Hot Springs and Chill Vibes

If you are looking for a warm place to soak your muscles after a long day of skiing and hiking, look no further than the Sierra Hot Springs, 30 minutes north of Truckee. This hidden gem boasts a wide variety of pools, a cedar sauna, and cold plunges.

This resort feels like a step back in time and is far removed from today's corporate resorts in Truckee and North Tahoe. Think Victorian architecture with a dash of Nevada City and Grass Valley's hippie culture. Sierraville has a very different topography than Truckee and North Tahoe. It is a wide-open valley with great views and a strong ranching culture still intact. When I went most recently, it was for an evening soak. Unlike Donner Summit, the frogs were already out. It was magical to watch the clouds race by the moon, hear the frogs and a pair of owls as I floated in the warm pool. It was heaven.

For the soaking, there is a meditation pool that is a bit on the cold side for the winter, but is lovely in early spring or summer. This pool sits separate from the others. This pool is outside and framed by rocks. The main pools are found a 10-minute walk from the parking area. There is a nice bathhouse to rinse off prior to getting into the pools. Then you enter a geodesic dome that contains the hottest pool and is surrounded by cold plunges. Beyond this dome is an outdoor pool that is delightful in the winter at 98-100 degrees. There is a nice sundeck for lounging, and beyond this is the cedar sauna.

The hotel is open for stays and, over the weekends, they serve food and host a wide variety of events. Massages are also available, as is car camping. No dogs are allowed on the premises, and they are also not allowed to be left in your car. Typically, one member of your group needs to join the hot springs for a one-year membership, and then you can purchase either day or evening soak passes. If it is summer, bring sandals or flip-flops. In the winter, or mud season, wear warm and comfortable shoes that you are ok with getting wet both inside and outside as you move around the resort and walk between the different pools. The resort is closed currently on Monday and Tuesday.

Bring your own water bottle and find a sense of peace. In the great traditions of hot springs in ski resort towns, these hot springs are clothing-optional. After you are done soaking, go grab a cold beer and a taco at Los Dos Hermanos. Los Dos Hermanos closes early, as much of this small town does, so be prepared for that.

Call ahead to make sure there is room for your group and also to purchase passes, etc. There is some variability between seasons in the operations of the resort, so call the friendly front desk to get more information. Then enjoy and let your worries and the fast pace of modern life float away!

Is there anything better than a warm soak after a good day on the slopes?