11 Best Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs [Ultimate Guide]

When visiting the Eastern Sierras, no trip would be complete without a stop at one of the many Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs. 

This list of the best hot springs in Mammoth Lakes is perfect for those excited for a soak in the healing and nourishing silica and mineral-rich waters. 

If it’s your first time and you want to know what to expect, this guide has you covered with everything you need, so your initial soak will be fun and relaxing. 

Best Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs Quick Snapshot

• Best Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes: Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
• Closest Hot Springs to Mammoth Lakes: The Rock Tub Hot Springs
• Best Hot Springs to Avoid the Crowds: Little Hot Creek / Syphon Hot Springs

11 Best Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

Travertine Hot Springs

• Capacity: 10+ people
• Temperature: 80-125°F
• Accessibility: easy walk-in from the parking area
• Camping Available?: Yes, but not in the immediate area of the pools (BLM land)
• Google Map Location

Travertine Hot Springs is located just off Hwy 395, about an hour’s drive from Mammoth Lakes. 

Easily accessible via a well-maintained dirt road and with pools just a short hike from the designated parking area itself, this hot spring is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

This place can get really crowded, especially during the weekend, but if you happen to come here very early on a weekday, you might end up having the hot pools for yourself for a couple of hours. 

There are about five pools you can comfortably soak in here, as some may just be too hot for comfort. 

Its main draw, aside from the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, is the travertines themselves that adorn these hot pools. 

Some of the travertines work as natural privacy fences or walls that give you a sense of isolation from the other soakers in case you are a bit sensitive about this hot spring being clothing-optional.

If you want to go car camping here, be aware that it’s not permitted at the parking lot, but you will find dispersed camping on the one-mile road leading up to the hot springs.

Buckeye Hot Springs

• Capacity: 15+ people
• Temperature: 100-110°F
• Accessibility: about 300 ft steep descent from parking lot access trail
• Camping Available?: Yes, at the Buckeye Campground
• Google Map Location | Parking

Buckeye Hot Springs is located west of Hwy 395 down Buckeye Road near Bridgeport. 

Unlike its more famous neighbor, Travertine, the dirt road leading to the parking area is a bit challenging to navigate without a high-clearance vehicle.

The trail leading to the creekside hot spring itself can be a little too steep for some. 

However, if you inch your way through using your sturdy footwear or water shoes, you will find yourself enjoying hot pools beside the cold Buckeye Creek. 

Visitors have been known to transfer from the hot pools and cool off at the creek when the waters get a little toasty for comfort. 

Some also create small makeshift dams that allow the cold water from the creek to get into the hot pool to help lower its temperature. 

Two upper pools are located on top of the hill, closer to the parking area with views of the wilderness, but the cascading hot water to the pools below draws in more people. (See map below)

🚘 How to get here: From Bridgeport, head south onto Twin Lakes Road for 7.2 miles, then turn right onto Buckeye Road, where you’ll see Doc & Al’s Camp & Cabin. Drive down for another 2.8 miles, making a slight right at the T, where you’ll find the parking lot on your right-hand side. 

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

• Capacity: 30+ people
• Temperature: 95-105°F
• Accessibility: 0.25-mile walk from the parking on a wooden boardwalk 
• Camping Available?: Yes, nearby campground or BLM land
• Google Map Location | Parking

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is one of the best hot springs near Mammoth Lakes and is also the largest.

These hot springs is the only natural one located along Benton Crossing Road. 

To get to Wild Willy’s, make your way north of Hwy 395 from Bishop and take a right to Benton Crossing Road – mark the green church on the corner. 

From here, you make your way through two cow grates before spotting the road that leads to the parking area. 

Once you reach the parking area, it’s easy to spot the wooden boardwalk that you will walk on for 0.25 miles before reaching the main pool. 

This large yet shallow pool is warm enough to soak in for hours comfortably but for a deeper yet hotter soak, make your way to the smaller heart-shaped pool located about 80 feet before the main pool.

💦 READ MORE: Check out this post if you want to visit other Northern California hot springs.

The Rock Tub (Whitmore) Hot Springs

• Capacity: 4-6 people
• Temperature: 100-120°F
• Accessibility: drive-in but don’t park beside the tub as it’s clothing-optional
• Camping Available?: Yes, on BLM land
• Google Map Location

The Rock Tub Hot Springs is a single cement pool about two feet deep and is set with front-row views of the Eastern Sierra mountains. 

Quietly tucked behind a very small hill and some bushes, the pool feels very secluded. 

This is one of the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes that is only 15 minutes away, so it does get crowded. 

Make sure to plan your visit here early in the morning and even try to catch the sunrise from here. 

Warm water flows from a muddy bog located about 400 feet away, which passes through a pipe that flows directly to the pool. 

Algae can easily get accumulated in the pool, especially at the bottom, so make sure to watch your step. 

If you can, use the available brushes and tub drain to clean up some of the algae for yourself and those that will come after you.

🚘 How to get here: From Mammoth Lakes, turn left onto Benton Crossing Road, then take your first left onto Whitmore Tubs road. After about a mile, make a right onto the second dirt road, and you’ll see this hot spring on the left-hand side. 

Crab Cooker

• Capacity: 5-7 people
• Temperature: ~ 105°F, can be controlled via valve
• Accessibility: short walk from the parking lot
• Camping Available?: No
• Google Map Location

Located along Benton Crossing Road near Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is the Crab Cooker, a manufactured stone tub fed with hot spring waters from a mineral spring about 30 feet away from it. 

Though it shares the same dirt road with Wild Willy’s, Crab Cooker’s section can be brutal with potholes, so make sure to drive here with a high-clearance vehicle. 

It might be the effect of the lone cement pool appearing to look like a sunken seating area, but the Crab Cooker seems perfectly situated to have the best views of the nearby hills covered in sagebrush as well as the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. 

Since water is being piped in, there is a valve that you can shut on or off to help control the water in case it gets a little too hot. 

The tub isn’t that big and could sit about five people comfortably, and more if you happen to be acquainted with the others or if none would mind getting a little snug.

Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool)

• Capacity: 6-8 people
• Temperature: 100-110°F, can be controlled via valve
• Accessibility: short 0.25-mile walk from the parking lot
• Camping Available?: No
• Google Map Location

To get to Hilltop Hot Springs, you will make your way along Benton Crossing Road for about 3.5 miles.

After crossing the second cow grate, turn left onto a smaller dirt road which will eventually lead you to the parking lot. 

From the parking lot, the manmade cement hot spring tub is only a short 0.25-mile walk through a gravel trail and a raised boardwalk. 

The tub can fit as many as eight people, but since it’s clothing-optional, it might be best not to crowd in the tub too much. 

Overnight camping is not allowed in the area, but visitors have been known to stay until late in the evening, especially when the moon is high up or when the night sky is clear and filled with stars.

RELATED: Natural Hot Springs near Sacramento

Shepherd Hot Springs

• Capacity: 2-4 people
• Temperature: 100-110°F, can be controlled via valve
• Accessibility: right next to the parking lot
• Camping Available?: Yes, on BLM land
• Driving Directions

Shepherd Hot Springs is just a 0.5-mile walk from Crab Cooker Hot Spring, making either one a great alternative if the other is full. 

Also, Shepherd Hot Springs is the easiest to access among all the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, as it sits right beside the parking lot. 

This is its greatest advantage and disadvantage at the same time. 

Because of its easy accessibility, this man-made tub can get crowded early, which isn’t really saying much since the tub is small that it can only comfortably seat about four people, six if you’re well acquainted with each other. 

The built-in concrete ledges serve as benches that provide better sitting, and a valve is equipped to control the pool’s water temperature. 

Overnight camping is not allowed in the immediate spring, but you’re free to pitch your tent anywhere on BLM land as long as you practice the “Leave No Trace” principle.

Little Hot Creek / Siphon Hot Springs

• Capacity: 2-4 people
• Temperature: 105-115°F, can be controlled via valve
• Accessibility: short walk from the parking lot
• Camping Available?: Yes, just make sure to camp a few yards away from the pool
• Google Map Location | Driving Directions

Little Hot Creek is one of the less visited Mammoth Lakes hot springs. 

It can get a bit confusing due to its relatively isolated location and the numerous dirt roads you can take to reach this primitive manufactured cement tub. 

The water that’s fed into the tub does not necessarily come from a geothermal hot spring, rather, it comes from the very hot Little Hot Creek just a few feet away. 

The water temperature in the tub can be controlled by turning the fitted valve on or off, and the whole tub can be emptied and replaced with fresh water by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the tub. 

Because it’s not visited as much, this is one of the best hot springs in Mammoth Lakes if you want to get away from the crowds. 

This hot spring is about a 30-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes, and the last mile or so is very bumpy. 

Watch out for rocks and drive really slow or take a high-clearance all-wheel-drive vehicle.

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Hot Creek Geological Site

• Capacity: not for swimming
• Temperature: too hot, changes rapidly
• Accessibility: short, relatively easy hike
• Camping Available?: No
• Google Map Location

Hot Creek Geological Site is located just eight miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes. It’s a scenic landmark with views of natural hot springs bubbling up between rocky walls in a gorge. 

You can actually see steam and bubbles coming from the waters with safe viewing areas located just a short hike from the parking lot. 

This hot springs near Mammoth is definitely not a soaking hot spring, so don’t think about getting anywhere near and in it.

The water temperatures change drastically anywhere near or above 200°F in any given second. 

If you’ve visited this area before, try looking if new hot springs have sprung up since your last visit, as earthquakes can cause sudden geyser eruptions as well as the appearance of new hot springs.

Keough’s Hot Springs

• Cost: $12 adult day pass, $7 children (3-12 years old) day pass
• Website

The mineral hot spring pool at Keough’s Hot Springs is the largest one in the Eastern Sierra and can comfortably accommodate 50+ people. 

Both the large pool and hot pool were built in 1919 and are still very much enjoyed by the many guests that come to either swim or soak in its waters. 

The large pool is kept at 86-92°F depending on the season to ensure the perfect temperature for fun and play, while the shallow Hot Pool is kept at 104 degrees year-round for a warm, relaxing soak. 

There’s a campground in the area where you can park your RV or pitch your tent, as well as rustic tent cabins you can rent out if you want to extend your stay to enjoy the hot springs more. 

Ten-day swim passes, as well as monthly passes, are available for extended stays.

Benton Hot Springs

• Cost: from $75 to $85 per night, depending on the hot tub site
• Website

Benton Hot Springs offers inn accommodations as well as twelve hot tub sites fitted with their own private hot spring tub big enough for 2-4 people. 

Each site is divided by privacy fences, so you’re free to soak nude if that’s your thing, but know that there are fences that will shield you from naked surprises. 

The water temperatures in the tubs are around 102°F, which is warm enough for a good, comfortable soak any time of the day. 

After all, it can get a little chilly in the area early in the morning. Despite its ‘unplugged’ location, it’s extremely popular, so make sure to book in advance to secure your site. 

Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs Map

Best time to visit the Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes 

Mammoth Lakes, and the nearby hot springs, are best visited during the fall. 

The temperature is pleasant, the weather is more consistent, and you’re most likely to avoid the summer crowds. 

Also, given that most of the Mammoth Lakes hot springs are located outdoors with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and surrounding meadows, fall foliage, as well as a dusting of snow on mountain peaks, just adds a whole lot of beauty to the experience. 

Although visiting the hot springs in the winter after a day of skiing or snowboarding sounds relaxing, do note that some roads are not well maintained, so it may be inaccessible without snowshoes.

Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

If you want to know where to stay in Mammoth, there are multiple types of accommodation options at different budgets available at Mammoth Lakes. 

This is also a great place to stay if you plan on visiting Yosemite National Park when Tioga Pass is open in the summer season. 

You can read our guide on getting to Yosemite from Mammoth here.

Whether you’re visiting the Mammoth Lakes area to hit the slopes or using it as a base to explore the Eastern Sierras, there is something available for everyone.

Alphenof Lodge 

This mid-range budget hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown with only a 5-minute walk to the ski resort gondola. 

Although the rooms are a bit dated, the location can’t be beaten, with restaurants, a brewery, shops, and an indoor sauna on the premises.

⭐Alphenof Lodge Reviews (8.2/10 Stars)

Excellent location. Cool rooms. Great staff.

– Alexander (Booking Review)

 Great location, very close to all the activities but the windows look into the woods. The room was clean and spacious enough, and had all the basic amenities. – Mykhailo (Booking Review)

The Village Lodge 

The Village Lodge is an upscale condominium hotel that offers luxury accommodations located at the heart of Mammoth. 

It provides its guests with a variety of activities and experiences depending on the season to ensure each guest can make the most of his stay.

⭐ THE VILLAGE LODGE REVIEW (8.6/10 Stars)

Everything was nice, the location, the view, the amenities, the access to the pool, cute restaurants close by, overall pretty magical place, and we will be returning again!

– Kat (Booking Review)

Mammoth Creek Inn

This accessibly priced hotel offers up all the amenities of more expensive accommodations with a sauna, gym, and an indoor hot tub.

Several of their rooms include a kitchenette, and the hotel is conveniently located next to many restaurants and shops.

⭐ MAMMOTH CREEK INN REVIEW (8.5/10 Stars)

Great location, awesome facilities, very clean, and super welcoming and attentive staff. Enjoyed this place very much! Wish we could’ve stayed longer

– Gerard (Booking Review)

Westin Monache Resort 

Another member of the Mammoth Lodging Collection, this dog-friendly resort is a full-service luxury hotel that provides its guests with every convenience to make their stay at Mammoth Lakes memorable.

⭐ WESTIN MONACHE RESORT REVIEW (8.7/10 Stars)

The hotel was amazing! Staff was friendly and helpful, the pool and jacuzzi wonderful. Our room was beautiful and clean and wonderful view.

– Louise (Booking Review)

Good to know when Visiting Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

The best Mammoth Lakes hot springs are often located in the middle of nowhere, and most, if not all, are undeveloped.

The “Leave No Trace” principle ensures that you leave the area just as, if not better than when you found it. Pack in what you need for your visit, and make sure to pack it all out once you leave.

Do not expect three-star or even one-star accommodations and amenities. There are no flush toilets or showers in the area, and most hot springs are located in BLM land, where you can pitch your tent anywhere.

But again, make sure you’re well prepared for camping out. Bring lots of water, snacks, and toiletries whether you’re camping or just visiting for the day.

Hot springs not only allow you to soak in and relax your body, but they also provide you with an opportunity to unplug and take a break from technology.

As such, make sure to plan ahead and download offline maps of your itineraries, especially the hot springs you plan to visit, so you can still navigate without cell reception.

You are soaking in hot springs, some for a couple of minutes while you may end up soaking for hours on others.

And though it truly is relaxing, it can also be very dehydrating, so make sure to pack in lots of water in this insulated water bottle and keep yourself hydrated throughout.

Whether you like it or not, most of the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes are clothing-optional so prepare ahead of time mentally if you think you may find it a little awkward to see others in their birthday suits.

If you happen to be on the opposite side of the spectrum and you are actually looking forward to soaking in the nude, then this is the perfect experience for you, but please still practice discretion.

Natural hot springs that are ‘untouched’ by human ingenuity do not have temperature control mechanisms, but manmade hot tubs are usually fitted with a valve that you can turn on and off to adjust water temperatures.

Packing List for Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes 

Given that facilities are often limited, if not nonexistent, in most Mammoth Lakes hot springs, it’s best to prepare ahead for whatever it is that you may need during your day out.

As with any outdoor trip that may involve a bit of hiking and a lot of getting wet, quick-dry towels are your best friend.

They help dry you off without having to take up too much space when packing, and since they dry off easily, you don’t have to worry about carrying a soaking wet, heavy towel during your trip back.

Even though most of the hot springs are clothing-optional, you may want to wear swimming attire instead, so make sure to pack one in just in case.

Keeping yourself hydrated is vital during your day trip out in the sun and soaking in hot spring waters. The hiking, walking, and soaking involved can be very dehydrating, so pack enough water.

This insulated water bottle will do the trick in keeping your water cold and refreshing for hours. 

When exploring most of the Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs, you may find yourself outdoors and in higher elevations, so be diligent in applying and reapplying your sunscreen.

When choosing which sunscreen to use, consider that you are swimming in natural hot springs so as not to introduce other chemicals into the water, so opt for reef-safe sunscreen.

Soaking in natural hot springs can really be one of the most relaxing activities you can do but most access to the springs involves a bit of walking and hiking and even the hot springs themselves can be a bit rocky or slippery.

For safety purposes, make sure to have with you proper footwear when you get in and out of the water. 

The weather outdoors can be very unpredictable at times so it’s best to have with you a durable dry bag that you can use to pack your belongings and keep them from the elements outside.

A dry bag also ensures you can bring in your necessities without having to bring in bulky backpacks or bags.

Depending on the season or even the time of day you plan to go out and explore some of the best hot springs in Mammoth Lakes, it’s best to pack in a light jacket in case it rains or if the weather gets cold a little chillier than you expected.

FAQs

Is Mammoth Hot Springs free?

Most Mammoth Hot Springs, especially relatively undeveloped ones, are free, though some hot spring resorts near Mammoth Lakes charge a small fee to access their hot spring tubs and pools.

Can you get in the hot springs in Mammoth?

Yes, most of the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes have water temperatures that are comfortably warm to soak in. Just test the waters with your toes before you plunge in to avoid any unwanted hot spring accidents.

Can you swim in the hot springs?

Most hot springs, especially the natural ones, are shallow and rugged so it’s not conducive to swimming. However, mineral hot pools in hot spring resorts are usually large and deep enough that you can swim or at least wade in them.

Wrap-Up: Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

Soaking in Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs is one of the best activities you can do during your trip to Mammoth Lakes or its surrounds. 

It’s the perfect cure for a tired body after a long day of exploring and can be an energizing start to your day. 

With this guide, you can be confident enough to choose and plan your hot springs visit.

Related:

• San Francisco Hotels with Jacuzzi in Room
• Hot Springs near Lake Tahoe