Hot springs
Eastern Sierra, California
DRIVING U.S. ROUTE 395 between Bishop and Bridgeport, CA, doesn’t just get you astounding views of the Sierra Nevada’s precipitous east side. It links a smattering of hot springs—some developed into comfy resorts, others left unpolished. The largest is Keough’s Hot Springs, where 130°F spring water feeds a soaking pool and swimming area, all accessed from furnished canvas “glamping” tents. For a more all-natural experience (including access via unpaved roads), Hilltop Hot Springs has satisfyingly warm water (the source water exceeds 100°F) and a pool surrounded by meadows and bogs framing the Sierra’s peaks. As the name suggests, Crab Cooker is too hot for human comfort, but visitors can adjust the temperature using pipes and valves that feed the tub.