11 Best Hot Springs in and near Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes in California is known as the perfect powdery playground for snowboarding and skiing in the winter, but it also boasts several incredible natural hot springs year-round. The scenic snow-capped mountain tops in the Mammoth Lakes area add a nice touch to the incredible views from these natural hot springs.
Whether you are looking to relax or have fun with friends and family, soaking in a Mammoth Lakes area’s hot springs can be an ideal way to spend an afternoon or a weekend.
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Mammoth Hot Springs is actually not in Mammoth Lakes Area! Read more about Mammoth Hot Springs here!
Best Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes Area, California
1. Hot Creek Geological Site
Hot Creek Geological Site is located in the Long Valley Caldera, only 9 miles from Mammoth Lakes. The breathtaking site consists of several natural hot springs. Although not available for swimming and bathing due to the rapid change in water temperatures, Hot Creek Geological Site is worth a visit for the incredible experience to observe geology in action, such as boiling waters emerging from the creek bed or fumaroles and geysers erupting. Because the geothermal waters are constantly changing course underground, there are new hot springs formed while others are disappearing. If you can, try to plan for sunset or sunrise at Brees Lookout for a stunning view of the Hot Creek Geological Site.
Cost: Free, but entering water is illegal
How to get to Hot Creek Geological Site: Take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn right on to the US-395 ramp to Bishop. Travel 3.1 miles and turn left onto Hot Creek Hatchery Rd. Stay on Hot Creek Hatchery Road for 3.3 miles then turn left onto Hot Creek Overlook Rd. The parking lot is on the left and you can take the Hot Creek Interpretative Trail to get to the site.
2. The Rock Tub Hot Springs (Whitmore Hot Springs)
Although Google shows separate locations for Rock Tub Hot Springs and Whitmore Hot Springs, they are actually the same hot springs with different names. The Rock Tub Hot Springs is about 10 miles from Mammoth Lakes, in the same general direction as Hot Creek Geological Site. Thanks to its easily accessible location with only 0.1 miles of dirt road and no hiking, Hot Tub Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area for both locals and tourists.
The hot springs site consists of a small tub that can fit up to 4 people comfortably. There is a small pipe taking up the water from another source, which can explain why the temperature may be cooler than other hot springs. The bottom of the tub is mossy and slippery, so be careful when you enter and exit the tub.
Cost: Free, clothing-optional
How to get to Rock Tub Hot Springs/Whitmore Hot Springs: Take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn right on to the US-395 ramp to Bishop. Turn left onto Benton Crossing Road after 5.4 miles and turn left again onto Whitmore Tubs Road. Continue for 1 mile and turn right onto an unmarked dirt road. Park your car in the small parking lot and walk around the corner and you will see the hot springs. If you are using Google Maps to navigate, make sure you input Rock Tub Hot Springs instead of Whitmore Hot Springs.
3. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs (Crowley Hot Springs)
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is one of the most popular spots for hot springs lovers in Mammoth Lakes. That is probably thanks to the fact that it has more than one pool with breathtaking views of the mountains. The waters are entirely heated by natural hot springs that come up through the vents directly underneath them.
Cost: Free, clothing-optional
How to get to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs: From Mammoth Lakes, take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn right on to the US-395 ramp to Bishop. Turn left onto Benton Crossing Road off of Highway 395 (the turn is recognizable by a green church at the corner). Drive for about 3 miles and turn right onto a dirt road as you cross over a cattle guard. Continue driving about 1.5-miles until you reach a parking lot, from which you will see the wooden boardwalk leading off to the site.
4. Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs used to be one of the best hot springs in Mammoth Lakes with spectacular views of the lash field with a dramatic mountain backdrop. In order to access Crab Cooker Hot Springs, make sure you have a high clearance vehicle as the road is bumpy and hard to drive. You can also access Crab Cooker by walking 0.5 miles from the Shepherd Hot Springs.
Cost: Free. Unfortunately, the pipe leading up to the pool was broken in 2021 and the water dried up. It is unknown when the hot springs will reopen.
5. Shepherd Hot Springs
Shepherd Hot Springs can be a little quieter than the other hot springs in Mammoth Lakes Area. There are cement rocks added to raise the edge of the pool and there is even a raised bench inside to sit on. Since it is quieter, you will most likely have more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Cost: Free, clothing-optional
How to get to Shepherd Hot Springs: Take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn right on to the US-395 ramp to Bishop. Turn left onto Benton Crossing Road after 5.4 miles and turn left again onto Whitmore Tubs Road. Turn right on the sixth dirt road (about 0.5 miles from turning to Whitmore Tubs Road), and you will find the parking lot slightly to the right.
6. Travertine Hot Springs
A little further from Mammoth Lakes, Travertine Hot Springs contains a group of mineral springs in Bridgeport. With easy access by car only about an hour from Mammoth Lakes, Travertine Hot Springs has been an extremely popular spot for hot springs lovers, tourists and locals alike. Besides the main pool, there are multiple small hot tub size hot springs available as you hike around the area. There is also an ADA-accessible cement tub located next to the parking lot. You can couple your visit to Travertine Hot Springs with a stop at Bodie Ghost Town.
Cost: Free, clothing-optional
How to get to Travertine Hot Springs: Take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn left onto the US-395 ramp to Lee Vining. Continue for 50 miles and turn right onto Jack Sawyer Road. Follow the signs for Travertine Hot Springs, you should find Travertine’s parking lot on the right after about one mile.
7. Buckeye Hot Springs
Buckeye Hot Springs is a little further from the town of Mammoth Lakes compared to Travertine, but it is also a popular hot spring near the town of Bridgeport. You will find three pools of Buckeye hot springs nestled between the banks of Buckeye Creek. Temperatures can vary from 100F to 140F depending on how close you are to the source. The multiple pools by the creek can fit around 30 people. While not as popular as Travertine Hot Springs, it still gathers a lot of attention from tourists and locals. In order to access the pool, you will have to hike down a steep trail so shoes are highly recommended.
Cost: Free, clothing-optional
How to get to Buckeye Hot Springs: Take the State Route 203 (Main St) and turn left onto the US-395 ramp to Lee Vining. Continue for 51 miles and turn left onto Twin Lakes Road for 7 miles before turning right on Buckeye Rd. Stay on Buckeye Road and you will get to Buckeye Hot Springs.
8. Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool)
Hilltop Hot Springs, also known as Pulkey’s Pool or Pulky’s Pool, offers a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada snow-capped mountain tops. The stone tub is man-made and water flows in through a system of pipes from the creek nearby. There is a valve that allows you to control the amount of water flowing in, hence, the warmth of the water. There is a wooden plank trail that will take you from the parking lot to the pool.
Cost: Free. Unfortunately, Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool) is also closed in 2021.
9. Keough’s Hot Springs
Keough’s Hot Springs was established in 1919. On its birthday, Keough’s Hot Springs picks one lucky guest to enjoy the day pass for free.
There are two hot springs pools on site. The larger one is cooler than the smaller one and is the largest natural hot springs pool in the Eastern Sierra. There are lounge chairs for sunbathing, snack bars, and a picnic area. There are also massage services available.
If you want to stay the night, camping is not the only option. You can cozy up in a furnished tent cabin on site. Please note that Keough’s Hot Springs is closed on Tuesday.
Cost: $12 per adult, $7 per child (from 3 to 12 years old), $4 per child under 2 years old. In addition to the entrance pass, you can pay $8 for a water aerobics session.
10. Benton Hot Springs
Benton Hot Springs is located in the historic town of Benton, forty miles northeast of Mammoth Lakes. Having a glory pass as a thriving silver mining town between 1865 and 1890, Benton still preserved some of the historic sites and buildings from the mining era.
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs provides campsites, rooms, and houses with semi-private or private hot tubs that are fed by the natural hot springs. In total, there are 12 campsites, a historic miners cabin, seven rooms, and four houses with private hot tubs. The campsite starts at 70$/night, and the room with semi-private hot tubs starts at $149.
Cost: Semi-private and private hot tubs fed by natural hot springs are included in the price of the rooms and the campsites.
11. Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville
Sierra Hot Springs is a rustic hot springs resort in Sierraville, about 4 hours from Mammoth Lakes. Sierra Hot Springs used to accommodate day passes and drop-ins, but these options have been discontinued since the first reopening phase on May 21, 2021.
The hot springs are currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Camping is available through advance reservation but no hooks up are available. Furnished rooms are available for two-night stays from or Wednesday to Friday or three-night stays from Friday to Monday.
Cost: Rooms and camping passes include access to the pools from 2 PM on the day of your arrival till; 2 PM on the day of your departure. Day passes are currently unavailable during the first phase of opening.
Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes Area, California FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs.
Is Mammoth Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes?
No, Mammoth Hot Springs is located in Yellowstone National Park, which is not in Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Hot Springs are about a 14-hour drive away from each other!
Can you get in to swim at hot springs in Mammoth Lakes?
You can take a dip in most hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area, except for the Hot Creek Geological Site. It is an incredible thermal site where you can marvel at the blue waters, geysers, and fumaroles. Swimming is not allowed because of the rapid fluctuation in water temperatures.
How did the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes Area form?
An ancient volcano erupted in the area about 760,000 years ago, leaving behind the relatively flat area now known as Mammoth Lakes. The area’s extensive network of natural hot springs is a byproduct of the massive volcano explosion.
Which hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area have the best facilities?
The majority of natural hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area are primitive with no facilities. If you are not up for an adventure through dirt roads and steep hikes to get to natural hot springs in the middle of nowhere, there are a few privately managed hot springs to consider such as Benton Hot Springs in Benton, Keough’s Hot Springs in Bishop, and Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville.
What to Know Before Going
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes Area
You can camp for free in BLM land at the hot springs, with BLM standing for Bureau of Land Management. If you are not interested in camping at BLM land, you can find several lodging accommodations in Mammoth Lakes. These are a few options with good facilities and convenient location in the area:
The Village Lodge – surrounded by mountain views, The Village Lodge offers direct access to a gondola and ski lift at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
Tamarack Lodge & Resort: About two miles from the Village Lodge, Tamarack Lodge & Resort is a historic lodge located on the shore of Twin Lakes with beautiful mountain background. It is a 1-minute drive from Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort and 9 minutes from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.
Juniper Springs Resort – This resort is conveniently located only a short walk from the Sierra Star Golf Course. In the winter, Juniper Springs Resort offers the comfort of ski-in ski-out options onsite.
What to Bring to Natural Hot Springs
Since most of the natural hot springs in and near Mammoth Lakes are secluded with the lack of standard facilities, you should come prepared. Below are some of the items you should consider packing:
- A swim suit: many hot springs and pools in the area are clothing optional. However, if you are not comfortable “wearing your birthday suit” (aka being nude) when there are other people and families around, it’s good to have a swim suit with you.
- Flip flops: some hot springs require a steep hike or a walk on gravel to access, so you should wear shoes rather than sandals. Nevertheless, it would be nice to have flip flops with you so you can change into before and after entering the pool.
- A quick drying towel
- Extra clothes to change and layer
- Sunscreen: even if it is not sunny, you should still apply sunscreen. Due to high elevations, UV rays may be strong even when it doesn’t seem sunny
- Water bottles and snacks: make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
- A thermometer to test the watet temperatures
- Make sure all your maps are downloaded on your phone in case you lose service
What to Avoid at Natural Hot Springs
Hopping into a hot spring is one of the best things to do after a long hike as it helps soothe your aching muscles. However, due to changes in elevations and heat, you may experience altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. When and if that happens, try to find a safe spot and rest. If you are in the hot pool, it would be a good idea to get out.
In the circumstances that you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. you should not get into natural hot springs. The microorganisms in the water may lead to some waterborne diseases such as infection, skin rash, and gastrointestinal illness.
You should also not drink alcohol before entering the hot tub, especially at high altitudes. It can potentially lead to lightheadedness and quickly escalate to losing consciousness.
The Best Time to Visit Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes
The best time to visit hot springs in Mammoth Lakes is in the spring when the Sierra Nevada mountain tops are still covered in snow, adding the perfect touch to the spectacular views. Winter makes the views even more dramatic, but some roads will be closed and it may be harder to find the hot springs. Fall is another great time to visit the hot springs when the temperature is pleasant and the bugs won’t bother you very much.
Summer is a popular time to visit High Sierras when hiking trails are free from snow, however, it may be too hot to take a dip during the day. If you happen to visit Mammoth Lakes during the summer, try to plan your trip to hot springs for sunrise. Sunset in the summer will offer rivaling views with comparable pleasant temperatures, but you may encounter a lot of bugs and mosquitos.
Key Takeaways: Best Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes Area, California
Mammoth Lakes is not just a magical winter wonderland, it also boasts several crystal clear lakes and natural hot springs year-round. Although Crab Cooker and Hilltop Hot Springs are not open in 2021, you still have plenty of options, ranging from primitive natural hot springs to resort-style hot tub pools.
I hope this guide has provided you with helpful information to prepare for your trip and find the perfect stops in your California hot springs quest. If you have found your favorite hot springs, please share them with me and others in the comments below!