Warm Spring, Hot Spring

San Bernardino County, California · Near Lake Arrowhead
34.3400°N, 117.1730°W · 3,520 ft
108°F 62°F air · Good soaking weather 3,520 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (5.1 mi)

Warm Spring, Hot Spring, is the USGS label for a hot spring in San Bernardino National Forest about six miles from Lake Arrowhead. The water is at the top of the soaking range, near bath-hot. Forest Service land, listed open, about a thousand feet off forest roads 3N67 and 3N59. Water chemistry on file from 1992.

Location

Mountains at roughly 3,500 feet, dry, with light snow. The nearest roads are the forest routes 3N67/3N59. National Forest land. The 1992 sample showed mildly alkaline water that runs low in dissolved solids; sodium and sulfate show up in the listed constituents. North Shore campground is about five miles away.

On paper the best time is winter, and snow is light. Short walk. Camp at North Shore. No fee recorded. Test the water first; it runs hot. The chemistry is over thirty years old.

History of Warm Spring, Hot Spring

The Wikipedia article attached to this record is for Deep Creek Hot Springs, which it places in the northern Mojave Desert section of the San Bernardino National Forest near Hesperia. the record here does not confirm this point is the same spring. A USGS sample dates from July 1992.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Warm Spring, Hot Spring.

Aerial view of the ground around Warm Spring, Hot Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Warm Spring, Hot Spring
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the south.
Highest ground nearby
447 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the south
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from north to south, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
76 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's close to the US average of 65. It's higher than at 11% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
47°
Jan
48°
Feb
52°
Mar
58°
Apr
63°
May
74°
Jun
79°
Jul
79°
Aug
73°
Sep
64°
Oct
54°
Nov
46°
Dec
Annual Precip: 9.4 in Annual Snow: 6.0 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 46°F · Water 108°F · +62° contrast
January Air 47°F · Water 108°F · +61° contrast
February Air 48°F · Water 108°F · +60° contrast
December offers 33°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
62°F
S 28.8 mph 58% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 80° Low 62° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +28° warmer
Wednesday 77° Low 60° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +31° warmer
Thursday 78° Low 59° Sunny
Spring is +30° warmer
Friday 81° Low 60° Sunny
Spring is +27° warmer
Saturday 83° Low 62° Sunny
Spring is +25° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1992-07-03

The water at Warm Spring, Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.2) with 352 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 8.2 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 19 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 2 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 85 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 150 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 15 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
North Shore (Ca) 5.1 mi away

Overview North Shore Campground is a quiet place to camp, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. The campground is nestled among Southern California's pine-covered mountains, providing ample opportunity for outdoor relaxation and recreation.Recreation The North Shore National Recreation Trail connects the campground with Papoose Lake (trail is not accessible). The 1.7-mile trail descends through a mixed conifer forest and settles along Little Bear Creek, providing scenic views of t...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
108°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 108°F (42°C)
Avg Air Temp 62°F
Above Ambient +47°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road 3N67/3N59
Distance to Road 0.2 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit San Bernardino National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Warm Spring, Hot Spring?
Warm Spring, Hot Spring has a water temperature of 108°F (42°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Warm Spring, Hot Spring located?
Warm Spring, Hot Spring is located in San Bernardino County, California at 3,520 feet elevation, near Lake Arrowhead. Coordinates: 34.3400°N, 117.1730°W.
How do I get to Warm Spring, Hot Spring?
Warm Spring, Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being 3N67/3N59 (0.2 mi from the road).
Is Warm Spring, Hot Spring free to visit?
Warm Spring, Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Warm Spring, Hot Spring?
Yes, North Shore (Ca) is located nearby (5.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Warm Spring, Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.2 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 352 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia