Island Crossing

The Iva Bell Hot Springs via Fish Creek Trail offers a challenging backpacking experience through the Sierra Nevada, leading to secluded natural hot springs. You'll traverse varied terrain, from areas recovering from wildfires to tall pine forests and granite slabs, with views of cascading waterfalls and vast canyon expanses as you follow Fish Creek. The remote Iva Bell Hot Springs, nestled on a hillside with multiple pools, provides majestic views of the Fish Creek Valley, making the difficult 11.9-mile (19.2 km) journey with 1604 feet (489 metres) of elevation gain well worth the effort.

This trail is a significant undertaking, typically requiring a multi-day trip rather than a day hike, with an estimated duration of 5 hours and 36 minutes one way. For overnight stays, a wilderness permit is mandatory, especially during the quota season from May 1 to November 1. Bear-resistant food containers are also required. The trailhead is accessible near Devil's Postpile National Monument, but be prepared for considerable elevation changes and mind your water sources.

What truly sets this route apart is the destination: the Iva Bell Hot Springs offer a unique, less crowded soaking experience compared to more accessible springs in the Eastern Sierra. The trail also provides the opportunity to hike through both the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, intersecting with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT) near its start. This makes it a prime choice for those seeking deep wilderness immersion and natural features.