5 Natural Hot Springs in Mammoth, California (2026 Guide)
The best natural hot springs near Mammoth Lakes are Wild Willy’s, Travertine, Crab Cooker, the Rock Tub, and Shepherd — all free, all open in 2026, and most within a 5-minute walk of your car. No permits, no fees, no reservations: just show up and soak with a view of the Eastern Sierra.
Imagine sitting in a steaming natural hot spring, staring at snow-capped mountains while the California sun shines down, snacking on whatever you want, having deep convos with your friends — or no convos, just peaceful silence. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! And it’s all natural, undeveloped, and completely free. What a deal.
One note because apparently it needs saying: please don’t litter or leave garbage at the hot springs. Pack out everything you bring, or you ruin it for everyone.
5 Natural Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes
1. Crab Cooker Hot Springs (My Favorite)
This one is my favorite! A perfectly round, man-made rock tub sitting in a vast field with mountain views. Like the name suggests, the water is super hot when you first get in — but once you settle, it feels amazing. It fits 4–6 people comfortably (we squeezed 8 in once — shoulder to shoulder, but a great way to make friends). 2026 note: the tub is in good working shape with a temperature-control valve. Caution: the source water can exceed 150°F — always test before getting in, and shut the inlet valve when you leave. Walk from car: 1 minute.
2. The Rock Tub Hot Springs
An oval-shaped tub that fits about 4. The water runs lukewarm with a pipe dripping fresh hot water in, and the mossy bottom makes for slippery sitting. It’s a bit tricky to find — Google Maps told us we’d arrived when there was no path in sight, so keep driving slowly and look for it. (Locals also call it Whitmore Hot Springs — don’t confuse it with the public Whitmore Pool.) Walk from car: basically right outside your car.
3. Travertine Hot Springs
My second favorite. It’s in Bridgeport, which makes it a perfect stop driving to Mammoth from the Bay Area. There are several rock pools: the main area fits a good crowd (part warm/hot, one smaller pool runs cold), plus a tiny 2-person pool if you go left past the bathrooms instead of right. It draws a fun crowd. 2026 note: new informational signs are up and a few unofficial pools have been blocked off to protect the land — stick to the marked pools, and no camping at the springs. Walk from car: 1–2 minutes.
4. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
If you’ve seen photos of a heart-shaped hot spring and wondered where it is — it’s here. I never managed to soak in the heart itself because it’s always packed, but the huge main pool fits everyone (including, seemingly, every SoCal college kid). Fair warning: with that many people, the water gets a little murky — I just tell myself the heat kills the germs. There are always dogs running around too. Officially called Crowley Hot Springs. 2026 note: in winter, snow can close the dirt access roads, so you may need to hike in. Walk from car: 5 minutes.
5. Shepherd Hot Springs
A small stone tub near Crab Cooker that fits 4–6 people, with nicely hot water. It was occupied when we visited so we didn’t soak, but it’s on my list for next time. 2026 note: no facilities at all — no restrooms, no trash bins — so Leave No Trace is mandatory. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt approach road. Walk from car: basically right outside your car.
Getting There
Mammoth Lakes is about a 5-hour drive east of San Francisco and 5 hours north of Los Angeles, making it an easy weekend trip from either city. The hot springs are scattered around Long Valley, south of Mammoth proper — download offline maps, since cell signal is spotty.
Hot Springs Etiquette
- Pack out all trash. There are no bins at most springs.
- Test the water first. Source temps can exceed 150°F at some springs.
- Shut inlet valves when you leave tubs like Crab Cooker.
- Keep noise down — sound carries across the valley.
- No glass. Broken glass + bare feet + hot springs = bad.
Free, natural, and five minutes from your car — Mammoth’s hot springs are the best deal in California. For more soaking, check out my Fifth Water Hot Springs hike in Utah, and pair the trip with my Yosemite viewpoints guide — it’s on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Mammoth hot springs free?
Yes — all five are free with no permits, fees, or reservations required in 2026. They’re on public BLM or LADWP land, open 24/7, first-come first-served.
Can you visit Mammoth hot springs in winter?
Yes, and it’s magical — soaking in 100°F water while snow falls is unreal. But winter snow can close the dirt access roads (especially to Wild Willy’s), so check conditions and be prepared to hike in.
How hot is the water in Mammoth hot springs?
Soaking pools generally run 95–110°F. But source water at springs like Crab Cooker and Travertine can exceed 150°F — always test with your hand before getting in, and look for temperature-control valves.
Are the Mammoth hot springs clothing optional?
Several are unofficially clothing-optional (notably Crab Cooker). Use your judgment based on who’s around — families do visit these springs.
Do I need a high-clearance vehicle?
Recommended for Shepherd Hot Springs’ dirt road and helpful in winter generally, but the other four are reachable by regular cars in good weather.
