Keough Hot Springs, Natural hot spring in Owens Valley, California, US
Keough Hot Springs is a natural hot spring facility in Owens Valley with a large swimming pool fed continuously by geothermal water flowing from the ground. The site includes separate soaking areas where cooler water naturally flows into the main pool to moderate temperatures for different comfort levels.
Philip P. Keough, a former Wells Fargo stage company superintendent, founded the commercial resort with a swimming pool in 1918. The facility evolved from this initial development into the modern recreation area with camping and accommodation options that exists today.
The local Paiute people held these mineral-rich waters in sacred regard long before any commercial development took place here. Visitors today can sense this deep connection to the land and water traditions when they experience the springs themselves.
The springs are located seven miles south of Bishop along Highway 395 and are easy to reach by car. The grounds offer camping sites, tent cabins with heaters, and a shop where visitors can purchase swimming accessories and supplies.
Hot water naturally flows as a waterfall into the main pool, creating a natural temperature gradient zone within the basin itself. This continuous cooling process allows swimmers to move between intensely hot areas and more moderate zones without leaving the water.
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