KERNVILLE, CA., Friday, February 26, 2024— News Release by Amy Masi
Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District
KERNVILLE, CA., Friday, February 26, 2024—
News Release by Amy Masi
Due to public health and safety concerns, Miracle
Hot Springs will be closed indefinitely.
After the 2023 winter and spring flooding on the
Kern River, Miracle Hot Springs was under the highwater mark and inaccessible. Since river levels have
dropped, the previously removed tub area was
exposed again.
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, a deceased
individual was found in one of the Miracle Hot Springs tubs. Previously, on October 17, 2022, a
deceased individual was also found in the same area.
“Public safety is of utmost importance to Forest Service officials. With a second death that can
be attributed in part to the hot springs, the area will remain closed until a sustainable long-term
solution is reached,” says District Ranger Al Watson.
An area closure order will be in place soon prohibiting access to the hot springs, tubs, and
general vicinity.
Sandy Flat Campground, near Miracle Hot Springs day use area, is open to the public and
accepts reservations through Recreation.gov.
Follow the Sequoia National Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook
@SequoiaNF, and X @sequoiaforest.