Love to Soak? Visit Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe

By: Karin Sharon

While this high sierra playground offers an abundance of activities, wellness and rest are also important. When you need a soak, there are plenty of hot springs near Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Basin is home to a number of popular Hot Springs, providing nourishing health and care to visitors. After spending days on the ski slopes, the Hot Springs allow guests to soak their aching muscles. Here is a list mineral-enriched locales that are perfect for quick day trips beyond the summit.

1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs

David Walleys Hot Springs


The David Walley’s Hot Springs is located near Genoa, Nevada’s oldest town, about 20 miles south of Lake Tahoe. The historic retreat features five mineral pools, an outdoor heated pool, a steam room, dry saunas and a full-service spa. The resort is suitable for all ages, so the whole family can enjoy the amenities.

Carson Hot Springs

Carson Hot Springs is a great place to view the sunset.

Since 1849, the Carson Hot Springs has provided water therapy and spa treatments using water with over nine healthful minerals. The water flows out of the ground at 121 degrees and comes from depths of 35,000 feet below the earth’s surface. Founded during the Gold Rush, the Carson Hot Springs is still a popular local attraction. This hot springs is also a great place to watch the sunset and moon rise, any time of year.

Grover Hot Springs

Grover Hot Springs also has camping available.
© 2011, California State Parks. | Photo by Brian Baer

Grover Hot Springs is located southeast of Lake Tahoe in a scenic desert called Hot Springs Valley, just a 45-minute drive. Surrounded by vast meadows, this resort hosts hot mineral pools and cold swimming pools. The mineral deposits on the bottom of the pools emit a distinct yellow-green hue ensuring visitors that the water carries therapeutic and healthful benefits.

Steamboat Hot Springs

Steamboat Hot Springs also offers light therapy.

Just an hour away from Lake Tahoe is Steamboat Hot Springs, nestled in the Reno area. Opened in 1859, the resort was built to entertain miners from nearby Virginia City. Today, Steamboat Hot Springs is a healing center and spa, collecting water close to 200 degrees, which is then cooled and pumped into the outdoor pool and seven private indoor pools. In addition to the mineral baths, the retreat hosts spa services, a geothermal steam room, and infrared saunas.

While Lake Tahoe offers endless ways to play and revive, there is more to explore beyond the lake and mountains. Quick day trips to these Hot Springs are perfect for family activities, romantic getaways, or even self-love treats. Want to stay in the basin? Check out our spas page and other unique wellness options here.

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