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Delonegha Hot Springs, located northeast of Bakersfield, California, just off Highway 178, provides a unique opportunity for soaking directly beside the Kern River. Accessing the springs can be difficult, but the seclusion and beauty offered by this distinct set of five hot spring pools are worth the trouble.

It’s situated directly between the Kern River and private property that lies adjacent to Highway 178, making accessing the hot spring oasis an interesting feat. Although there used to be various parking areas near the pools, the owner of the property filled them with dirt to prevent visitors from coming to the springs.

However, Delonegha Hot Springs lies on public land and is perfectly legal to visit as long as visitors remain within fifty feet of the high-water line of the Kern River.

To access the springs, visitors have the option of either rafting downriver or, when the river levels are low, walking along the riverbank. There are no parking areas specifically designated for Delonegha, but visitors can park beside a bridge at a popular river take-out spot 0.7 miles up the Kern River.

From here, visitors can deploy their rafts or begin the short walk to the hot springs area.

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Five pools await those who manage to make it to Delonegha Hot Springs. Water emerges from the source at 123° Fahrenheit and cascades into each hot spring. Three of the cement and tile-lined pools maintain temperatures of around 102° Fahrenheit year-round, while the other two, which are separated by a large rock, sit at a slightly higher temperature.

The Kern River Canyon with Scenic Mountain Views
The Kern River Canyon with mountain views in Kern River, California. Photo by: Don Barrett

Picnic tables and a small cooking station are situated around the pools for your convenience. The pool area is large and can accommodate relatively big groups throughout each of the five pools.

It’s possible that the owner of the adjacent land could approach and demand that visitors leave, but Delonegha Hot Springs is decidedly positioned on public land, making their demands baseless.

Details

Address: Delonegha Hot Springs, Caliente, California 93518

Season: Year-round

Cost: Free