids were splashing all over the the adults in the pool, including me, as their mom heedlessly looked on. There were indeed some creepy guys there, one who had a semi-erection and another who wore very dark sunglasses and stayed in the corner of the pool. One guy had Brazilian wax job--that's right, no hair anywhere. In contrast, some the women were quite hirsute, armpits and all. This experience was enough to make me certain that although this might be liberating or great for some people, it wasn't for me. For whatever reason, people like to take kids here. One of the dads was doing a lot of staring every time his wife turned around. Hardly surprising--let's face it, guys like to look, and look they did. Why go to this small and quite ordinary pool and hot roofed bath far from anywhere except for the nudity aspect?
The massage I had was quite good, although the masseuse smelled like she had been smoking. I'd like to go back anyway for a massage--it was a good deal and better than the massages I have paid big $$$ for at fancy spas. I loved the organic coconut oil that is used.
The people who work at the Main Lodge and hotel are friendly and nice. The dinner menu looked quite good and healthy, but I couldn't stay that late. The Main Lodge seemd very calm and cozy, compared to the pool party a short walk away. -
Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2008
Very relaxing place. I like the vibe here.
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Review from jakob t.
Sierraville, CA
9/15/2008
If you are a pampered queen then I don't think this is the place for you. It is rustic to say the least. The kitchen serves good home style food, the massages rock, the pools are great. My favorite is the meditation pool that sits out in the meadow but avoid it at sundown when the mosquitoes are feasting. The Globe hotel has the best kitchen and bathrooms. Try the steam room down stairs! The dry sauna is at the big pool and its a great sweat. Winters are great up there, less crowded and the hot pool warms the bones to the core. The help there varies, and these are not the hippie types from their sister hot springs Harbin Hot Springs. These are more the mountain hippies with edge and most of the time have a great sense of humor due to life harder up there. No ego based uppity yoga chicks there. Great Place!
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Review from Spencer T.
Reno, NV
2/28/2010
What can one say about this place? WOW. I went up to visit a couple of friends and WOW. This place is AMAZING. The room they had was very nice,warm and quiet. The kitchen downstairs was were Nicko made a wonderful meal. This is a place I'll be going to get a life time membership.
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Review from Dan K.
San Francisco, CA
5/31/2006
Allright I admit it - I like getting naked. And I like to take baths. And during my teenage rebelious stage I had a couple of dreadlocks. So all and all NorCal hotsprings like Sierra give me a warm fuzzy feeling. or maybe that's just that hot water.
Sierra Hot Springs is the sister "resort" to the (in)famous Harbin Hot Springs in Lake County. Located in Sierraville, about a half hour north of Truckee, this place is in a spectacular alpine valley. I went over memorial day weekend, and this time of year the wildflowers are out and the valley is a vivid green. It also snowed one night! but it was warm and sunny the next day. You can sit in the warm pool (98-100 degrees) and look out over the pristine valley and listen to the wind in the trees and generally turn into a glob of fully relaxed human flesh. The hot pool is inside a geodesic dome and is pretty hot (105-7) but not as punnishingly hot as the one at Harbin. Theres also a bunch of old tubs scattered around throughout the 700 acres that are fed by smaller springs -- although these small tubs are not maintaned and are "use at your own risk" whatever that means. Can a bathtub kill you?
So half the fun of a hotsprings is getting naked in public. The other half is doing nothing but commuting from the hot pool to the warm pool to the sauna to the cold plunge to the hot pool to just hanging around naked looking out on a beautiful valley. And don't forget to get a massage -- at $65 for an hour massage you can't not get one. Between my friends and I we sampled three different massueses and all got great reviews.
Sierra felt a little less militantly hippie than Harbin, had less of a "bay area" feel, and was much less crowded (even on a holiday weekend it didn't feel crowded). There were a few more screaming little kids than I would have liked, but then again I believe in forced abortions for all breeders.
We stayed at the Globe Hotel. This place was really creepy, but in a charming way. Built in the 1870s, it used to be a brothel. It's in the "town" of Sierraville, about a 5 min drive to the hotsprings. We arrived around 9pm on a friday and there was no sign, all the lights were off, no one was in the building, and we were throughly spooked. Turns out you check in at the Main Lodge at the Hot Springs, about a mile away. The rooms are tiny, simple, and rustic. More of a monk's cell with a few whore house touches than a fancy resort. Bathrooms are shared. By keeping everything so simple I really felt like I was back in another time, and it was the perfect budget get away - $100 gets you a room for two, entrance to the hot springs, and use of the communal kitchen. There's also a camping and a dorm style room at the main lodge. I'd be careful with the cmaping though - like I said, we got snow when we were up here at the end of May.
You'll probably want to bring some food as the eating options in town are limited: The Roundup Cafe (the local greasy spoon, open for breakfast and lunch, where you can sit with the locals who drink beer with breakfast) and Los Dos Hermanos, a mexican place where every meal comes with a pound of cheese. There's also an organic restaurant at the main lodge, but it's hours are very limited.
And don't forget to check out the "funny farm" behind the general store! Petunia is the cutest pig you'll ever meet.
And for you jetsetters -- yes, they have a private airstrip on the property. -
Review from Lewis G.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2008
We wanted to try out the hot springs there as some of ours friends came eariler that year and described it as very cool and worth it.
So we took the car and went for the ride. The fact that it is so far from everything is annoying but at least it is quiet (and that is good).
However we have been very disapppointed when we have been asked tp pay $28 per person for the camping ground!! At this price I expected at least some of the comodities but there is nothing there. Just an field where you can lay down your tent.
After installing our tent, we decided to head for the pools. We went to the meditation one. It seemed pretty nice at first. Cool surroundings (grass, vegetation...), very quiet and beautiful pool. The surprise was when we saw all the dead insects floating at the surface with hair (as well as body hair, yuk!). So I understand it is supposed to be a "hippy" place, but I don''t think it is supposed to be dirty!
Disgusted, we went back to our tent, just to discover a sign telling us the pools and the water were not satisfying the requirements of the Health Department...
Do I need to tell more?
Expensive, dirty, dangerous.
It should be closed... -
Review from dana c.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2011
i *loved* this little hidden gem of a place. we were staying about an hour away in tahoe and drove in the snow, it was well worth it. we got there and waited in the restaurant for our friends with the membership. they had just pulled a fresh home made blackberry pie out of the oven. well we bought the whole thing and she gave us free ice cream. the cost was around $11 a person. the place is pretty small. you walk directly into the changing room. it was very un-crowded. we ran out in the snow a few feet and went into the hottest of the pools. it felt heavenly. it's in a dome like place with a buddha. from there we hopped into the cold plunge which is in the same place. eeeeeeh! then ran out and got in the warm pool. aaaahhhh feels sooo goood. watching the snow come down, the stars up above, and the steam rising from the pool was incredible. we had a great experience. i recommend going as long its not crowded!!!
