Meadow near Burnside Lake Trail (Ann Sieck)
Grover Hot Springs State Park
The centerpiece of this park is the mineral hot springs, enjoyed because the mineral sulfur is minimal. Two concrete pools, one hot and one cold, are both equipped with lifts for disabled access. At an altitude of 6000- feet, even in summer the warm water may be welcome; in winter cross country skiers use the pools. The site...
The centerpiece of this park is the mineral hot springs, enjoyed because the mineral sulfur is minimal. Two concrete pools, one hot and one cold, are both equipped with lifts for disabled access. At an altitude of 6000- feet, even in summer the warm water may be welcome; in winter cross country skiers use the pools. The site is surrounded by tall peaks and rocky crags; below the pools is a wide meadow among giant Jeffrey pines.
A half-mile away, across a lovely meadow is a 76-site campground, from which several trails depart. Most are inaccessible due to soft sand, narrowness, rocks and roots, but Burnside Lake Trail is quite pleasant for about 0.3 mile, and adventurous wheelchair users may be able to venture out into the meadow in the dryness of late summer.
State Parks Advisory: Many of California's state parks are reducing hours of operation and limiting access to facilities because of budget cuts. We recommend that you consult State Parks' website and contact the park directly before planning a visit.
Trail/Pathway Details
Burnside Lake Trail
Trailhead: At northwest corner of campground
Length: Less than .5 mile
Typical Width: 4 ft. & above
Typical Grade: Gentle
After 0.3 mile, dips into creekbeds become impassibleTerrain: Moderately Firm
The surface is sandy but not deep, so that it might be tiring but didn't seem treacherous. After 0.3 mile, steep terrain, rocks, roots and soft sand became problematic.Description
This is a packed dirt access road, yet narrow and trail-like in feel, skirting the edge of the wide meadow and passing among tall trees and chaparral, with views of the crags and peaks that surround the valley. The surface is sandy, but firm enough for a strong pusher or motorized wheelchair. Near the end it comes close to Hot Springs Creek, a pretty rushing stream which is stocked with trout (presently not accessible for fishing from a wheelchair). From this point onward the trail rapidly becomes more difficult, dipping into gullies with soft sand slopes and protruding rocks and roots. We turned back at about the half-mile mark.Accessibility Details
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
Accessible Parking: Yes
Accessible Restroom: Yes
Vault toilets are at the day use area outside the campground.The men's and women's restroom adjacent to the designated wheelchair accessible campsites, is reserved for people with disabilities only, and to use them you must obtain a key when you register. Each spacious room has a roll in shower with built-in bench and low and high shower heads.Other Things of Interest
Although the hot springs and pool are accessible via a lift, assistance may be needed on the steep ramp on the approach. Dressing rooms and toilets may be usable for some wheelchair rider's. Showers lack folding seats and lower heads but have adequate maneuvering space.
Reviewed by Ann Sieck, August 31, 2009
Advanced Search >> print format
Features icon key
Additional Information
| View Map |
|---|
| Website: | www.parks.ca.gov |
|---|
| Managing Agency: | California State Parks |
|---|
| Address: | foot of Hot Springs Road |
|---|
| Nearest City: | Markleeville |
|---|
| Phone: | (800) 777-0369 |
|---|
| Reservations: | (800) 444-7275 |
|---|
| Hours: | Open hours for the pools vary depending on the season. Campground is closed from early October to May. |
|---|
| Fees: | Camping |
|---|
| Dogs: | On leash |
|---|
| Useful Links: | Grover Hot Springs State Park |
|---|
Copyright © Access Northern California 1998 - 2011
Access Northern California is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization
