Wilbur Essentials
Wilbur Essentials are helpful to keep in mind before visiting Wilbur!
- Confirmed reservations are required for all day-use and overnight visits – walk-ins cannot be accepted.
- There is a $10 per hour per person Early Arrival Fee for arriving before the 3:00PM Check-In Time.
- First-time visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive during daylight hours for the easiest orientation at Wilbur!
Bathing Etiquette
- The bathing area is clothing-optional; clothing is required everywhere else.
- Always shower and clean your body before bathing
- The bathing area is a device-free zone. Please refrain from using cameras, phones and electronics devices. Anyone caught taking photos in/of the bathing area will be asked to leave the property immediately with no refunds.
- Save sexual activity for the privacy of your room.
- Respect quiet areas and guests’ modesty.
- To keep wildlife away, please keep all food out of the bathing area.
What To Bring
- Hiking shoes to explore the Nature Preserve and walk from parking
- Robe or sarong to wear to and from the clothing optional bathing area
- Sandals or slip-on footwear
- Towel & water bottle
- Hat & Sunscreen (summer)
- Extra Blanket(s) and layered clothing (winter)
- Flashlight (especially campers)
Alcohol
- Spirits of your choice are permitted, in moderation
- Wine and alcohol are unavailable for purchase at Wilbur
- Alcohol is discouraged before soaking and can be quite dangerous
- The bathing area is an alcohol-free zone at all times
- Excessive use of alcohol and/or controlled substances at Wilbur is inappropriate
- Loud and disruptive visitors will be asked to leave the premises
Wilbur is Off-Grid
- Wilbur is a WiFi and cellular-free property
- We rely only on solar power, and spring water for all our needs, so we do our best to conserve energy and water
- There is hot tap water available in the kitchen; guest room and bathroom taps are cold water only
- We live with many wild creatures. Some are less desirable, like ticks, flies, mice, snakes and raccoons. Although we do our best to relocate them, they sometimes do show up unexpectedly
Food Options
- Community kitchen hours are 8:30AM to 9:30PM daily
- The community kitchen features ample food prep, stovetop and oven space. Microwaves, toasters, and other electrical appliances are not available for use, due to energy conservation
- The nearest grocery store is about 20 miles from Wilbur
- Coffee (bags of ground beans) and some snacks are available for purchase in the Country Store
- Please keep food away from wildlife; store all food in the hotel kitchen
Day Use
- Day Use is one price for specific hours 10:00am – 5:00pm
- It is the same price regardless of arrival time
- All day users must depart the property at 5:00pm regardless of arrival time
- Plan your trip to arrive as close to 10:00am as possible to get the most out of your day here!
Groups
In the past, Wilbur was able to accommodate smaller groups in the “Red House,” which offers separate dining and gathering facilities. Unfortunately that space is no longer available. Our current experience is that when groups of friends come together to Wilbur, they tend to interact, usually unintentionally, in ways that can disrupt the experience of other guests, many of whom are seeking the uniquely quiet sanctuary of Wilbur’s land and healing waters. If you are considering a visit to Wilbur with a group of more than 5 people, please contact the front desk before booking in order to best manage expectations for your visit.
Children
- Only young people age 13 and older are permitted; Young people aged 13 – 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times
- Parents/guardians may sign a release to book massages for their children
- Children receiving massage treatments must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there cell phone reception or internet access available?
Q: What do you mean by clothing optional?
A: In the tradition of Japanese onsens and European hot springs, our screened bathing area is clothing-optional. This includes the flumes, pool, sauna, showers, cold plunge and surrounding decks. Nudity is common, but by no means mandatory. Some important notes on hot springs etiquette…
- Respect privacy and modesty. Many are quite sensitive about their bodies and are not accustomed to the vulnerability that nudity brings. Bathing suit or not, even a single inappropriate glance can be offensive enough to impact someone’s experience. The bathing area is “device free” (cameras, phones, tablets, electronics) for this reason.
- Be reverent of the quiet. We revere the quiet contemplation and relaxation these waters afford and many guests have traveled long miles specifically to reach the peace and silence of the Wilbur bathhouse. Quiet conversation can be held outside of the Fluminarium and in our outdoor “talking flume.”
- Refrain from sexual activity in the bathing area. Wilbur is a romantic place and we cherish that. We find physical expressions of love can sometimes cause great discomfort when they’re on display, especially in the bathing area. Please reserve all sexual activity for the comfort and privacy of your room.
- Consume only water in plastic or stainless steel. For the safety of all, please refrain from bringing any glass, food, or alcohol into the bathing area.
Q: Can I request a specific cabin, solar lodge room or camp site?
A: Yes – you may request a specific accommodation; we will do our very best to fulfill the request, however we cannot make a guarantee that you will have a specific accommodation.
Q: Can I sleep in my car/RV
A: To ensure the safety and comfort of all, guests at Wilbur are required to stay in one of our lodging or camping accommodations. Small RVs and camper vans may be parked in our long-term parking lot during your stay.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Children 13 years and older are welcomed to enjoy Wilbur’s amenities. Children 13 – 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Q: Is use of the springs included in the rate?
Q: Is your water treated?
A: The hot water in our flumes is pure, untreated mineral water straight from the source. There is no need to add chemicals because the water is constantly flowing into and out of each flume, allowing a complete “refreshing” of the water. The swimming pool is spring-fed and cool in summer, when it is chlorinated. In winter, it is heated with geothermal water and non-chlorinated.
Q: What is Wilbur's smoking policy?
A: The designated smoking area is at the Ramada, just east of the hotel. It is the only place on the property where smoking of any type or the use of vaporizers/e-cigarettes is permitted. Smoking, candles, lit herbs, cook stoves, incense and fire of any kind is strictly prohibited in guest rooms and all other locations. A cleaning and maintenance fee of $200 will be charged if any evidence of smoking or prohibited activity is detected. Thank you for your understanding on this important policy.
Q: How hot are the hot springs?
A: The water emerges from the Wilbur source at approximately 143° F. When it arrives at the Fluminarium, it has cooled to about 128° F. The water is channeled into four flumes with average temperatures of 100° F, 105° F, and 109° F. We adjust the temperatures by managing the flow of water in each flume.
Q: Are bath robes/towels available for guests?
Q: Are your accommodations ADA accessible?
A: Cabins 9 & 10 are ADA accessible.
Q: Where is the nearest airport?
Q: Can I host a private retreat/event/workshop at Wilbur?
A: Wilbur is primarily a health sanctuary which is ideal for couples and individual visitors, and friends. There is limited availability for groups to contract Wilbur for small groups and exclusive use events each year. Please call or email the front desk at (530) 777-2306 or info@wilburhotsprings.com, and let us know the nature of your group or event, the dates you would like to stay, and the number of guests in your party.
Q: Are there any food/alcohol restrictions in the kitchen?
A: All dietary preferences and spirits of choice are welcome in the community kitchen.
Q: Where do I go for food, fuel, and supplies?
A: Gasoline / Service Stations
Wilbur is 23 miles from the nearest town with services, so we recommend you gas up before heading into the mountains where Wilbur is located. The nearest gas stations are in Williams (23 miles east on Highway 20), Brooks (at the Cache Creek Casino, 32 miles south on Highway 16), or in Clear Lake/Clear Lake Oaks (25 miles west on Highway 20.) NOTE: Wilbur does not have the facility to accomodate charging electrical vehicles. The nearest EV station is in Williams, CA at Carl’s Jr.
Fuel and Provisions
Wilbur is 23 miles from the nearest services, so we recommend you gas up before heading into the mountains where Wilbur is located. The nearest gas stations are:
- Williams (23 miles east on Highway 20),
- Brooks (at the Cache Creek Casino, 32 miles south on Highway 16), or in
- Clear Lake/Clear Lake Oaks (25 miles west on Highway 20.)
NOTE: Wilbur does not have the facility to accommodate charging electric vehicles. The nearest EV charging station is in Williams, CA at Carl’s Jr.
Grocery Options
Wilbur is about 23 miles from any grocery store, so we recommend that you make grocery purchases in your area in order to reliably find your favorite selections. When stopping en route, you might try:
- Middletown – Hardesters Market
- Clearlake – IGA Supermarket (aka Foods, Etc)
- Vacaville – Nugget Market
- Yuba City – New Earth Market
- Ukiah – Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op.
Driving to Wilbur
Because we are off-grid in an isolated area, it’s best to write or print directions before leaving.
GPS navigation tends to be accurate, but make sure to download your driving directions to your device before starting your trip. When driving at night, drive carefully and watch out for cows.
Note: Due to unpredictable weather conditions, as well as maintenance, some highways close without warning. Before coming to Wilbur Hot Springs, you can check for the latest closures here: Highway information…
From the San Francisco Bay Area - Approximately 2.5 hours
(Scenic) Take I-80 East just past Vacaville; take exit 56 for I-505 North for 21 miles; take exit 21 for Highway 16 West approximately 35 miles through the scenic Capay Valley and Cache Creek Canyon until you reach Highway 20. Turn left on Highway 20 and drive 500 feet before turning right onto Bear Valley Road. Follow this unpaved road for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
(Interstate) Take I-80 East just past Vacaville; take exit 56 for I-505 North for 34 miles, then continue onto I-5 to North for another 18 miles to Williams; Take exit 578 for Highway 20 West, driving 18 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 16. Just 500 feet past this junction, turn right on Bear Valley Road. Follow this unpaved road for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
From Sacramento and Sacramento International Airport - Approximately 1.5 hours
(Interstate) Take I-5 North towards Redding for approximately 49 miles to Williams; Take exit 578 for Highway 20 West, driving 18 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 16. Just 500 feet past this junction, turn right on Bear Valley Road. Follow this unpaved road for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
(Scenic) Take I-5 North for approximately 13 miles to Woodland; take exit 541 for Highway 16 West towards Esparto. Continue following signs for 16 West through Esparto and stay on Highway 16 approximately 35 more miles through the scenic Capay Valley until you reach Highway 20. Turn left on Highway 20 and drive 500 feet before turning right onto Bear Valley Road. Follow this unpaved road for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
From Petaluma / Santa Rosa - Approximately 2 hours
Take Highway 101 North to exit 494 for River Road / Mark West Springs Road; Turn right onto Mark West Springs Road for approximately 10 miles. At stop sign, turn left onto Petrified Forest Road for approximately 4.5 miles; at stop sign, turn left onto Hwy 29 / Foothill Blvd for approximately 1 mile, then turn right on Tubbs Lane; at the end of Tubbs Lane, turn left onto Hwy 29 / Lake County Hwy. Follow Hwy 29 about 20 miles, over Mt. St. Helena (very curvy) and through the town of Middletown to Lower Lake; stay straight, continuing onto Hwy 53 North for approximately 8 more miles to reach the junction of Highway 20. At the roundabout, take Hwy 20 East for approximately 18 miles. About 3 miles after entering Colusa County, turn left onto Bear Valley Road (if you reach Hwy 16 you’ve gone too far). Follow Bear Valley Road (unpaved) for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
From Napa Valley - Approximately 1.5 hours
Take Highway 29 North through Calistoga. Turn right on Tubbs Lane; at the end of Tubbs Lane, turn left onto Hwy 29 / Lake County Hwy. Follow Hwy 29 about 20 miles, over Mt. St. Helena (very curvy) and through the town of Middletown to Lower Lake; stay straight, continuing onto Hwy 53 North for approximately 8 more miles to reach the junction of Highway 20. At the roundabout, take Hwy 20 East for approximately 18 miles. About 3 miles after entering Colusa County, turn left onto Bear Valley Road (if you reach Hwy 16 you’ve gone too far). Follow Bear Valley Road (unpaved) for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
From Ukiah / Mendocino County - Approximately 1.75 hours
Take Highway 101 to Highway 20 (near Redwood Valley). Take Highway 20 East for approximately 42 miles, past the town of Clearlake Oaks. (There are several roundabouts along this route, which follows the northern edge of Clear Lake -keep following signs for Hwy 20 East). After Clearlake Oaks, go through one last roundabout, continue on Highway 20 for 18 more miles. About 3 miles after entering Colusa County, turn left onto Bear Valley Road (if you reach Hwy 16 you’ve gone too far). Follow Bear Valley Road (unpaved) for about 3 miles, then turn left on Wilbur Springs Rd and cross the Silver Bridge. Continue another half mile and you’ll arrive at the Wilbur Hot Springs gate. Please open and close the gate behind you to keep cows out! Drive slowly to the hotel and park in Temporary Lot for Check-In.
