Saline Valley Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

Saline Valley Hot Springs sits in a remote desert valley between the Inyo Mountains and Panamint Range, offering natural hot springs and primitive dispersed camping. Three main spring areas (Upper, Middle, and Lower) provide soaking opportunities, with Lower Springs being the most developed with volunteer-maintained pools and basic facilities. The area attracts a mix of desert rats, hot springs enthusiasts, and overlanders seeking solitude, with informal campsites scattered throughout the valley floor.

Access requires high-clearance 4WD via either South Pass Road from Highway 190 or North Pass Road from Big Pine — both routes are rough, rocky, and not for the faint of heart. The area is busiest during winter months when temperatures are bearable. No services, water, or trash collection — pack everything in and out. Cell service is nonexistent.

Remote desert hot springs with primitive camping