Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
Length | 6.8 miles round trip |
Starting Elevation |
6850 |
Cumulative Elevation Change |
+300, -300 round trip |
Navigation | Road |
Time | Half day |
Season | Mid-December through March |
Snowmobiles Use | Low |
USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Twin Lakes |
Start | At the turnoff to Doc and Al's Resort, 7.6 miles southwest of Bridgeport on the road to Twin Lakes. The turnoff is on the north (right) side of the road. |
Buckeye Hot Spring flows down a cliff into two rock and earth tubs located a step away from Buckeye Creek. The temperature of the water in the tubs can vary greatly during the winter months. If it is too hot, unplugging the pipe which leads upstream allows cold water to enter the pools.
As with all hot springs, heavy use can cause damage. Please do not pollute the spring, pools, or creek, and do not bring glass containers into the area — one broken bottle can ruin the place for everyone.
Those interested in a longer trip can first explore Buckeye Canyon before soaking in the hot spring.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.2
Elevation change: +0
From the trailhead (1), ski west on the snow-covered road for 0.2 mile until you reach the bridge across Robinson Creek (2). The road may be well-used in this first section where several cabins are located.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.2 - 2.8
Elevation change: +150
Continue to ski north on the road for 2.6 miles until you reach the bridge across Buckeye Creek (3). Stay on the main road; do not turn onto any side roads.
In this 2.6 mile stretch you will have time to enjoy the beautiful view of Bridgeport Valley and Bridgeport Reservoir to the east.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 2.8 - 2.9
Elevation change: +50
There is a fork in the middle of this section. You may see 1, 2 or even 3 roads continuing north. If you have a choice, take the east-most (right) fork. All intersect the east-west road that is the destination of this section.
Ski north on the road, taking the east-most (right) fork, for 0.1 mile until you reach a road junction (4) where the intersected road travels east-west.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.9 - 3.3
Elevation change: +0
At the road junction, turn east (right) and ski 0.4 mile until to the point where you must leave the road (5). There is no landmark here, but 0.2 mile ahead you will see a small knob on the south (right) side of the road.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 3.3 - 3.4
Elevation change: -100
Take your skis off and carefully walk south (right) down the hillside for 0.1 mile past the spring to the creek-side pools (6).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.4 - 6.8
Elevation change: +100, -200
Retrace the route for 3.4 miles back to the trailhead (1).