Nestled on the eastern edge of the Sierras, Travertine is easily one of California’s most accessible and visually stunning natural soaking spots. The main pools sit on a rugged ridge of limestone travertine rock, offering wide-open, panoramic views of the Bridgeport Valley and the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada range. Because the spring water flows directly from the source along natural rock channels, the temperature drops the further down the line you go, making it easy to find a pool that feels just right. It’s a beautifully raw, laid-back space where locals, road-trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts gather to soak, watch the sunset, and unwind—just come prepared for a short, bumpy dirt road to get there and a completely unrefined, open-nature vibe.
Travertine is incredibly easy to access compared to most Sierra hot springs, located just a few minutes outside the historic town of Bridgeport off Highway 395.
From Bridgeport: Head southeast on Highway 395 for about half a mile. Turn right onto Jack Sawyer Road (right past the ranger station).
The Dirt Road: Follow Jack Sawyer Road for roughly one mile. The road turns to dirt and can get pretty washboarded and bumpy, but it is entirely passable for standard sedans and 2WD vehicles if you just take it slow. You’ll see a dirt parking lot with a pit toilet at the end of the road. From there, the main pools are just a short, two-minute walk down a flat path.
Because Travertine is a raw, unimproved public site with zero amenities (no running water, no trash cans, and no changing rooms), you need to be entirely self-sufficient.
Towel or Sarong: Since this is a clothing-optional space, having a towel or sarong makes moving between pools and changing in the open much easier.
Sturdy Slip-On Shoes: The ground around the pools is a mix of rough volcanic rock, clay mud, and gravel. Bring sandals or slip-on shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy to protect your feet.
Plenty of Fresh Water: Soaking in high-altitude mineral water dehydrates you fast. Bring more drinking water than you think you need.
Headlamp or Flashlight: If you plan on catching the sunset or soaking under the stars, the path back to the parking lot gets pitch-black.
Glass Containers: Absolutely no glass is allowed. Broken glass in the mud around a barefoot, clothing-optional soaking pool is a massive safety hazard. Bring aluminum cans or plastic bottles instead.
Expectations of Privacy: The main pools are right next to the parking lot and highly popular. If you are looking for an isolated, private soak, you won’t find it here unless you arrive at sunrise.
Travertine stays open and free because visitors respect the land and each other. Keep these community standards in mind:
Pack It Out: There is no trash collection. Take every single piece of your trash, food wrappers, and bottle caps back out to your car with you.
Keep Your Camera Put Away: Because many people choose to soak nude, taking photos or videos anywhere near the pools is considered a massive breach of privacy and etiquette. Snap your landscape photos from the trail, then pocket your phone.
Respect the “Vibe”: People come here to relax, chat quietly, and look at the mountains. Keep voices low, and leave the loud Bluetooth speakers at home.
Don’t Hog the Pools: The pools are relatively small and can only comfortably fit a few people at a time. If the area is busy, be welcoming to others who want to slide in, or limit your soak time so others can enjoy the water.
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