Mono Hot Springs, Fresno, CA Updated Guide 2026

If I had to pick one California hot spring to send a first-timer to, Mono Hot Springs would be in the top 3. Free public pools from 85°F to 112°F, a historic cobblestone resort at 6,700 feet in the Sierra Nevada, and wilderness that actually feels wild. I’m Vanessa from CATRAVELTIMES.  I research and visit California’s hot springs firsthand, and this one earns every bit of the 70-mile drive northeast from Fresno. Open May through October. 

What is Mono Hot Springs?: Quick Detail

The Mono tribe used these pools for healing long before any road existed here. By 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a bathhouse on the San Joaquin River’s south bank. Walter Hill started the resort in 1935, hand-collecting river cobblestones one cabin per summer. 

Located 70 miles northeast of Fresno in Sierra National Forest, the 6 free public pools range from 85°F to 112°F. Bathhouse sessions cost $7 for 30 minutes, camping runs $36/night, and Google rates the resort 4.0/5. Visit in late September  cool air, quieter crowds, and the heat feels genuinely earned. Knowing that history changes how you sit in the water. Now let me tell you how to get here.

Mono Hot Springs: Directions

From Clovis, take Highway 168 east through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end, turn right onto Kaiser Pass Road at the Eastwood Visitor Center. Drive 17 miles to the junction of Edison and Florence Lake roads, turn left, and travel 1.6 more miles to the campground.

GPS coordinates: 37.326°N, 119.018°W. Address: Kaiser Pass Road, Lakeshore, CA 93634. The last stretch is single-lane, narrow, and cut into granite cliffs plan 45 minutes of focused driving after Huntington Lake. The moment the basin opens up, you’ll understand why I stopped the car before I even found parking.

Mono Hot Springs Photos: What I Shot and Why

I photographed Old Pedro at sunrise when steam was rising and no one else was there. I also shot the CCC-era concrete pools, the cobblestone cabin exteriors, and the view down the San Joaquin River from the bridge. The granite scale doesn’t fit in one frame.

The photos never fully do it justice but they’ll give you a sense of what to expect.

Everything You Need to Know About Mono Hot Springs

Is Mono Hot Springs Free to Visit?

The public hot springs on Sierra National Forest (SNF) land are free. There are 6 pools on the hillside across the South Fork of the San Joaquin River Old Pedro is the hottest at 112°F. The resort’s bathhouse costs $7 per person for a 30-minute session, available 12–4 PM. I did both  free pools for the wild soak, bathhouse for the shower after.

What Are Mono Hot Springs Cabin Options and Prices?

Mono Hot Springs cabins range from rustic tent cabins to historic stone cabins and a honeymoon suite at $279/night. The cobblestone cabins sleep up to 6 with full kitchens, fireplaces, and daily firewood. All cabin stays include free bathhouse access. Call 559-325-1710  they take reservations year-round. Visiting in July? Book at least 6 weeks out.

How Do I Make Mono Hot Springs Campground Reservations?

Mono Hot Springs Campground reservations are made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The campground has 31 sites at 6,528 feet on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, each with a picnic table, grill, and bear-proof locker. Camping runs $36/night. No potable water on-site get it from the resort general store. Holiday weekends fill; book early or go mid-week.

What Is the Mono Hot Springs Elevation?

Mono Hot Springs sits at 6,700 feet (2,042 meters) above sea level. Kaiser Pass, which the road crosses before descending to the basin, reaches 9,175 feet. Give yourself time to adjust on arrival I felt the altitude my first afternoon, and I know better than to push it on day one.

Is Mono Hot Springs Pet Friendly?

Dogs are welcome at Mono Hot Springs on a leash, but are not permitted in the pools. The surrounding Sierra National Forest terrain is great for dogs trails, riverbanks, and granite slabs are all accessible. No glass containers on the property.

Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Mono Hot Springs?

Old Pedro hits 112°F I kept my soaks there under 10 minutes. The CCC-era concrete pools sit between 95–104°F, where you can stay 30–40 minutes without issue. There’s a mild sulfur note, nothing overwhelming, and it clears fast. The resort bathhouse is cleaner and more consistent but less wild.

Fall is the move September weekdays are quiet, the aspens go gold, and the cold morning air makes every degree of heat feel earned. Now let’s get into what else you can do here.

Things to do at Mono Hot Springs?

I spent most of my time between the free pools and the river. Going from a 104°F soak into the cold San Joaquin is one of the better things I’ve done in the Sierra. There’s more here than most people expect.

Soak in the Free Public Hot Springs Pools

The 6 public pools on the hillside across the river are the main attraction. Admission is free and they are accessible whenever the road is open (May–October). Old Pedro is the hottest at 112°F. The CCC-era concrete-walled pools are more comfortable for long soaks. Go before 9 AM on weekends to have them to yourself.

Fly Fishing the San Joaquin River

The South Fork of the San Joaquin River runs directly through the campground and around the resort. Wading and fishing are permitted; the river is stocked and known for rainbow and brown trout. Bring your own gear. The fishing here drew Walter Hill himself when he first came up in the 1920s there’s a reason he never stopped coming back.

Devil’s Table Trail

5 miles round-trip from the Mono Hot Springs trailhead, no entry fee. The trail climbs above the basin to open granite viewpoints overlooking the San Joaquin River drainage. I did this on my second morning and the scale of the Sierra from up there recalibrated something in me. Go early and carry water.

White Bark Vista

A scenic overlook within the Mono Hot Springs area offering panoramic views of the High Sierra granite basin. Free, accessible from the resort area. If you only have an hour between soaks and dinner, this is where I’d send you. The light at sunset here is something else. For more wild soaks worth the drive across California, the hot springs destinations at CATRAVELTIMES have you covered.

Doris Lake Day Hike

2 miles round-trip, free. A short, accessible hike to a Sierra lake set in granite. Good option if you want to move your legs without committing to a full day. The lake is quiet and cold and very clear.

Where to Stay & Eat Near Mono Hot Springs

I always base myself as close to the springs as possible. At Mono Hot Springs, that means the resort or the campground.

Hotels Near Mono Hot Springs

Mono Hot Springs Resort

The resort itself is the primary lodging, with options from tent cabins to the fully-equipped Honeymoon Cabin at $279/night. Historic cobblestone cabins sleep up to 6 and include kitchens, fireplaces, and free bathhouse access. Google rating: 4.0/5. Address: 70,000 Edison Lake Rd, Mono Hot Springs, CA 93642. Call 559-325-1710 for reservations.

Lakeshore Resort

Located at Huntington Lake, roughly 17 miles from Mono Hot Springs via Kaiser Pass Road. A quieter base for those who want lodge-style comfort without camping. Rates vary seasonally. A solid option if you prefer to drive in to the springs each day rather than camp at elevation.

Tamarack Sierra Lodge

Located near Huntington Lake, offering cabin and lodge accommodations in the Sierra Nevada. Seasonal availability; rates vary. A reasonable choice for those who want a more established base camp while day-tripping to Mono Hot Springs and the surrounding wilderness.

Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR)

Located at Lake Thomas A. Edison, VVR is a legendary resupply and rest stop for John Muir Trail hikers. Tent cabins, bunkhouse, and meals available. Accessible by ferry across Edison Lake or by trail. A more remote option, best suited to those who plan to hike from Mono Hot Springs to the lake.

Restaurants Near Mono Hot Springs

River Rock Cafe at Mono Hot Springs Resort

The on-site cafe at the resort, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Known for the buffalo ribs multiple reviews mention them specifically. Limited menu focused on hearty mountain food. No formal Google hours listed; confirm with the resort. Remote location, so expect simple, satisfying cooking over fine dining. Address: Mono Hot Springs, CA 93642.

Lakeshore Resort Restaurant & Saloon

Located at Huntington Lake, about 17 miles west of Mono Hot Springs. A seasonal restaurant and saloon serving Sierra-style comfort food. Good option for a sit-down meal before or after the drive on Kaiser Pass Road. Hours vary by season.

Harvest Garden Cafe

Located in Fresno, en route to Mono Hot Springs on Highway 168. Good for a full breakfast or lunch stop before the long drive in. Worth timing your departure from Fresno around a meal stop here.

The Meltdown

A casual Fresno-area option for a meal stop heading in or out of the Sierra. Simple, filling food. Useful for the drive-in day when you want to top off before the last stretch.

What Are People Saying About Mono Hot Springs?

Google reviewers consistently praise the location, the free public pools, and the staff, rating the resort around 4.0/5. Most visitors note the road as demanding but worth it. The cobblestone cabins get called out regularly as genuinely charming. The honest critique: the rustic cabins are exactly that rustic. Expect old beds, no air conditioning, and the possibility of a scorpion. Couples and solo hikers love this place. Families with young kids do fine at the campground. Resort guests who expect polished hospitality sometimes struggle with the realities of remote mountain running.

My Honest Thought on Mono Hot Springs 

I came expecting a nice Sierra soak and left planning a return trip. Free wild pools, a National Register resort built by one family over decades, and real wilderness access at 6,700 feet that combination is rare in California. Right for solo hikers, couples who want something genuine, and anyone done with polished resort experiences. If you need reliable WiFi and a concierge, this isn’t the place. If you want water that’s been healing people for over a century while granite cliffs hold the last evening light  this is it. The cold pine air stepping out of Old Pedro at sunrise on my last morning is still with me.

FAQs About Mono Hot Springs

Q. When is Mono Hot Springs open?

Mono Hot Springs Resort and Kaiser Pass Road are open from Memorial Day weekend (around May 22) through late October (around October 26). The road closes in winter due to heavy snowfall. Plan your visit between May and October only.

Q. How long is the drive from Fresno to Mono Hot Springs?

The drive from Fresno to Mono Hot Springs is approximately 90 miles and takes around 2.5 hours. The last section via Kaiser Pass Road is single-lane and slow budget at least 45 minutes for that stretch alone. Gas up in Fresno or Clovis before heading in.

Q. Can I visit Mono Hot Springs without staying at the resort?

Yes. The free public pools on Sierra National Forest land are open to anyone, no reservation needed. Day visitors can park near the campground or resort, walk across the river, and soak at no cost. Bathhouse access for day visitors costs $7 per 30-minute session from 12–4 PM.

Q. Are large RVs allowed on Kaiser Pass Road?

No. RVs and motorhomes over 25 feet are not recommended on Kaiser Pass Road due to single-lane sections, blind curves, and steep grades. Standard vehicles handle it fine; truck campers and shorter rigs are generally okay. Leave the fifth wheel at home.

Q. Is there cell service at Mono Hot Springs?

Cell service is available on AT&T only and it’s limited. The resort general store has a public cell phone. Plan to be offline for the duration of your stay. Download offline maps before you leave Fresno.

Q. Do I need a 4WD vehicle to reach Mono Hot Springs?

No standard 2WD vehicles handle Kaiser Pass Road in summer conditions. The road is paved for most of the route with some dirt sections near the campground. High clearance helps on the last mile or two. Drive slowly and watch for oncoming traffic on the single-lane sections.

Q. Are campfires allowed at Mono Hot Springs Campground?

Campfires are permitted at designated fire rings and grills in the campground. Fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods check the Sierra National Forest (SNF) website or call 559-855-5355 before your trip for current conditions.