Keough Hot Springs Ditch features primitive pools along the ditch
Keough Hot Springs Ditch is located at Keough Hot Springs Resort, 8 miles away from the city of Bishop.
Primitive pools along the ditch offer free soaking opportunities in the high desert of the Owens Valley, with scenic views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Keough Hot Springs Ditch Experience
The ditch receives hot water outflow from the resort.
The water emerges from the source at approximately 130°F (54°C) and normally passes through a resort aerator, creating a waterfall effect that cools the water.
When the aerator is turned off, the water flows directly into the ditch, which is dammed in several places. The farther you go from the resort, the cooler the water becomes, making it more comfortable for soaking.
This location is popular and may become crowded on weekends. To find an available pool, visitors can drive along the dirt road or wait for a vacancy.
Please help keep the area clean by packing out all trash.
Health Warning
Although the water is generally clear, avoid submerging your head while soaking.
In 2018, a child bathing in one of the Keough Hot Springs Ditch pools was infected with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri and tragically died from primary amebic meningoencephalitis (Naegleriasis or PAM).
Keough Hot Springs Ditch Camping and Lodging
Camping is not permitted directly at the ditch.
However, visitors can stay at the Keough Hot Springs Resort, which offers rustic tent cabins, RV sites, and tent campgrounds.
Additional lodging options are available in Bishop or Big Pine.
Keough Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 8 miles south of Bishop • California • USA
Best time: Year-round and open to the public during the day
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Mandatory
Amenities & Services: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Free
Elevation: 4,100 ft (1,250 m)
Water T° (source): 130°F (54°C)
Water T°: Vary
More Adventures
Directions to Keough Hot Springs Ditch
From Bishop,
- Travel 7.5 miles south on US-395 to Keough Hot Springs Road
- Turn right onto Keough Hot Springs Road and continue 0.9 miles to the destination.
I visited this location on Sat night & later that evening became very ill – vomiting & shaking for 3 days – just now starting to feel better. Could this have been caused by the water?
Hi Hillary…
I have visited & soaked in these wild springs for 40 years. I personally have no history of getting sick or know anyone who has. A few factors iv’e noticed do change the waters visible cleanliness. (which does not determine a toxic soak, but the cleanest water is what were all after & the cleanest soak is often the furthest upstream at Keough ditch & closest to the water spring source… which at Keough is up at the paid Resort)
The party upstream from you, the wind & outdoor temperature, when the resort pools upstream are being drained/cleaned and potential intervention of domestic or wild animals. Another (controversial) possibility which i have been informed by close doctor & nurse friends of mine
is the proximity of one’s last vaccine/booster shot?
If the water entered your mouth, ears or nose that also is a heightened factor of infection at any wild spring that is not consistently being tested.