Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth Lakes, CA

As one of our favorite road in California, Route 395 is full of awesome little spots for adventures. One of them is Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth Lakes. About 3.5 miles detour from Highway 395, it is a super cool, quick stop to check out some beautiful geothermal pools.

STATS:

Where:
Hot Creek Geological Site – Hot Creek Hatchery Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Coordinates: 37°39’37″N 118°49’40″W

Parking: There is a large parking lot with plenty of parking.

Hours: 8am – 7pm everyday

Restrooms: There are restrooms at the parking lot.

Distance: 0.2 miles

Elevation: 100 feet

Level: Easy with a decent hill

Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes to an hour depending on how out of shape you are. The trail has a small hill.

Ideal Weather: Cooler months are always favorable. However, in the winter there may be snow. Access at this time may be limited to snowmobiles, skis and foot traffic.

Ideal Time: Early morning if you want the hot springs to yourself

Dogs: dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

THE ADVENTURE:

Hot Creek Geological Site is centrally located to several popular destinations along Highway 395. It resides in the Inyo National Forest. The springs are 30 miles from Mono Lake and only 8 miles from Mammoth Lakes. The GPS coordinates above will take you right to the parking lot.

If you don’t feel like making the small trek down the hill to the water’s edge, there is a viewpoint of the geothermal pools directly from the parking lot. This might be the best option if you have leg problems because the hike down to the water is on the steep side.

It is pretty wild how the beauty of the wooded stream is dwarfed by the bright vibrant turquoise color of the geothermal pools. Although it has not been confirmed, the water’s color is believed to be caused by bacteria that happen to thrive in scalding hot water. Another theory is that the water has been boiling for so long that it has become extremely pure. Therefore, the blue is the water’s reflection of the sky. You will also notice a lot of calcium deposits on the rocks as well, causing them to be a brilliant white.

To get closer to the action, you can head down the paved trail. The trail is only 0.2 miles each way, but it is steep enough to leave you breathing a little harder. The trail has one single switchback. Once you get to the bottom, please obey all of the signs and warnings. The brilliant blue may seem to beckon you to come closer. However, crossing the fence could prove to be deadly. We can not stress it enough. DO NOT GO IN THE WATER!! It is illegal to go in and also extremely dangerous.

As you get closer, the vibrant blue seems to pop out against the stark white of the ground and the dark green of the river moss. Steam is pouring off of it like it was coming from a dragon’s mouth. You are witnessing the completion of an estimated 1000 year journey from where the water started until it reaches the hot spring. The water is superheated by the remnants of the largest volcano in the continental United States. Its last eruption over 700,000 years ago was so powerful that it collapsed in on itself, forming a massive caldera. Almost as soon as the hot water breaches the surface, it is mixed in with the cold water of the stream. A couple of feet after the two collide, the water is cooled to a still burning 200℉. The transition happens very suddenly.

You used to be able to access this stream. The Native Americans used the springs for water, bathing and some spiritual ceremonies. However, sadly, 14 people have been killed when they crossed into the boiling zone and were burned alive. That is why there is a fence around the geothermal pools now. Keeping your distance is critical because when the hot water blasts through the surface, it is at a blistering 430℉.

As hot as they get, the springs are crucial for the ecosystem that surrounds them. They help warm the water for large populations of fish that live downstream. It is also has brought many species of birds and plants to the area as well.

Hot Creek Geological Site has also been known for occasional geyser eruptions. Although we weren’t lucky enough to witness it. These are usually the result of earthquakes forming new channels for the blistering water, as it tries to force its way to the surface. This place is very unique because it is always changing. The geothermal pools could possibly look completely different every time you visit.

This isn’t a spot where you will spend a lot of time, but it is definitely worth it to catch a small glimpse of our crazy planet at work in a gorgeous setting. If you want even more info, you can also stop by the Welcome Center to see exhibits, get brochures and talk to extremely knowledgeable staff. They are open 7 days a week from 8-5 with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas day and Christmas Eve. You can find them at 2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.

Don’t forget to check out our blog on kayaking on Lake Tahoe and Elmer’s Bottle Ranch for other things to do along Route 395. Hang tight, we’re working on more articles along this awesome highway as well.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!

RECOMMEND GEAR:

Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

•  Sunscreen:
  We use eco-friendly, reef safe sunscreen. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen or Sun Bum Sunscreen

•  Comfortable shoes
Although the trail is paved, you’ll want to decent hiking shoes as it is steep. Vy’s shoes are North Face HedgeHog GTX. Dustin’s shoes are Coleman Tasman Hiking Shoe.

•  Snowshoes or Crampons
 Only if you are going in the winter. You might need them to access the trail.

CAMERA GEAR:
•  Camera:
    Sony a7 III

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens 
   Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX   

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