Natural hot spring · California
Kern Hot Spring
Tulare County, California · 21 miles southwest of Lone Pine, CA
Also searched as:Kern River Hot Springs · Kern Hot Springs · Hot Springs Kern County
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 109°F (43°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Lone Pine, CA (21 mi / 33 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
About Kern Hot Spring
Kern Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in Tulare County, California, about 21 miles southwest of Lone Pine, CA. The nearest large city is Porterville, CA, roughly 44 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 109°F (43°C). That puts it in the "very hot" range. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Water temperature
Very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
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 Kern Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 36.47700, -118.40400.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Lone Pine, CA. The spring is about 21 miles (33 km) southwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Porterville, CA, about 44 miles (71 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Visalia, CA.
- 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 Kern Hot Spring
- Jordan Hot Springs 124°F
- Dirty Socks Hot Spring 93°F
- Bat Pool Not recorded
- Volcano Pool 120°F
- Upper Warm Spring Not recorded
- Coso Hot Springs 207°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 Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- 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 Kern Hot Spring?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 109°F (43°C), which is very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
Where is Kern Hot Spring?
Kern Hot Spring is in Tulare County, California, about 21 miles southwest of Lone Pine, CA. The GPS coordinates are 36.4770, -118.4040.
Can you soak at Kern Hot Spring?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Kern Hot Spring?
The closest listed spring is Jordan Hot Springs, about 18 miles south. Dirty Socks Hot Spring is about 27 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 the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List, OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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.