Natural
100–108°F
Mono Hot Springs, CA6,900ft
Mono Hot Springs
Sierra Nevada Hot Springs in the John Muir Wilderness
4.6(1,240)
LodgingCamping / RV+2
"Clifftop Hot Springs Over the Pacific Ocean"
About This Location
Esalen Institute's famous hot spring baths perch on a cliff 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean on the Big Sur coast. The baths are fed by a natural 120°F spring and cooled to soaking temperature. The combination of hot mineral water, ocean air, and the sound of waves crashing below creates one of the most transcendent soaking experiences in the world. Access requires either a workshop enrollment or a late-night reservation.
History
Esalen was founded in 1962 as a center for humanistic education and has hosted figures including Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, and Joseph Campbell. The hot springs have been used since prehistoric times by the Esselen people.
Pools & Soaking Areas
104°F
Cliff Baths
Open-air tubs on the cliff edge, ocean views
106°F
Cave Baths
Intimate cave-like setting carved into the cliff
Mineral Content
SulfurSodiumCalciumMagnesiumSilica
Amenities
LodgingSpa ServicesFood & BeverageClothing OptionalAdults OnlyReservations Required
Insider Tip
The 1–3 AM public access slots are clothing-optional and nearly always uncrowded. The experience of soaking in 104°F water while watching moonlight on the Pacific is worth the late hour.
SOAKER REVIEWS
4.5
2 reviews
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TrailBear_CO
· Winter
Absolutely worth the drive
Esalen Institute exceeded every expectation. The water temperature was perfect and the setting is stunning. We arrived early to beat the crowds — highly recommend doing the same.
SoakSeekerSarah
· Winter
Great soak, busy on weekends
Loved the mineral pools and the views. It does get crowded on Saturday afternoons so try to go mid-week if you can. Staff was friendly and the facilities were clean.
