The Wild Wet West-Elizabeth Switten

The Wild Wet West

When picturing the West, most conjure an image of a vast desert landscape: Desolate, with tumbleweeds blowing by in the afternoon. It is hot, it is dry. Life is harsh and unsustainable. Yet, those of the West have a hidden gem that they guard in secrecy - hot springs. The majority of the hot springs in the U.S. are found on the West Coast.

History of Hot Springs in the United States

Situated on the Ring of Fire, a meeting point of many tectonic plates that circles most of the Pacific Ocean, the West is full of volcanic activity, activity that has created the giant Mt. Denali, as well as all 13 of the tallest mountains in the U.S. It is also the cause of the many earthquakes and drastic landscapes, where in just a few hours you can be at the lowest point in the continental U.S. (Bad Water Basin, Death Valley National Park), and then the highest point (Mt. Whitney). The Ring of Fire, and its volatility, has led to the best swimming holes in the world. In the West, it is cherished, and has sprung a subculture on its own.

The culture, known as “Soaking” is varied, and has changed over the centuries, as most things have. Initially hot springs were a place of healing and spirituality to Native Americans. Many grounds sacred to Native Americans are locations of hot springs. They were cared for, maintained, and used for many different types of ceremonies, including births. There are still many fantastic hot springs located on tribal land, and hidden to the public to protect their Native significance.

As European settlers moved west, popularity naturally grew. Soon the phrase “Cowboy Bath” was being used to designate springs that were “soakable.” As the world changed in the 1950-60s so did the frequent visitors of springs. Freespirited people, hippies and those wishing to live connected to the earth flocked to springs. They were a naturalist dream, and clothing? Well, that was not a part of the new hot spring culture. To this day, it is considered acceptable to enjoy a tub with strangers in the nude, for those who dare.

Change for The Worse

Over the past two decades, with the rise in internet and geo-locations, hot springs are being enjoyed by increasingly larger amounts of people. The culture has changed again. Now bathing suits are more the norm. Sadly, this influx of visitors has also led to damage, contamination, and long waits to enjoy a soak. It has also led to those within the community to be secretive of their favorite places to soak, and land owners blocking access to locations that used to be open to all. It’s imperative that people respect the springs, and be respectful.

So, do you want to travel out West and soak? Well, here are some tips to make sure you have the best time.

HOT SPRING 101

How do you find a hot spring?

Simple! Where do you want to go? If you are looking at going into Southern California, Idaho or Nevada, search for springs that are in the state you are going to. There are also many great books that list some of the lesser-known locations. One favorite is Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs by Matt Bischoff. There are also many hot spring groups on Facebook that you may find helpful, especially to ask about road conditions. Many hot springs are on dirt roads and may not be accessible during weather.

What do I need to bring? Safety

Hot springs are hot, and you can burn yourself. Many people have died in springs over the years, either from entering springs that were not soakable, or by staying in a spring for too long and getting overheated. Always test the water before you get in. Be mindful of your body temperature. If it is 30 degrees outside, you may not notice your body is overheating until it is too late.

A trash receptacle. These are Leave No Trace locations. That includes human waste. Many hot springs have become contaminated with E. coli due to people relieving themselves near springs. Even scat holes can leach into the shallow water springs that feed a tub. Bathing suits are optional. Be mindful of where you set your clothes down; mites live in the grass that surrounds many pools. Many will put their belongings in bags next to the springs to prevent the mites from going in their clothes.

Can I bring my children? Cleanliness

Hot springs are natural. As such, they often are muddy, have algae, and may not appear to look inviting. Some have strong sulfur smells. This is a part of the spring; embrace it.

Reduce your own contamination into the spring, though. Do not use a spring as your bath. Do not bring soap, shampoo, conditioner or any bathing products into the spring. Bring an umbrella if you need sun protection vs. putting on sunscreen. Do not relieve yourself in the water.

Yes, you definitely can. Please be aware they may see nude people. It is acceptable in the culture for no clothing; it is not acceptable for you to ask someone to put their clothing on because it makes you feel uncomfortable. Also, it is advisable to not bring children under 8. The pools are a point of relaxation, so children playing would be considered rude. There are many privatized hot springs, or springs that have been turned into parks that are great for kids, though. Aqua Caliente in Anza Borego State Park is one such location.

Maintenance

Many springs have man-made walls and plumbing to tubs. Many also have drain plugs. Do not remove any piping scrubbing brushes or plugs from the tub. When you are done soaking, it is polite to drain the tub halfway and move the flow of water away from the tub. This allows the next person to add the water they want to the height and temperature they desire. If one leaves water flowing into the tub, it will likely be too hot for the next soaker, and require hours to cool. Also, always leave the plumbing flowing. It freezes overnight in almost all locations in winter. If the pipe is closed, it is likely to break from the cold.

Alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, what’s ok?

Any and all of this is acceptable to use at a hot spring. Glass containers should not be used. Smoking should be observed as in normal company. Always ask before lighting if others do not want smoke, and respect that. Wait to smoke until they have left, or you have.

Can I geo-tag a hot spring on my social media?

This is a grey area. Many will say no, some will say yes. There is a happy medium though. If you are at a well-known place that Google Maps told you, then it has been published already. Your geotag likely won’t cause it to get worse. If, however, you have found a spot that was from word of mouth, a book or harder to find, do not post the location. You put in the work to find a spot; someone else can also put in effort if they want to go there.

Can I camp at a hot spring?

Sometimes yes, often no. If it is on public land, a good rule of thumb is to not set up camp within 100 yards of the spring. You wouldn’t want to see someone’s camp in your view while soaking, so please respect that others do not want to see your camp.

Happy Soaking!

Elizabeth Switten

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