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11 Mammoth Lakes hot springs: the best detour ever in California

Mammoth Lakes hot springs were some of the coolest places we stumbled across while road-tripping across the USA.

We truly never planned to visit this area, not even knowing it existed while traveling around the United States in 2017.

When we took a detour on the way to Yosemite National Park it turned into one of my favourite days from our road trip in the USA and we’ve since been back to explore this area in more detail, finding more incredible Mammoth Lakes hot springs on the return visit.

If you’re visiting Mammoth Lakes and looking for things to do, be sure to venture out to these hot springs.

But first, this guide to where to find the Mammoth hot springs includes everything you need to know. I’ll give you the GPS coordinates, the directions, information on how to control the temperature (where possible), and general rules of the area for soaking in the pools.

What to know before going to Mammoth Lakes hot springs

If you’re planning to visit the Mammoth Lakes Ca hot springs PLEASE remember to be respectful. That means following these guidelines.

  • Embrace the Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of the area. Help keep the hot springs clean and enjoyable for everyone by taking any trash or belongings with you when you leave. Don’t leave any items behind, including clothing.
  • If you adjust the shut-off valve to control the hot water, ensure you replace it back to its original position to maintain an optimal temperature for the next visitor.
  • Aim for a peaceful experience: Avoid creating excessive noise with speakers and loud music as others come here for tranquility.
  • Be aware that most of the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes are basic in facilities, lacking amenities such as changing rooms and washrooms.
  • Stick to the dirt roads: Driving off them can damage the sensitive ecosystem surrounding the hot springs.
  • Avoid bringing glassware, which can easily break and cause injury due to difficulty in complete removal.
  • Be prepared for limited cell phone signal, this includes GPS services like Google Maps.
  • Be ready for swift changes in mountain weather. Pack and dress accordingly.
  • Anticipate crowds, especially during peak times, as the springs are a popular attraction.
  • To avoid the crowd and enjoy some alone time, consider visiting very early in the morning, preferably on weekdays. Early risers may also get the chance to watch beautiful sunrises.
  • Local customs treat the hot springs as clothing-optional.
  • The majority of hot springs are man-made tubs with pipes running hot water from geothermal sources. Always exercise caution when adjusting these valves as they can make the water extremely hot.
  • It’s generally easier to warm the springs up than cool them down, so it’s advisable to close the valves once you leave, ensuring a comfortable experience for the next visitor.
  • Stay hydrated: The combination of hot water and altitude can lead to dehydration quicker than you might expect.
  • Apply sunscreen generously: Even if the weather seems cloudy or cool, UV rays can be stronger at higher altitudes.
  • Be mindful of wildlife: The area around the hot springs is home to various wildlife species, so it’s important to respect their habitats.
  • Pack a towel and a change of clothes: Given the lack of changing facilities, you’ll appreciate having something dry to change into after your soak.
  • Consider wearing water shoes: The bottoms of the hot springs may be rocky and slippery, so wearing water shoes can help prevent slips or falls.

11 of the best Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

Below you’ll find information on 13 hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, CA. But, before we get into that PLEASE read the following information. 

Mammoth Lakes hot springs map

Click the image below to open up an interactive map of the best Mammoth Lakes hot springs in California.

That way you can get an idea of where the springs are but remember you won’t be able to get directions while you’re in the area since there’s no reliable cell service.

mammoth lakes hot springs
The view from near Crab Cooker hot springs

1. Crab Cooker Hot Spring

  • GPS Co-ordinates: 37.662861, -118.800165
  • Notes: You’ll have to drive down a dirt road, 4×4 recommended. 

The first of the hot springs in Mammoth, CA we came to was just a few minutes from where we parked up.

From where we were it didn’t look that hot.

But, as we got closer, you could see the steam coming off the top.

Just what we needed on a cold and rainy day!

I put my hand in the spring and was pleased to find it was hot. A proper hot spring. (We’d been disappointed with a hot spring in New Mexico which turned out to be barely warm and was surrounded by other peoples’ rubbish and underwear(?!)).

Turns out using your hand like that isn’t a good way to test the temperature – yes, I know I should’ve known that.

I placed my leg in only to jerk it out a split second later before shouting “OWW IT’S TOO HOT!”, much to my husband’s amusement.

We later found out that this particular hot spring is called Crab Cooker Hot Spring because it’s so hot.

And we also found out that each hot spring has a shut-off valve/pipe that needs blocking which controls the amount of hot water coming from the source.

I guess someone hadn’t blocked off the pipe before us resulting in too much of the water from the source getting into the spring.

Because the water is pumped in it also tends to be far cleaner than some of the other hot springs near Mammoth Lakes Ca.

The spring here sits higher than most of the other hot springs so you can get beautiful mountain views if it’s not rainy like when we went!

The tub fits about 5-7 people easily and 12-15 if you’re squashed in tight. 

mammoth lakes hot springs

2. Hot Creek Geological Site

  • Where to find it: Hot Creek Hatchery Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Perfect for fishing in Mammoth Lakes too – we saw some people doing it when we visited!

After the disappointment of not being able to relax in the hot spring, we continued on to Hot Creek Geological Site.

I was kind of over the idea of getting in a hot spring after burning my foot, so the fact that you’re not allowed to get in the water here didn’t both me. Seriously though, don’t try to get in the water – people have died doing so.

The land is super unstable and you can actually hear the water bubbling away from the moment you step outside of your car.

The steam rising off the main spring probably rises to over 10ft and the color of the water in that particular area was a cool, icy blue.

The water at Hot Creek Hatchery reaches temperatures as high as 220 degrees Celcius! Knowing that it seems crazy that swimming here was ever allowed.

But it was!

Apparently, the site started to geyser back in 2006 and that saw the closure of Hot Creek Mammoth Lakes as a bathing place. Nowadays most of the area is fenced off preventing you from getting too close.

Despite the fact you can’t swim anymore, it was absolutely incredible. The snow-capped Sierra mountains in the distance, the hills, the creek and the steam rising off the numerous springs. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

It’s free to visit what’s effectively a hot springs lake but please don’t even think about trying to get into the water.

mammoth lakes hot springs
Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth Lakes
benton hot springs california

3. Benton Hot Springs California

  • Hot to get there: From the Mammoth area, follow US 395 to Benton Crossing Road.  Go east on Benton Crossing Road, then turn right on Highway 120 to Benton. From Lee Vining and north, take Highway 120 east to Benton. From Bishop, take Highway 6 north towards Benton, then left on Highway 120 for four miles. 

About 40 miles away from Mammoth Lakes is the small town of Benton where you’ll find Benton Hot Springs. In the 1800s this used to be a busy town due to silver mining and there were around 5,000 people living here. Today, it’s much quieter but you can still see a bunch of the old buildings from that time.

These hot springs are on the Benton Hot Springs camping area and each campsite has a private hot spring pool! They’re man-made pools where the hot water is piped in so they’re clean too. 

There are 12 campsites and each hot tub area with the warm spring water has a bit of a fence and trees around them for privacy.

The campground also has 7 rooms in the Inn and the rate includes breakfast. There’s a historic miner’s cabin, 5 houses with private hot tubs, and then the aforementioned camping sites.

Staying at the hot springs campground is ideal if you don’t want to have to share your hot spring with anyone.

wild willys hot springs mamoth

4. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs / Crowley Hot Springs

  • How to get there: GPS Co-ordinates: 37.661071, -118.767816
  • Turn off the US-395 on to Whitmore Hot Springs then stick right on Benton Crossing Road. Take a right onto the unmarked dirt road before the 3rd cattle gate and drive 1.2 miles to the parking area at the end. 4×4 high clearance vehicle recommended.

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs (weird name, I know) have a bit of a reputation for being a party destination.

There’s a lot of space and the spring can hold quite a few bathers. It’s also considered one of the most natural hot springs in the area since the water isn’t pumped in from a pipe. This means that the water tends to be muddier. 

From the parking lot, there’s a boardwalk for most of the way and a few stairs. You’ll walk along a boardwalk for most of the way so you shouldn’t get too muddy.

At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs there are two large main pools and some smaller pools too. The larger one is about 35 degrees Celcius and the smaller is around 40C on average.

Whichever pool you soak in you’ll get a gorgeous view of the Sierra Mountains.

One of the most famous pools here is the heart shaped hot spring.

One of the coolest things about Wild Willy’s is that there’s some BLM land nearby. This means you can camp for free by the hot spring.

hilltop hot spring california mammoth lakes

5. Hilltop Hot Spring / Pulkeys Hot Springs

  • GPS Coordinates: 37.6639889,-118.7898258
  • Take Benton Crossing Road (also known as Green Church Road) 2.7 miles until you see the turn-off on the west side of the road. 

Hill Top Hot Springs is also known as Pulkey’s hot spring and it’s one of the Mammoth Lakes hot springs that’s found between both Crabcooker hot spring and Wild Willy’s hot natural springs.

It can get busy on weekends and when we visited the area, it’s probably where we saw the most cars. You could fit about 4 people in Hilltop Hot Spring and probably a few more but then you’d get a bit squished!

Based on the name, you might be thinking you’d have to climb a hill in order to get your soak on.

But don’t worry, this pool is just at the end of a pretty flat and short trail. It’s just behind Pulky’s Pool and has a valve to control the water temperature.

Note: The springs are open all year, but the parking lot is sometimes closed in the winter because of snow. In that case, you can park on the side of Benton Crossing Road and walk down to the parking lot.

6. Little Hot Creek

  • GPS coordinates: 37°41’23.8″N 118°50’32.8″W

Little Hot Creek Hot Springs, or Siphon Hot Tub as locals call it, is a bit further away and not as crowded compared to other hot springs near Mammoth Lakes.

If you’re up for a little adventure, you’ll find a hidden gem: a private cement tub surrounded by beautiful plants and a great view. This makes it a perfect spot to relax.

Be prepared for a very bumpy dirt road for the last 1.5 miles. This part of the road often closes after it rains a lot. You don’t usually need a four-wheel drive or a high-clearance vehicle, but you’ll definitely need to drive slow!

Next to the cement tub, there’s a small hot creek, which is where the place got its name. You can also dip into this creek, but the tub is a much nicer place to sit because it has concrete ledges that you can use as seats.

Before you get in, make sure to check how hot the water is. The tub can get really hot if the valve was left open by the last visitors. If that happens, close the valve on the pipe inside the pool and wait for the water to get cooler.

Travertine Hot Spring mammoth lakes

7. Travertine Hot Spring

  • GPS Coordinates: 38.245089, -119.206139
  • From Mammoth Lakes head north on US-395 for about 50 miles, then turn right on Jack Sawyer Road. Follow this dirt road for about a mile to reach the spring. Access is limited during winter when snow may make the road impassable.

Travertine Hot Springs isn’t exactly in Mammoth Lakes, but it’s close enough and the beautiful setting makes it worth the hour drive. You’ll love soaking in the natural pools with their turquoise-green waters.

Travertine Hot Springs offers a relaxing soak in warm 103-degree (39C) water while you enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Mountains. This hot springs spot is located just south of Bridgeport within a state park.

At Travertine Hot Springs, there are 5 hot pools.

One near the parking area is man-made. The other four, which are a bit smaller, are natural. Two of these can be found just around the corner from the first one, while the other two are slightly downhill.

Unlike other hot springs, there is a small bathroom near the parking lot at Travertine which is definitely pretty useful if you plan on spending a while here.

buckeye hot springs mammoth lakes california

8. Buckeye Hot Spring

  • GPS Coordinates: 38°14’20.6″N 119°19’31.2″W
  • From Bridgeport, turn left on Twin Lakes Road at the north end of town. Follow this road for 7.1 miles to Doc and Al’s resort, where you turn right on Dirt Forest Service Road 017. Follow signs to Buckeye Creek. After 2.5 miles find a large flat parking area. Leave the car here, and follow the creek about 100 yards downstream to the spring.

Buckeye Hot Spring is in the Toiyabe National Forest just north of the town of Bridgeport.

This spring has two soaking pools next to a clear mountain stream and the water here generally hovers around 100 degrees (38C).

When you’re done soaking in the hot water, take a dip in the ice-cool stream for the real hot springs soaking experience!

It’s also a great spot for camping if you’re living out of a van like we were since you were in the National Forest.

rock tub hot springs mammoth lakes

9. The Rock Tub Hot Springs

  • GPS Coordinates: 37.6488812,-118.8103411

The Rock Tub is one of the popular hot springs in the area but it’s usually less crowded on weekdays, giving you a chance to have it to yourself.

The tub isn’t very deep, about 2 feet. In general, it’s good for about 4 people, but it’s big enough for 6-8 people if you don’t mind being close together.

However, unlike some other springs like the Hilltop Hot Spring, the Rock Tub doesn’t have a valve to control the water temperature. So, be ready for some hot water!

You’ll find the springs right off Whitmore Tubs Road. If you come from the south entrance on Benton Crossing Road, you should be able to drive there easily in a high clearance vehicle. But, be careful if there have been storms, as the road can get rough and muddy.

shepherd hot springs

10. Shepherd Hot Springs

  • GPS Coordinates: 37.6669537,-118.8059051

Shepherd Hot Springs is just a single pool like most of the other springs in the area. The pool you sit in is right next to the source (so don’t get in the wrong one!).

You can adjust the temperature of the pool with a valve on a pipe about 20 feet away from the bathing pool.

You’ll have to drive down a dirt road to visit Shepherd Hot Springs but the road there isn’t too bad compared to some.

If you take the drive slowly you should be able to make it without a 4×4. A high-clearance vehicle would be better though.

keough hot springs mammoth california

11. Keough Hot Springs

  • How to get there: From Bishop drive 7.4 miles South on US-395. Turn Right on Keough Hot Springs Road. Continue straight for just over half a mile.

If you want a hot springs experience that’s a bit less wild, check out Keough’s Hot Springs in Bishop, CA, near Mammoth. These hot springs, which started in 1919, are the largest in the Eastern Sierra.

Rather than natural hot springs, they’re more like swimming pools! They also have a unique waterfall cooling system and a hot soaking pool. You’ll also find sunbeds, picnic areas, and a calm rock trail.

At Keough’s, you’ll find two pools. The first one is big and cool, perfect for a gentle swim. The other one is smaller and hot, great for soaking.

Getting into the pools costs $14 per adult.

If you want to stay overnight, they have a campsite for tents. andfor RVs with hook-ups too.

What to pack for Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

So, obviously what you need to pack totally depends on the weather and the season you visit these Mammoth Lakes hot springs.

Something to bear in mind is that you’re in the Sierras. That means that winter gets really cold and the weather year-round is pretty changeable. Here is a guide on what you should pack for visiting Mammoth Ca hot springs:

  • Swimsuit: While swimsuits are optional at most of the hot springs, you might be more comfortable having one with you.
  • Towels: You’ll need something to dry off with after soaking in the springs.
  • Sandals or Water Shoes: The ground around hot springs can sometimes be rough or slippery, so it’s a good idea to have footwear that can handle the water. I love my Tevas.
  • Sunscreen: Depending on the time of year, the sun can be quite strong in the high elevation of Mammoth Lakes. Protect your skin with good sunscreen and make sure it’s not going to pollute the water.
  • Drinking Water: Soaking in hot springs can dehydrate you quickly, especially at high altitudes. Always bring plenty of water to drink. I took my Nalgene.
  • Snacks: You may get hungry after a relaxing soak in the springs, so pack some snacks to refuel.
  • Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so pack layers to be prepared for any condition.
  • Flashlight or Headlamp: If you plan to stay late, it can get quite dark around the hot springs, and a light source can be very helpful.
  • Trash Bag: Help keep the area clean by packing out what you bring in.
  • Camping Gear: If you plan to camp in the Bureau of Land Management land, you’ll need your standard camping gear like a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.
  • Map: Since cell service can be unreliable in the area, it’s a good idea to have a physical map or downloaded offline maps for navigation.
  • First Aid Kit: Just in case of minor injuries, a basic first aid kit is always good to have.
  • Camera: The Mammoth Lakes hot springs area offers stunning views and you might want to capture these memories.

Remember, always respect the area and follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to help keep the hot springs beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

hot creek near mammoth lakes hot springs

Our Mammoth Lakes hot springs experience

I’d seen a picture on Instagram of some hot springs as we came into Mammoth Lakes. They were geotagged as “Mammoth Lakes” and nothing else gave it away with the icon on Google Maps putting the photo right in the middle of the town but I was pretty sure that wasn’t where the hot springs were…

As I was driving along I saw a sign for “Whitmore Hot Springs” and decided to turn off the road.

It turned out Whitmore Hot Springs is actually a small village rather than a spring.

You see, these hot springs aren’t that easy to find (which I kinda like). We carried on driving towards nowhere and the paved road turned into a dirt road.

Elvis, our van that we converted in a Home Depot parking lot in winter in Toronto, rattles quite a lot (mainly the cooker). Driving dirt roads always makes it sound like the van is going to fall apart.

We were about to turn around and join the road again when we started to see a few cars parked here and there in amongst the hills.

They were quite far off the main dirt road, down ever dirtier roads. We picked one and started driving down it; trying to avoid as many potholes as possible (easier said than done on a narrow road in a van!).

The weather wasn’t exactly the greatest. The sky was white, there was still snow in places, and the ground was squelchy with all the rain and snowmelt. In all honesty, I felt a little bit like I was in Wales in January (that’s not necessarily a bad thing, just not how I imagined California).

We came to a point in the road where we didn’t fancy risking driving Elvis any further so we got out and searched for a hot spring on foot.

The next few hours we came across some amazing Mammoth Lake hot springs that I wanted to share with you here. If you’re in the area you have to check out these as they’re some of the best hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. 

Ever since this day trip in Mammoth, I’ve always searched for ‘hot springs near me’ when we’re in the mountains!

mammoth lakes hot springs

Where to stay near Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

If you’re planning a weekend getaway to the Mammoth Lakes area, here are a couple of recommended places to stay near Mammoth Lakes whether you want to go camping at Mammoth Lakes or stay in a Mammoth Lakes hotel. 

The town of Mammoth Lakes is pretty small but since it’s a ski town there are plenty of options for lodging in Mammoth Lakes.

A lot of the hotels in Mammoth Lakes have a cabin feel so be sure to check out my cabin packing checklist for an even cozier stay at cabins at Mammoth Lakes.

  • Cinnamon Bear Inn: A charming inn located in downtown Mammoth Lakes, offering comfortable rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet.
  • Tamarack Lodge: A vintage resort from 1924 with rooms in the main lodge and cabins equipped with a kitchen and fireplace.
  • Juniper Springs Resort: This resort has a kitchen, balcony, and fireplace, along with a golf course, heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub.
  • The Village Lodge: A mountain-view lodge featuring direct access to a gondola and ski lift at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
  • The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth: A luxury resort that offers ski passes and snowboard rentals, with suites and studios featuring a kitchenette, fireplace, and access to a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs.

Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs camping 

If you’re planning to spend a bit of time in the area and want to go camping in Mammoth Lakes, there are a couple of options.

You could camp at the dedicated campsites in the area, or you can also find free camping in Mammoth Lakes on BLM land. No prizes for guessing which we prefer when it comes to Mammoth Lakes camping! 

Camping: There are a few options for camping near the hot springs at Mammoth Lakes. There’s Browns Owen River Campground just a few miles down the road from Wild Willy’s hot spring. This one costs around $30 a night and has bathrooms and approximately 80 campsites. Reserve ahead of time during summer. There’s also Benton Hot Springs Campground where you’ll get your own private tub while camping near Mammoth Lakes if that’s more your style. There are 11 campsites here ranging in price from $60-$70 a night. 

Free BLM Campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes: Mammoth Lakes has a lot of BLM Land. If you’re unfamiliar with BLM land read this for more information. In short, it’s public land that you can camp on for free. If you’re looking for hot springs camping in California, there’s some right next to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and a few other areas mentioned above. There are no facilities here so you should pack out everything you take with you including human waste. 

How do I get to Mammoth Lakes?

Mammoth Lakes is on the scenic Highway 395. This highway connects Death Valley, the lowest point in North America with a record for the hottest temperature on Earth, to the beautiful Alabama Hills, and then to the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, which include the tallest peak in the Lower United States.

If you can, a road trip to Mammoth Lakes is a great idea, and you could visit some of California’s natural hot springs on the way!

You can also fly to Mammoth Yosemite Airport which is a small airport near Mammoth Lakes, but for a cheaper flight, you could fly into a larger city.

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco are all good options, with drives to Mammoth Lakes taking around 4-5 hours.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Once you land, you’ll need to rent a car to reach Mammoth Lakes and travel around the area. If you’re renting a car, go for one with high clearance because the roads to the hot springs can be quite bumpy. Just remember to check the car rental company’s rules about driving on unpaved roads before you leave.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

When should I visit Mammoth Lakes hot springs?

The best time to visit the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes is during spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is usually nice, there aren’t many bugs, and the Sierra Nevadas are often lightly covered in snow, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

Summer is also a popular time to visit because the hiking trails are snow-free. However, keep in mind that it can get too hot to enjoy the springs during the day, and while the springs are nice in the evening, there can be lots of mosquitoes.

Winter is another great time to visit Mammoth Lakes. It’s one of the best places in California to visit during the winter and soaking in the hot springs after skiing could be really fun. However, the snow can make it difficult to reach the springs.

FAQs about these hot springs Mammoth Lakes

Can you get in hot springs in Mammoth?

Yes, you can definitely soak in the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. The area offers several natural hot springs including Wild Willy’s, Crab Cooker, and Hilltop, which are all open to the public.

Can you get in to swim at hot springs in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes, you can swim in some of the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. Always remember to respect the natural environment, stay safe, and follow any posted guidelines or restrictions.

How did the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes area form?

The hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area formed due to geothermal activity. The Earth’s crust in this region is thin, allowing heat from the Earth’s interior to rise and warm the groundwater, creating these natural hot springs.

What are the hot springs between Mammoth and Bishop?

There are several hot springs located between Mammoth and Bishop, including Rock Tub, Hilltop Hot Spring, Shepherd Hot Spring, and Whitmore Hot Springs, offering a relaxing stopover during your journey.

How much time do you need in Mammoth hot springs California?

The time you need at Mammoth Hot Springs depends on your preference, generally, a couple of hours is enough. This allows time to relax, soak, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

What hot springs are in Mammoth?

Mammoth Lakes is home to several hot springs like Wild Willy’s, Hilltop, Crab Cooker, and Pulkey’s Pool. These are all-natural geothermal springs, perfect for a relaxing soak.

Final thoughts on the best hot springs Mammoth Lakes California

The best hot springs Mammoth Ca has are the perfect place to soak somewhere warm and enjoy the views.

With mountain views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and beautiful landscapes everywhere you look, soaking in the Mammoth Mountain hot springs is the ideal way to pass a few hours whether you’re on a Mammoth Lakes road trip, or spending more time in the area.

If you’re looking for things to do nearby, be sure to check out this guide to visiting Death Valley National Park and this guide to the best things to do in Yosemite National Park, such as the hike to Yosemite Falls.

Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Hannah

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  1. […] for its skiing but did you know it’s also full of geothermic activity? There are dozens of hot springs near the town of Mammoth Lakes most of which are undeveloped and free and involve travelling down dirt roads to […]

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