Developed hot spring pool · California
East Fork Carson River Hot Springs
Alpine County, California · 8.3 miles south of Gardnerville Ranchos, NV
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 149°F (65°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Clothing optional
- Nearest town
- Gardnerville Ranchos, NV (8 mi / 13 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 3
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About East Fork Carson River Hot Springs
East Fork Carson River Hot Springs is a developed hot spring pool in Alpine County, California, about 8.3 miles south of Gardnerville Ranchos, NV. The nearest large city is Carson City, NV, roughly 27 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 149°F (65°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself. At developed sites the soaking pools are normally cooled to a comfortable level, so the pools you sit in will be cooler than this figure.
This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.
The site has 3 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks East Fork Carson River Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 38.76959, -119.71470.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Gardnerville Ranchos, NV. The spring is about 8.3 miles (13 km) south of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Carson City, NV, about 27 miles (43 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Reno, NV.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near East Fork Carson River Hot Springs
- Grovers Hot Springs 147°F
- Walleys Hot Springs 160°F
- Saratoga Hot Spring 122°F
- Hobo Hot Springs 115°F
- Nevada State Prison Spring 75°F
- Wilson Hot Spring 183°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is East Fork Carson River Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 149°F (65°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is East Fork Carson River Hot Springs?
East Fork Carson River Hot Springs is in Alpine County, California, about 8.3 miles south of Gardnerville Ranchos, NV. The GPS coordinates are 38.7696, -119.7147.
Is East Fork Carson River Hot Springs clothing optional?
It is recorded as clothing optional. Rules can change, so follow any posted signs.
What hot springs are near East Fork Carson River Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Grovers Hot Springs, about 8.6 miles southwest. Walleys Hot Springs is about 16 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.