GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK
Grover Hot Springs State Park is located on the east side of the Sierra at the edge of the Great Basin Province, characterized by open pine forest and sagebrush. The park has a hot springs, a campground, picnic area and hiking trails.
A full range of seasons and weather offer the visitor the opportunity to experience a variety of conditions, from major blizzards to dry scorchers, from warm clear nights to intense, blasting thunderstorms. Winds of great speeds are capable of whipping through the park causing damage during any month of the year. Pristine clear, warm days can be followed by cold stormy nights.
Proper preparation for the full range of potential conditions can make a visit to the park not only safe and warm but also dry and comfortable.
Operating Seasons/Hours:
Grover Hot Springs State Park is essentially open year-round, but is closed on Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving Days.
It is also closed for facility and pool maintenance during the last two weeks of September each year. Depending upon the weather conditions and type of repairs, the pools will normally reopen by October 1st.
The facility also closes one day each in December, March and June for cleaning of the pools themselves. These days vary with weather and other seasonal activities and are announced during the previous month in local and regional news media.
Finally the pools must close during major thunderstorms due to the possibility of lightning striking the water. Thunderstorms usually occur during the afternoon hours in the summer months of July and August.
If thunderstorms are predicted by the National Weather Service for the Northern Sierra Nevada, then Grover will be affected. The pools will close when lightning is within one mile (5 seconds) of the complex and will remain closed until one-half hour after the storm has passed.
The pools are open during snowstorms and even large blizzards. They may however be closed due to the inability of snow removal equipment to reach the Hot Springs Road.
The pools are generally open every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the off season, pool hours and days of operation are based on the funds available that year.
As with any weather related recreation, calling the park prior to your arrival may save you an unnecessary trip. Call the park at (530) 694-2249 for current information.
Why are the Hot Springs Green?The main reason for the color is the mineral deposits on the bottom of the pool. These mineral deposits are laid down on the surface of the paint by an oxidation reaction between the mineral salts in the water and the sanitizing agent (Bromine) used.
When the pool is viewed from some distance, rather than from directly overhead, the light that is reflected from the bottom loses certain wavelengths that are absorbed by the various color patterns on the bottom. The remaining light waves then pass back up through the water and are reflected at the surface. This reflected light is in the yellow-green wavelengths of the spectrum.
Located in Markleeville, California, the park was established in 1959. It's named after Roswell H. Grover who owned it from 1882-1955.
The area is known for its hot springs and alpine terrain which attract visitors year-round. The thermal pools were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
In addition to bathing facilities built around these natural features, hiking trails and campgrounds have been developed over time to enhance visitor experience.
Despite a devastating wildfire that swept through the region in 2015 causing temporary closure, restoration efforts allowed reopening within months.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
- Campground: Grover Hot Springs State Park has a campground with 76 developed family campsites.
- Group Camping Area: A group campsite is available for larger parties, accommodating up to 50 people.
- Amenities: Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings and food lockers; restrooms have flush toilets and showers.
- RVs & Trailers Allowed: The park allows both trailers (up to 27 feet) and motorhomes (up to 30 feet).
- Reservations Required: All camping spots require reservations which can be made online or by phone in advance.