Best time to visit
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for temperatures. Avoid the height of summer heat, and be cautious in winter when storms can make roads impassable. If you prefer it quieter, skip spring break when crowds spike.
Overview
About Lower Warm Springs
Lower Warm Springs is the most down-to-earth of Saline Valley’s soaking areas: a remote desert oasis with manmade tubs, a relaxed, communal feel, and primitive camping woven right into the scene. It’s far from pavement and that’s the point—come prepared and you’re rewarded with quiet desert nights and hot water under big skies.
Why stop
- Soaking pools with clean, comfortable water for bathing
- Primitive camping right beside the springs
- Toilets on-site despite the remoteness
Heads up
- Very rough, long dirt-road approach; high-clearance/4x4 recommended
- No potable water or services; bring everything
- Wind and storms can make camping challenging
Map
Where it is
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Full mapLocal know-how
Tips for visiting Lower Warm Springs
Bring all drinking water; the spring water is for soaking only.
Check road conditions and carry a full-size spare—sharp rocks eat tires.
Expect a clothing-optional, communal vibe and pitch in to keep pools clean.
Avoid spring break and the hottest months; spring and fall are far better.
Secure food and paper goods—burros will raid unattended items.
Plan your stop
Before you go
Best time to visit
Getting There & Road Conditions
3 active Death Valley alerts
- ClosurePark roads closed or hazardousPlan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes. - Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm.Official details
- ClosureSaline Valley Lower Springs closed after wildfireLower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Death Valley Tour Guide
Your drive to Lower Warm Springs, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Death Valley National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Death Valley audio tour- 130 audio storiesacross Death Valley’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Bighorn Sheep, Desert Tortoise, Coyote, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 36 trails, 114 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Guide
More about Lower Warm Springs
What You’ll SeeExpect a palm-dotted oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding valley.
Expect a palm-dotted oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding valley. The springs feed multiple soaking pools, built and maintained by visitors, with water temps commonly in the 102–112°F range. Campsites cluster near the springs, and open desert views stretch in every direction.
Culture & EtiquetteThis spot has a strong tradition of communal caretaking.
This spot has a strong tradition of communal caretaking. People pitch in—skimming tubs, tidying up, sharing info. Clothing is optional, and the vibe is tolerant and low-key. Respect the place and others and you’ll fit right in.
Water & SafetyThe spring water is prized for soaking but is not considered potable.
The spring water is prized for soaking but is not considered potable. Treat it as soak-only water and bring all your drinking and cooking water. There are toilets, but otherwise no services or supplies—this is true backcountry.
Camping & AmenitiesLower Warm Springs functions as a primitive campground: dispersed camping near the pools, basic…
Lower Warm Springs functions as a primitive campground: dispersed camping near the pools, basic parking, and toilets. No store, no fuel, no potable water—just the essentials to support a minimal footprint around the springs.
GeologyGeochemical work suggests the water starts high in the Inyo Mountains, traveling underground…
Geochemical work suggests the water starts high in the Inyo Mountains, traveling underground before emerging in Saline Valley. That steady recharge helps keep the pools flowing in such an arid basin.
WildlifeDesert oases draw life.
Desert oases draw life. Birds are common, and burros wander through—secure food and anything paper-based, or they’ll happily sample your supplies.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Death Valley
71 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
101 sightingsDesert TortoiseMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
458 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
28 sightingsFeral BurroMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
30 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
62 sightingsKit FoxMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Death Valley. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
