Relax, Refresh, Rejuvenate: Finding Your Calm in the Eastern Sierra

By Gigi de Jong, Scenic 395 Contributor

There’s a special kind of quiet that settles over the Eastern Sierra — an alpine hush carried on sage-scented breezes, the slow roll of clouds over granite peaks, and the soft gurgle of hot, mineral-rich water rising from the earth. Along US Highway 395, from Lone Pine to Bridgeport, travelers find not just dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure, but an unexpectedly rich array of places to unwind, soak, and simply breathe.

For many, relaxation in the Eastern Sierra begins in its wild hot springs — those steaming pools tucked into open valleys and rimmed by views that stretch to forever. Near Mammoth Lakes, a network of primitive springs like Wild Willy’s, Hilltop, and others off Benton Crossing Road in Long Valley offer a dreamy combination of warm water and wide-open landscape. The rustic setting means they’re free to enjoy, but also a place where stewardship matters. Visitors are asked to stay on designated roads, pack out all trash, keep glass containers far away from the water, and stay on established paths to protect delicate wetland ecosystems. Winter access can be limited, and roads can become muddy or impassable after storms, so checking conditions ahead of time is essential.

To the north, Buckeye Hot Springs near Bridgeport invites relaxation at the base of a travertine cliff streaked with mineral colors. Just up the hill, Travertine Hot Springs is equally beloved; its terraced pools warmed by geothermal waters and cooled by high-desert breezes. Both locations require low-speed driving on dirt roads that may close or become rutted during winter and spring. With their popularity growing, early mornings and weekdays offer the best chance for a peaceful soak.

Those seeking something a little more structured, but still rich with character, will love the developed hot springs farther south. Near Bishop, Keough’s Hot Springs has welcomed travelers since 1919. Its large, clear pool and smaller, hotter soaking pool are fed by the original spring, delivering warm comfort in a nostalgic, family-friendly setting. Below the soaring White Mountains on CA-120 near the junction with US Highway 6, the historic Inn at Benton Hot Springs & Campground provides private soaking tubs fed continuously by natural hot water, each framed by classic high desert views. It’s an ideal destination for quiet evenings, stargazing, and unplugging.

For full-service pampering, head to June Lake, where the Double Eagle Resort & Spa combines mountain luxury with restorative treatments. After a day exploring the loop’s alpine lakes and trails, guests can unwind in the indoor pool, relax in the whirlpool, or book a massage that leaves you grounded and refreshed. It’s peaceful, sophisticated, and surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in the Sierra.

The drive along 395 offers even more subtle ways to rejuvenate. In Lone Pine, a quiet evening walk through the Alabama Hills — where soft golden light wraps granite formations — can be as restorative as any soak. Around Bishop, the cottonwood-lined paths along the Owens River and downtown canals offer easy, meditative strolls. Farther north, Mono Lake’s otherworldly tufa towers create a surreal calm best experienced at sunrise or sunset, when the water glows and birds move quietly through the shallows. Even stopping at a small café, enjoying a locally baked pastry, or browsing an art gallery can become its own moment of reset.

Wherever you choose to slow down, a few common courtesies make the experience better for everyone. Keep vehicles on designated roads. Respect private property near hot springs and trailheads. Swimwear is encouraged at primitive springs, and sharing space politely, especially at small pools, creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Most importantly, leave no trace; pack out everything you bring, protect the land, and help preserve these special places for the next traveler seeking a bit of Sierra serenity.

Highway 395 may be famous for its dramatic peaks and adventurous spirit, but it’s also the perfect place to pause. Whether you’re soaking under a sky full of stars, breathing in crisp alpine air, or finding stillness beside a quiet lake, the Eastern Sierra has a way of restoring what the rush of everyday life takes away. Here, rejuvenation isn’t just an activity — it’s part of the landscape itself.