You won’t have any trouble finding a beautiful place during your trip to Mammoth Mountain thanks to the stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys nearby. The trick is finding a place to enjoy the Eastern Sierra wilderness that’s comfortable without blowing your budget. Fortunately, there are places where you can soak in hot, secluded baths with incredible views of the Eastern Sierra for free if you’re willing to look for them.
The hot springs near Mammoth Lakes may be off the beaten path, but they’re the perfect place to relax after or before a day of any outdoor sport. To help you find and enjoy Mammoth Lakes’ hot springs, the Mammoth Bound team has listed where to find a few and other important information you’ll need ahead of your visit. Check it out below before of your dip in the hot springs!
Things to Remember Before Visiting Any Hot Spring
One of the best things about the Mammoth Lakes hot springs other than the hot water and stunning beauty is the fact that they’re free and open for anyone to enjoy. However, that also means that it’s up to everyone who visits the hot springs to care for them. Remember that so you can leave any hot spring you visit as good or better than when you found it.
Also, the hot springs are popular and operate on a first come first serve basis, so if you visit them on a weekend or day with great weather then you may have to wait for a spot to open up in the pool before you can enter. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of snacks, chairs, and warm clothes ahead of your visit in case you have to wait. Some hot springs also have a valve that fills or warms the pool. If you’re leaving a hot spring and there is no one else there, make sure you close the valve so that the water doesn’t get too hot or overflow. Lastly, some hot springs may be closed due to snow or cold weather, so come prepared with backup plans if you’re visiting during the winter.
Here’s a post on where to find the best Mammoth weather forecasts.
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is a popular hot spring for visitors and locals alike, but to find it you’ll have to drive down an unpaved road and keep your eyes peeled for an easy-to-miss parking lot. Once you find the parking lot you’ll need to walk down a path to the main pool which holds six people. The walk from the parking lot to the pool is significant, so don’t leave your shoes in the car!
Find the Crab Cooker Hot Springs on Google Maps
Travertine Hot Springs
Travertine Hot Springs offers beautiful views and a variety of pools for visitors to explore which is why it’s one of the most popular in the area. To reach Travertine Hot Springs, you’ll have to drive North of Mammoth Lakes on the 395 until just outside of Bridgeport. If one pool is full then feel free to search for empty pools that have room and be patient with others as they enjoy the water alongside of you.
Find Travertines Hot Springs on Google Maps
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Wild Willy’s is one of the most well-known hot springs near Mammoth Lakes because it’s just three miles from the intersection of Route 395 and Benton Crossing Road, has a large pool that’s deeper than most, and has other pools nearby for when there are crowds. You’ll recognize the springs by the boardwalk that leads to the pools. Please remember to only walk on the boardwalk to preserve the natural habitat.