Natural hot springs in the high Sierra—a scenic day trip from Auburn.
Sierra Hot Springs is a natural mineral hot springs and retreat center in Sierraville, set in the high Sierra Valley northeast of Auburn; at roughly a 1.5-to-2-hour drive, it's best planned as a day trip or overnight getaway. The property offers several soaking pools, including warm and hot pools beneath a Temple Dome, the Phoenix Baths, and a meditation pool, along with a sauna, cold plunge, sundeck, trails, and a restaurant in the Main Lodge. The atmosphere is quiet, meditative, and nature-immersed, and soaking areas are clothing-optional in the tradition of onsen and European springs. Importantly, at least one person in your party must hold a membership in the operating nonprofit, and day-use visits require advance reservations rather than drop-ins. Visitors seeking a serene, off-the-beaten-path soak amid mountain scenery will find it a memorable excursion from Auburn.