Who would have thought that Mammoth Lakes, with its majestic mountain ranges and gorgeous lakes, is sitting on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater? Because of this, Mammoth Lakes is now known for its network of natural hot springs. On our recent trip through the US 395, we went on a hot springs treasure hunt to find the best 5 free natural hot springs that are just down the street from Mammoth Lakes. Some of these are more popular than the others, but they all super neat. All of these hot springs are located on Benton Crossing, with the iconic green church sitting on the side of the highway to mark where you need to turn.
Hot Springs Tips
Download our Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs Guide and save the GPS coordinates on Google Map
This way, you’ll have all the info you need when hunting down these hot springs, in case you don’t have cell reception
Take your trash out with you!!
Please be considerate and take your trash out with you! It’s really sad to see people leave their trash all over the place.
Cell service can be spotty
It is best to be prepared. Depending on your cell carrier, you might not have service here to look up directions.
The weather can be unpredictable
It can be super windy here as well so bring layers, sunscreen, and water, just in case!
Always test the water first
Make sure to test the water temperature first before going in. Some of the hot springs are A LOT hotter than the other.
Bumpy, gravel roads
Most of the road to the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes will be very bumpy. It is best if you bring 4WD or at least high-clearance vehicles.
It’s not a secret thing…
Most of the time, there will be people already in the hot springs. We found people here are very friendly and usually don’t mind sharing the springs with strangers. Don’t be shy, make some new friends. If you want the place to yourself, visit at sunrise or offseason.
Clothing optional
These hot springs are clothing optional, so prepared to see some nudity.
VIDEO:
Rock Tub Hot Spring
Coordinates: 37°38’51.2″N 118°48’29.0″W
Fits 1-3 people
This one is the smallest one out of all the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. It fits about 3 people max. Any more than that, it can get a lil uncomfortable.
To get here, from the green church, drive down on Benton Crossing and make a left on Whitmore Tubs Road (it is the first road on the left). At about the 1-mile mark, turn right onto the second dirt road. It is just a short drive down this dirt road, around the corner from the second small clearing/parking lot.
The best thing about this one is that it’s easy to get to and it’s right next to the parking area so you don’t have to walk far. It is also in BLM land so you can always camp right next to it. When we got there, there were already a couple of RVs that parked there. The bad thing about this tub is because of its location, it’s always crowded. Since the tub is small, it won’t be able to hold a lot of people either. When we got there, there was a couple already inside. They didn’t seem very welcoming so we left.
Crab Cooker Hot Spring
Coordinates: 37°39’46.2″N 118°48’00.6″W
Fits 5-7 people
This one is hands down has the best view in my opinion. It sits in the middle of this beautiful green valley, with the sweeping views of the distant mountain range.
To get here, you drive down Benton Crossing, turn left onto Whitmore Tubs Road (it is the first road on the left). Go past the turn for Rock Tub Hot Spring, and take the 4th dirt road on the right. After 0.5 miles, veer left at the split and drive for about 0.5 miles until you see dirt parking area at the end of the road. You will need a 4WD or high clearance vehicles for this. There are a couple of good-sized potholes just before the parking lots. We have heard a couple of cars almost get stuck trying to navigate through it.
From here, there is a little dirt trail on your right side (if you’re facing the end of the dirt road) that will take you down to the hot spring. When we were there recently, the tub wasn’t working. The water there was cold and gross. Hopefully, it’s working again when you go!
Shepherd Hot Spring
Coordinates: 37°40’00.9″N 118°48’12.2″W
Fit 4-6 people
This one is my favorite! Maybe because of the fact that we had the entire place to ourselves for quite some time. The scenery here is not quite as beautiful as the Crab Cooker, however, it still holds its own. I love this place because, despite its easy access, it feels more isolated and private.
You can actually walk here from the Crab Cooker Hot Spring. There is a little trail that connects the two. If you want to drive, you can turn right on the next dirt road after the turn for the Crab Cooker on Whitmore Tubs Road (the 6th dirt road). Just a short drive and you will arrive at the Shepherd Hot Spring, located at the end of the road.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Coordinates: 37°39’32.6″N 118°46’15.5″W
Fit 40 – 50 people
The 3 hot springs listed above are located on Whitmore Tubs Road. Wild Willy’s and Hilltop are located on Benton Crossing Road. Wild Willy’s, also know as Crowley Hot Springs, is the largest and most popular hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. It is also the only 100% natural hot spring here since you will be sitting directly on the earth, unlike the other rock tubs.
To get here, drive about 2.9 miles on Benton Crossing Road. Right after you pass the cattle guard, make a right onto the dirt road. From there, keep going straight and make sure to veer left toward the parking lot. You can see the parking lot that usually full of cars. After you park, take a walk down the gravel and wooden boardwalk for about 0.2 miles. There are two pools there.
Hilltop (Pulky’s Pool) Hot Spring
Coordinates: 37°39’37.7″N 118°47’20.6″W
Fit 4-6 people
Hilltop Hot Spring is a little harder to find. To get here, drive about 3 miles on Benton Crossing Road and turn left soon after the cattle guard. The turn for this one is the next dirt road pass Wild Willy’s. There is a gate right in front of it.
Drive up the dirt road a little bit until you see a small clearing/dirt parking lot on the left-hand side (Don’t go to the end of the road). Park here and take the small dirt path across from the parking and head through the gap in the gate. walk up about 5 minutes and cross over the wooden planks. This walk is quite beautiful. Because of the green grass surrounding the white wooden planks, it feels like you’re crossing over a moving sea.
Once you cross over the wooden plank, you can see the rock tub sit at the end of a wide clearing. Make sure to test the water before you get in. It was pretty hot when we went.
There is so much to do around here. If you love hiking, check out Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. Oh, and don’t forget the Duck Lake Pass trail. You’ll get to see beautiful, pristine lakes! Some other cool things to do around or near Mammoth would be the unique Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the unique roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.
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RECOMMEND GEAR:
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
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• Sandles that can get dirty
The mud can be hard to wash out.
• Snacks/Lunch
Depends on how long you want to stay here
• Sunscreen
You’ll get a lot of sun here. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Water
Bring A LOT of water! You can get dehydrated real quick sitting in the hot spring. I love my hydro flask. It’s perfect for refilling and keeping my water hot or cold.
• Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get a bit chilly. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! It can keep you warm, yet pack up super light. You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket.
• Swimsuit
Unless you prefer al natural…
• Towel
To dry off
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9
