Dirty Sock Hot Spring is located on the southeast side of Owens Lake near Olancha, California. The spring consists of a sizeable concrete-lined pool fed by an underground spring. The natural hot springs water gives off a distinct odor that smells like dirty socks.
While it is not sure how the springs got their name, legend has it that miners from the Cero Gordo mine and prospectors used the thermal pool for their annual baths and to wash their dirty clothes. Socks were always lost in the pool giving off an unpleasant odor. The smell comes from the volcanic sulfur earth surrounding the pool.
Dirty Sock Hot Spring
Dirty Sock Hot Spring is 78 feet in diameter and has a constant water temperature of 94 degrees. The pool is fed by an artesian well that flows at about 200 gallons per minute. Minerals found in the water are primarily calcium, magnesium, and sulfates. No dirty socks have been found in the pool.
The hot spring was created in 1917 when a well was dug for fresh water. At several hundred feet, warm water was struck, ending the search for water. The well was left to bubble and created a shallow warm lake. In 1927 a cement pool and some buildings were constructed to start a health spa. The resort was abandoned Within ten years, and all the buildings were removed. The spring remained a secluded camping spot and eventually became a county park.
Dirty Sock Hot Spring County Park
In 1965 the Hot Spring and the surrounding 45 acres became an Inyo County Park named Dirty Sock Hot Spring. The lease on the land was for 50 years unless terminated. Restrooms and a picnic area were built, trees were planted, and the entrance road was paved. The Hot Spring became a popular destination for locals and tourists with their campers and trailers.
Unfortunately, maintenance for the park proved to be more of a challenge than the county expected. Due to the lack of firewood, signs were burned and needed to be constantly replaced. The growth of green algae was never ending and had to be removed weekly to keep the pool clear. Trash cans were shot full of bullet holes, and vandalism became a huge problem. On October 17, 1978, Inyo County closed the park for good.
Dirty Sock Hot Spring Today
All that is left of the county park are the foundations of the buildings. The concrete pool and a few of the metal railings are still there around the outside. The pool is covered with a thick growth of green algae, and only the bravest soles dip in the water. A few travelers still camp at the Hot Spring, but most pass by without knowing the hot spring is there.
Getting There
We don’t recommend soaking in Dirty Sock Hot Spring. But if you’re taking a trip along Highway 395 near the primarily dry Owens Lake, it is well worth a look, especially now that you know the history of the place.
Directions from the junction of Highway 395 and CA-190. Head east on 190 for under five miles until you pass under some power lines. Turn left on a paved single-lane road until you see the concrete pool. Enjoy amazing views of the mountains and the not-so-amazing odor. The correct name for this hot spring is Dirty Sock, even though most people call it Dirty Socks hot spring.
Nearby
Nearby things to do and see include driving through the almost semi-ghost town of Keeler and visiting the Owens Lake Trails Plaza. Take a trip up to the ghost town of Cerro Gordo or visit the Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns that used to provide charcoal for local mines.
It’s not owned by Inyo County, it’s privately owned and has been for sale for years. The well is not 12,000 feet deep-it’s about 400 feet. Sadly it needs to be cleaned up but no one has stepped up to do so.
The article says the land was leased to the county, not owned. The depth of the well is up for debate, it was dug in 1917. I changed it to several hundred feet. When we visited, there was trash all over the area, and the remains of several campfire pits. Still an interesting stop along 395.
I & other off road motorcycle riders used to come here back in the late seventies to camp,& enjoy the quiet, the use of the hot springs l, meeting some of the locals out of the nearby town of Olancha. Back then there were the remains of the outhouses, quite a bit of the original fencing, & of course the hot springs pool that originally had a desert sand bottom. Over time someone drained the pool, & applied concrete, & the drain. When we camped there, we sold pickup the trash left behind, drain the pool by removing the iron plate cover near the broken remains of the fountain. So many memories I have of this wonderful landmark & all the people we met along the way. All I can say is if you ever are traveling on HWY 395 towards Bishop; take time to check out Dirty Soc. Adjacent to the West end of the Owens Dry Lake. Happy camping fishing hiking, etc. to those who are seeking places such as this place on the map. 😎
Run down these days but still worth a stop. Thanks for the interesting comment.
I was one of the locals. Had the Red School house for 24 years and spent many days at “Soxes “ and unfortunately you were right about the pool and surrounding area being destroyed. We still climb in the water, you wear tennis shoes, while cleaning the bottom of broken glass. It’s not for the faint of heart that’s for sure, but a cool dip. A ton of stories!!
Thanks for the comment Larry. I though I was being brave sticking my fingers in the pool. 🙂