Jordan Hot Springs


Jordan Hot Springs is series of thermal mineral springs located in the Golden Trout Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California.[1][2]

Jordan Hot Springs
Soaking Pool at Jordan Hot Springs
LocationNorthwest of the town of Little Lake, California
CoordinatesGPS N 36 13.740 W 118 18.120
Elevation6,500 feet
Typegeothermal
Temperature120°F

History

Prior to European contact, the hot springs and the surrounding area was used by the local Indigenous people for centuries as a summer encampment area. In 1857, John Jordan, a Texan, and his family moved to Tulare County during the gold and silver rush, In 1861 he blazed a trail to the hot springs and filed a petition to build a toll road, called the Jordan Trail. The following year he drowned in the Kern River while navigating a raft across the river. In the late 19th century a grouping of log cabins and a logging camp was built.[3][2]

In 1992, Jordan Hot Springs received National Historic Landmark status.[2]

Description

There are at least fourteen hot springs making up the Jordan Hot Springs system.[2] Hot mineral water emerges from the springs at 120°F, and flows down to meet Nine Mile Creek where it cools and collects in a series of primitive rock-walled soaking pools of various temperatures. The average temperature of the water in the soaking pools is 104°F.[4] There is also a small, two-foot deep concrete-lined soaking pool.[1]

The spring can be reached by way of a trail originating at the Blackrock Station, the trail descends 3,000 feet during the six mile hike to the springs; the moderately rigorous return hike ascends 3,000 feet.[1][5] The ruins of an abandoned early 20th century resort camp are nearby.[4]

Location

GPS coordinates: N 36 13.740 W 118 18.120

See also

References
  1. Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools in the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal. p. 183. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
  2. "HISTORY OF JORDAN HOT SPRINGS Inyo National Forest Mount Whitney Ranger District" (PDF). Owens Valley History. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forestry Service, Sequoia National Forest. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  3. Reynolds, Linda A. "Jordan Hot Springs". Owens Valley History. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  4. Lee, Steve. "Jordan Hot Springs via Blackrock Trailhead". The Outdoor Project. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  5. "Jordan Hot Springs". Modern Hiker. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
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