SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – After two people have been found dead in the same area, a hot springs location in the Sequoia National Forest will be closed indefinitely, the U.S. Forest Service announced on Monday.
After the 2023 winter and spring flooding, forest officials say Miracle Hot Springs along the Kern was inaccessible after being under a high water mark. Since the river levels have dropped, the previously removed tub area was exposed again.
On Saturday, Feb. 17, the forest service reported one person was found dead in one of these exposed tubs. Previously, on Oct. 17, 2022, a dead person was found in the same area.
For the sake of public health and safety, rangers have decided to close Miracle Hot Springs indefinitely.
“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.
The forest service will issue an area closure order to soon prohibit access to the hot springs, tubs, and general area. Sandy Flat Campground near the day-use area is still open to the public.
