Soda Springs is a natural spring in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows area, reached by a flat, easy walk near the visitor center. Cold, carbonated water bubbles up through the ground, with some of the springs enclosed by a roofless hut. The orange-colored water and quiet meadow setting make this a worthwhile short stop on a Tuolumne Meadows outing. Pair the walk with nearby Parsons Lodge, or use it as a gentle leg-stretcher before continuing along the area’s trails.
The springs in Tuolumne Meadows
Soda Springs is known for cold water that bubbles up from the ground with natural carbonation. The cause of the carbonation is not certain. Some springs are protected by a roofless hut, while others emerge through open holes in the ground.
The springs sit in the Tuolumne Meadows area, not Yosemite Valley. Their meadow surroundings and the bubbling water give this short walk a different feel from a viewpoint stop or a longer mountain hike.
A short walk with a nearby stop
The trail to Soda Springs is flat and easy, making it a gentle option for a break while exploring Tuolumne Meadows. The route is also described as a short out-and-back walk of about 1.5 miles when combined with Parsons Lodge.
Parsons Lodge is nearby, so you can include both stops in the same outing. Access to Tuolumne Meadows depends on seasonal road conditions: Tioga Road can remain closed in early spring because of snow.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Soda Springs in Yosemite?
Soda Springs is in the Tuolumne Meadows area, near the visitor center. It is not in Yosemite Valley.
What can you see at Soda Springs?
Cold, naturally carbonated water bubbles from the ground. Some of the springs are enclosed by a roofless hut.
How long is the walk to Soda Springs?
A walk combining Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge is described as about 1.5 miles out and back. The route is flat and easy.
Can you visit Soda Springs in early spring?
Access to Tuolumne Meadows can be limited by snow. Tioga Road may still be closed in early spring, so check seasonal road access before you go.
