Hey Sacramento It's Easy Getting off the Road & Off the Grid
at Wilbur Hot Springs!
What? You say you know not of Wilbur Hot Springs! Sacramento...you need to get out more often. It's so close and, yet, once you're there you will know just how far. This beautiful nature preserve will help wash away those urban stresses. Yes, we love our urban lifestyle, but sometimes even the urban-vore needs a break.
Nestled in its own 1800-acre private nature preserve in northern California's coastal range, 22 miles from the nearest town, Wilbur Hot Springs is a retreat in the truest sense. Surrounded by thousands of acres of open space and outstanding hiking trails this spectacular preserve surrounds you with breathtaking valleys, panoramic ridge views, high meadows and the rare remnants of century-old mining operations. While bird watching thrives year-round, spring brings to life a renowned wildflower display in Bear Valley. Every year and particularly when rain is plentiful, 
California wildflowers grow in profusion in this most blessed region of California, internationally known for the quantity and diversity of its blooms. Orange poppies, yellow tidytips, purple lupine, owl's clover, and rare adobe lilies are just some of the wildflower delights.
However! The greatest gift of Wilbur Hot Springs is the natural hot mineral water. Sheltered by a bathhouse, the water is channeled into three long baths with temperatures ranging from a gentle 98 degrees to a challenging 112 degrees. To further nourish your being, there is a large, cool-water mineral pool, an outdoor hot mineral sitting pool, and a dry sauna next to the bathhouse. The clothing-optional hot springs are loaded with life-giving minerals. The sodium levels provide buoyancy similar to floating in the Dead Sea. The baths are open day and night to registered guests.
California has incredible hot springs destinations. But only a few are completely "green." Well, then there's Wilbur. You can't say that Wilbur Hot Springs is off-the-grid since quite simply they were never on it! They are the poster child for "solar systems" since they are completely powered by solar gardens with back-up (propane) generators.
The resort at Wilbur Hot Springs dates back to 1865. The current hotel was built in 1915 and offers numerous comfortable corners to lose yourself or spend time with friends. Different type of lodging are available: apartments (with kitchens), private rooms, an 11-bed bunk-room and seasonal camping. Pricing, of course, varies.
Swedish, deep tissue and other techniques of massage are available and offered by licensed professional therapists seven days a week. At the resort the dining experience is very community oriented but feel free to enjoy your rural peace and quiet. Guests bring their own supply of groceries and prepare their own food in the communal country kitchen. The professional kitchen is well equipped and becomes a thriving social center as you prepare meals alongside other guests.
Day use of the spa is also available. The resort is a little difficult to find the first time, but good directions are offered on their website - or just give them a call. Located 22 miles west of the town of Williams and 22 miles east of Clearlake enjoy a tranquil drive through the Capay Valley and up Cache Creek Canyon.
Photo Credits: Barbara L. Steinberg©
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