Rock Creek Lake & Hotsprings

Sept 12     Today we drove out to Rock Creek Canyon. One of the highest paved roads in California leads the Rock Creek visitor to an alpine setting over 10,000 feet in elevation. Surrounded by John Muir Wilderness with views of 13,000 foot peaks from anywhere in the canyon, this area is about as far as you can get from the city's hustle-bustle.

We did a two mile hike around Rock Creek Lake. Fall color is vibrant in Red Rock Canyon but we're about two weeks early. Still very beautiful. 

After the hike we found a picnic area and had lunch right alongside the lake. We got to rest, eat, and marvel at the lakes beauty.

The we went hunting for the hot springs that I read about. We found Wild Willys Hot Springs. Out in the boonies, in a remote area, in the middle of a cow pasture. What a welcoming sight...I was so excited! 

Cows all around us

Two good size pools. One was lukewarm and the other hot. Two guys were there in their underwear but they were ready to leave. There was a girl that arrived the same time as us. We got to enjoy the pools for almost an hour before anyone else came. We were in heaven, soaking in a hot tub with beautiful views. 

All of a sudden a lot of people started coming. Good timing for us, we were just about ready to leave.

So relaxing

I really enjoyed our soak, so relaxing. The best part was it was free! If we ever come through Hwy 395 this is a definite stop.