Sierra Hot Springs

Been Here?

“Green Tea Facial, Anyone?”

After a day on the slopes, imagine an après-ski soak in a domed temple, with snow-covered mountains as the backdrop. This followed by a green tea facial to sooth your snowburn, and a vegetarian delight at the Philosophy Café. Perhaps it doesn’t get any better. Or if you’re prone to hiking Sierra trails and Alpine meadows in the summer, you’ll be lured by the cold plunges, followed by a honey foot rub, and perhaps a brown sugar polish just to take off the rough edges. In the tiny town of Sierraville, 20 miles north of Truckee, and less that one hour from Lake Tahoe’s north shore, Sierra Hot Springs is a great destination year round.

Sierra Hot Springs is 700 acres that combine the best of forest and alpine meadows, with natural spring waters that define the essence of tranquility. The soothing waters were first enjoyed by Native Americans, who for centuries regarded the springs as a sacred healing place. In the 1850’s gold miners found rest here, and since then, the land has played host to hot springs resorts in a variety of shapes and forms. In the ‘90, Sierra Hot Springs took on its current form as a non-profit organization operated by a group of resident workers who want the very best for this tranquil spot. Two of the springs have been beautifully redeveloped, and the staff is equipped to provide a wide array of therapeutic body work.

Most important are the pools. The Temple Dome is a large geodesic dome with stained glass and skylights that encloses a hot pool with a sand bottom, complimented by two cold plunges. Outside, there’s a warm pool, a sundeck, and a dry sauna. The Meditation Pool takes you down rock steps to a sandy bottom. There’s perhaps no better place on earth for a long gaze at the starry sky in its mountain grandeur. The Phoenix Baths offer something more secluded — housed in private rooms, the warm spring water is drained and refilled between users. All of the pools are clothing-optional, since “body acceptance” is a key component of Sierra Hot Springs.

It’s worth booking a massage or a spa treatment just to see the list of possibilities. Watsu, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Foot Reflexology, Shiatsu are what you might expect, but in addition to a Brown Sugar Polish, you can also sign up for a Citrus Body Polish, a Lava Stone Facial, Deep Heat Stone Therapy, or a Flower Essence Scalp Treatment.

For a break from the waters, top-rate biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing are at your beck and call. Or if you’re looking to explore a ghost town left over from the gold country, Sierraville fits the bill. The family-owned gas station doubles as a grocery store, and the Mexican restaurant adds a taste of local color.

When it’s finally time to turn in for the night, the Sierra Hot Springs’ Main Lodge provides a warm welcome with its wood-burning stove and a very well-equipped communal kitchen. Nothing more to do but dream of a trip to the restaurant downstairs for an organic breakfast of granola, eggs, sausage, and potatoes, and all to soon, the dream becomes reality.

Find out more at their website:
SierraHotSprings.org
521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd, Sierraville, CA
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