A Guide to Bridgeport, California

The small town of Bridgeport, California is located at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is surrounded by absolute beauty-- various colors of cows dot the flat valley floor and the majestic Sierra looms in the distance. On GoogleEarth the valley is a staggering bright green compared to the Nevada desert and rocky Sierra. Bridgeport is just 2.5 hours from Reno, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination.

Bridgeport is home to some of the best hot springs I have seen, which says a lot. The Travertine Hot Springs are right outside of town. Access them via Jack Sawyer Road, which heads east off Rt. 395 near the service vehicle lot. Hot water carrying dissolved carbonate has formed long "spines" of travertine. Hot water still runs along the top of at least one spine, and cascades down into the main hot springs pools. The area is littered with older spines of various ages and hot pools. The best is a secretive spring the perfect size for a romantic couple-- walk down the hill to the south to find it, complete with wooden bench. These hot springs are definitely worth checking out.

Buckeye Hot Springs are a bit further from town, up in the Sierra. Take the Twin Lakes Rd into the mountains-- where it intersects Buckeye Creek, you will find the Buckeye Hot Springs down in the river. This is a neat set up; hot water naturally falls over a ledge and showers into the cold river. People have used rocks to build pools and separate the hot and cold water. These hot springs are perfect for day or night as there is shade and cold water during the day, and at night, the sound of the river and a million stars overhead. Established campsites can be found on either side of the river.

The East Walker River flows out of Bridgeport Reservoir to the north of town. The river is a popular destination for fly fisherman as it is home to many trout. The ghost town of Bodie is located about 40 minutes southeast of Bridgeport. At Bodie, visitors walk around an abandoned gold-mining town that was well populated for close to 40 years starting in 1876. Some of the old wooden buildings are still standing today, as well as the mine-workings.

Bridgeport is definitely a place to visit, if not for its fishing and historical value, then definitely for its hot springs. Support the local people and stop by for a meal in the classically cute downtown area.