Sierra Hot Springs

Sierra Hot Springs is located in the small mountain town of Sierraville, about 45 minutes west of Reno. The hot spring is a clothing-optional resort that features several communal and private pools, a hotel, campground, seasonal restaurant and a spa. The springs have views of the local alpine valleys and are protected by pine and aspen trees.

Parking and public transportation at Sierra Hot Springs
Due to its remote location, there is no public transportation to Sierra Hot Springs. If you bring your own car, there is parking at the hotel, on the dirt road that leads to the hotel and at a small parking lot before the path that leads to the main pools.

Best and worst time go to Sierra Hot Springs
The best time to go to Sierra Hot Springs is in the winter. If there is snow in the mountains, the springs are magical and feel really good. While the weekends are more crowded, the hotel's Philosophy Cafe is open and they serve amazing organic food. The worst time to go is during the heat of the day in the summer.

Admission to Sierra Hot Springs
Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit center and you will need to pay a one month membership fee of $5 first. A three hour soak is $15 per person Monday through Thursday and $20 per person Friday through Saturday. You can soak all day until midnight for $20 Monday through Thursday or $25 Friday through Saturday.

Must see/do at Sierra Hot Springs
At the main pool is the Temple Dome with a very hot pool with two cold dips. These are great in the winter. The Meditation Pool is located near the campground in the trees and is nearly private. Be sure to have dinner and dessert at the Philosophy Cafe.

Other places to visit near Sierra Hot Springs
Sierraville is about 20 minutes north of the small town of Truckee. This former railroad town has great shopping, restaurants and bars and quick access to the Northstar at Tahoe ski resort.

Insider tip for visitors to Sierra Hot Springs
If you camp at the hot springs, you can access the springs 24 hours a day. Near the campground is the hotel's organic garden and some hiking paths. Check out the hotel's cozy fireplace in the middle of winter.

Author's bio: Christina Nellemann is a Reno resident who has to make it to both the hot pools and the Philosophy Cafe at least a few times during the winter.