San Juan Hot Springs

What is the location of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The hot springs in San Juan Capistrano are located within Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in California. The springs lie at geographic coordinates 33°35′26″N latitude and 117°30′34″W longitude. The trailhead begins at San Juan Meadow Group Area, with access requiring a 9- to 13-mile round-trip hike through the Juaneno Trail, San Juan Creek Trail, and Hot Springs Trail. The upstream access from Ortega Highway remains gated and restricted. The full address is 35505 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

What is the temperature of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The temperature of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano ranges from 120°F to 135°F. This high geothermal temperature makes most pools too hot for safe soaking, with only one pool reportedly cool enough for entry.

What are the pool types found at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The pool types at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs include remnants of historic redwood soaking tubs and masonry tubs. The masonry tubs have been destroyed, but four current pools remain, with one being accessible due to lower temperature. Some tubs still hold water and are observable on-site.

What is the mineral composition of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The mineral composition of the San Juan Capistrano hot springs consists of slightly mineralized soft water. The water is primarily alkaline saline and slightly sulphureted, with a pH level of 8. This composition contributes to a low odor profile and does not leave a lingering sulfur smell on the skin.

What is the smell intensity of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The smell intensity of the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is low. The water is slightly sulphureted but does not emit a strong sulfur odor and does not leave a residual smell on the body after exposure.

What is the number of pools and spring vents at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The number of pools at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is four, with an estimated 52 spring vents feeding the geothermal system. These vents contribute to the high temperature and mineral content of the water.

What is the access type for the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The access type for the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is hike-in and partially restricted. The springs are fenced off with barbed wire, and unauthorized access may result in a citation for trespassing. Occasional guided naturalist tours may provide legal access to the site.

Is booking required to visit the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

No, booking is not required to visit the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano. However, access is limited and typically only available through official guided tours or special events organized by the park.

What are the entry fees for accessing the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The entry fee for accessing the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano involves a small park entry fee. Visitors should check the official park website at https://ocparks.com/parks/ronald for current pricing and fee details.

What are the opening hours of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The opening hours of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano are not specified. Access is controlled by park regulations and may be limited to daylight hours or scheduled tours.

What are the clothing, kid, and pet policies at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The clothing policy at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is not specified, though historical use included public nudity. Kid-friendliness is not specified. Pets, specifically dogs, are not allowed at the hot springs site.

What is the accessibility level of the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano?

The accessibility level of the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is difficult. Reaching the springs requires a 9- to 13-mile round-trip hike through wilderness trails. The springs are fenced off and not open to the public outside of select guided tours.

What facilities are available at or near the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The facilities at the hot springs in San Juan Capistrano are currently nonexistent at the spring site. However, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offers bathrooms, potable water fountains, picnic areas, and old porta-potties. Historical facilities once included a hotel, bathhouse, cottages, a large pool, teepees, a general store, and a dance hall.

What accommodation options exist near the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

Accommodation options at the San Juan Capistrano hot springs are currently unavailable. Historically, the site featured cottages, campgrounds, and teepees for overnight stays, but these facilities no longer exist.

What is the parking availability for accessing the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The parking availability for the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is located at the trailhead in the San Juan Meadow Group Area within Caspers Wilderness Park. Visitors must park here before beginning the hike to the springs.

What is the best season to visit the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The best season to visit the San Juan Capistrano hot springs is autumn. This timing aligns with traditional use by the Acjachemen people, although the exact hiking season is not specified in park documentation.

What are the nearby attractions to the San Juan Capistrano hot springs?

The nearby attractions to the San Juan Capistrano hot springs include Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Creek, Cleveland National Forest, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Sitton Peak, and ruins of a historical fire station.

What is the distance of the San Juan Capistrano hot springs from the nearest major city?

The distance from the San Juan Capistrano hot springs to the nearest major city, Los Angeles, is approximately 65 miles. This makes the springs a remote but reachable destination for Southern California visitors.