Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, Historic mineral springs in Santa Clara County, United States.
Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs is a mineral spring complex situated above Coyote Creek with multiple natural pools nestled in mixed oak forest. The water temperature reaches approximately 43°C (111°F) and the grounds span 280 acres of wooded landscape.
Settlers established the site as a resort in 1866, initially hosting around 200 guests daily and becoming a popular thermal bath destination. Ownership changed in 1938 when new architectural influences were introduced that reshaped the property.
A Japanese gardener acquired the property in 1938 and added a Buddhist shrine and traditional teahouse that remain visible today. These structures reflect Japanese design principles within the California landscape and continue to shape how visitors experience the grounds.
Access is arranged through guided tours within Henry Coe State Park, and sturdy closed-toe shoes are necessary for safely traversing the uneven terrain. Plan for a tour lasting about two hours and wear appropriate footwear for the woodland paths.
The spring water hosts specialized heat-loving organisms that thrive in high-temperature conditions, making these pools biologically unusual within California. These extremophile microorganisms are rare and demonstrate the exceptional nature of the thermal environment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
