By Denise Sloan
July 2, 2008

The Sierra region is dotted with natural hot springs, mineral springs and man-made hot tubs just perfect for simmering yourself after a rough day of work or play.

Grover Hot Springs State Park
The Alpine beauty of 519-acre Grover Hot Springs State Park has been the subject of travel writers since the mid-1850s. From South Lake Tahoe, the 35-minute drive begins at U.S. Highway 50 and 89 in Meyers. The trek takes travelers through scenic Hope Valley, across the West Fork of the Carson River and east on U.S. Highway 88.

Located three miles from Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs are a phenomenon associated with the faulting that developed when the Sierra Nevada began to rise from the earth millions of years ago. As with most hot springs and natural mineral springs, surface water courses its way through cracks in the Earth's crust until it reaches hot rock thousands of feet below. The heated water then bubbles to the surface, dissolving minerals along its way.

Many years before the advent of modern medicine, people sought the curative powers believed to exist in nature's bathtub. Today, a relaxing soak is enough to prompt most people to hop into hot water.

Grover's Hot Springs mineral content is 74.4 grams per gallon and unlike springs from many natural sources, it contains little sulfur. One of the park's two concrete pools is fed by runoff from six mineral springs that leave the ground at 148 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool's temperature, however is regulated between 102 and 104 degrees. A cool-temperature pool lingers nearby for folks who need an occasional cooling off.

Visit http://www.parks.ca.gov" for more information.

Walley's Hot Springs Resort
Nestled at the base of the Sierra in Genoa, Nev., is historic Walley's Hot Springs Resort. In 1862, David and Harriet Walley built a resort adjacent to the Pony Express Route and the Emigrant Trail. Mark Twain, President Grant, Clark Gable and Ida Lupino frequented the luxury spa.

More than a century later, guests can still soak in six hot mineral spring pools, cool off in a fresh-water swimming pool, play tennis or workout in the fitness center. A distinct sense of history surrounds Walley's Hot Springs, which is 12 miles east of South Shore at the foot of Kingsbury Grade. Walley's is open seven days a week year-round. The hours are seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For details, call (775) 782-8155 or visit http://www.davidwalleys.com

Squaw Valley's High Camp Lagoon & Spa
To the west of Lake Tahoe lies Squaw Valley USA. The resort's High Camp Lagoon & Spa is well worth a visit. At more than 8,000-foot elevation at the top of Squaw Valley's Cable Car there's a hot tub and swimming lagoon with a bar and BBQ - as well as a year round ice rink. For more information call (530) 583-6985 or visit http://www.squaw.com/winter/pool.html

Nepheles Restaurant & Hot Tubs
In the middle of South Lake Tahoe is another relaxing choice: Nepheles Restaurant & Hot Tubs on Ski Run Boulevard. Three private hot tubs, recently remodeled and elegantly upgraded, are available by the hour. Swimsuits are optional in the private tubs. A shower facility, drink service, fresh towels and piped-in music add to the soothing experience. Nepheles hot tubs are available daily from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. For reservations, call (530) 544-8130 or visit http://www.nepheles.com/hottub.html


Whether you slip into a natural mineral hot springs or bubbling bath tub, it is easy to let the cares of everyday life seep from your body as your muscles obediently relax.