Wild Willy’s Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes, California
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is one of California’s most breathtaking natural hot springs, tucked away in the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views and wide-open meadows, this geothermal gem offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors come here not just to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, but also to enjoy the stunning scenery, stargazing, and nearby outdoor activities that make this spot a true hidden treasure.
It’s one of the best places to visit on a California road trip in the Mammoth Lakes area. It’s also one of the best natural hot springs in California.
The Details: Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
- Location: Wild Willly’s can be accessed from Highway 395 just 15 minutes south of Mammoth. The turn off is Benton-Crossing Rd, near the air field.
- Directions to Wild Willy’s Hot Spring: From US 395, take Benton Crossing Road (also known as Green Church Road). Travel east about 2.5 miles until you cross two cattle guards. Turn right just past the second cattle guard. Follow the road for about a mile, and you’ll reach a parking area where there’s a sign and a wooden boardwalk that leads about 200 yards away to the pools
- Distance: .25 mile walk to hot spring
- How much does Wild Willy’s cost: FREE
What Is Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Located in the remote central region near Mammoth Lakes, against a backdrop of the Eastern Sierra mountains, Wild Willy’s Hot Spring, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is two hot spring pools nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape with mountain views.
The water temperature ranges between 95 and 105 °F, with slight daily variations.
The main attraction is the larger heart-shaped pool, which boasts greater depth and comfortably accommodates a handful of people, so it gets crowded on the weekends.
Travel Tip: If you’d like a more intimate experience, try to go mid-week. The weekends get crowded, leading to more of a party vibe antithetical to the serene mountains surrounding the hot springs.
The smaller pool, slightly warmer and more shallow, is perfect for a cozy experience with two individuals luxuriating in its soothing waters.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring stands out among the many hot springs in Mammoth Lakes because it offers a natural experience.
Unlike other springs like Rock Hot Tub or Crab Cooker, which have man-made pools filled with geothermal water, Wild Willy’s allows you to sit in the authentic natural hot springs.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring on a map
wild willy’s hot springs
How to Get to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
To reach Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, head east out of town (Mammoth Lakes) on Highway 395. It’s about 20 minutes east of Mammoth Lakes.
Look for Benton Crossing Road, which is marked with a faded green church on the corner. Turn left onto the road and drive for about 3 miles (or 3 cattle grates down) until you come to the top of a slight hill.
Note: Even though the dirt road is a short distance, it’s kind of a bumpy drive.
On the left, you’ll see a yellow crossing sign for cattle. On the right, you’ll see a cattle grate and a dirt road.
Turn right onto the dirt road and drive for about 1.5 miles until you reach the parking area. FYI, the dirt road is a bit bumpy with some rather large potholes, take it slow.
Click here for the exact location of the parking lot. 🚘
You’ll see a well-maintained elevated wooden path, about .25 miles long from the dirt parking lot!
At the end of this gravelly wooden boardwalk will be the first pool. The larger one, Eureka!
The trail is mostly flat and accessible to most people, but there are some stairs at the end, making it not wheelchair accessible.
The quarter mile walk to the springs is incredibly scenic, so take time to admire the beautiful surroundings along the way.
If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is about 13 miles away from the hot springs.
From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get to the hot springs. If you need to rent a car in California, here is everything you need to know about renting a Car in California.
When renting a car in California, find the best rates at Discover Cars. They also have a free cancellation policy!
Visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs From San Francisco and Los Angeles
Wild Willy’s hot spring is equidistant from Southern and Northern California.
To reach them, travel 300 miles northeast of Los Angeles or 330 miles southeast of San Francisco to the 395 highway (395 North from Ridgecrest and 395 South from South Lake Tahoe).
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To reach these hot springs, drive either 300 miles northeast of Los Angeles or 330 miles southeast of San Francisco to the 395 highway.
From there, take the Benton Crossing Road near Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Follow the road for three miles, then turn right onto an unmarked road for 1.5 miles until you reach a small dirt parking lot.
Access to the springs is free but requires navigating a bumpy, potholed dirt road, which is closed during snowy conditions.
It’s not recommended to take this road in winter or with a low-profile car.
Parking Lot
Once you arrive at the parking area, you’ll see that there are several spots available for parking. A parking pass isn’t required.
However, it’s important to note that the area can get busy during peak times, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
It’s also important to be mindful of any signs or instructions posted in the parking area. For example, some areas may be designated for overnight parking, while others may be reserved for specific types of vehicles.
Overall, getting to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a fairly easy process, and with the help of Google Maps, you should have no trouble finding your way.
Whether you’re coming from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is definitely worth the trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
The best time of year to visit Wild Willy’s is between late May and early October when the daytime and morning temperatures are most comfortable.
Sunrise or sunset visits are recommended, with temperatures ranging from a cool 30°F to 60°F (-1°C to 15°C).
The hot springs remain warm in winter, but road closures due to snow are possible.
Mammoth is among California’s top winter destinations, and the tubs offer a perfect apres-ski treat.
Keep in mind that Mammoth receives considerable snowfall during the winter season, given its status as a ski resort town. It is very crowded during winter because of this.
Summer draws many visitors to the Eastern Sierras for snow-free hiking trails.
However, be cautious as it can get too hot to enjoy the springs during the day. Soaking in the springs at twilight or in the evening is pleasant, but be prepared for mosquitoes.
Best Time to Take Photos at Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
For the best photo opportunities, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset; both are incredibly stunning at Wild Willy’s.
As the sun rises, golden light hits the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, and when the sunsets in Mammoth, it creates vibrant pink and orange skies, making for fantastic photo opportunities.
Pro Tip: If you’d like alone time with your partner, go early. If you’re there to watch the sunrise, you’ll likely have the place to yourself. No guarantees.
Getting to Wild Willy’s Through Snow
Wild Willy’s is located on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM may lock the access road gate when there’s excessive snow.
In such cases, you can park along Benton Crossing Road and walk or snowshoe down the road to the parking lot, adding three miles round trip to your hot springs journey. But so worth it.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring: Need to Know
Located in the remote central region near Mammoth Lakes, against a backdrop of the Eastern Sierra mountains, Wild Willy’s is one of the best hot springs in the area.
✅ It’s free for public use because it sits on public lands.
✅ Two pools. One small pool that fits two people. One large pool that holds up to 25. There is a creek-like pool that goes into the tiered pools. It’s beautiful because as you float, you’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and desert. The tiered hot stream is shallow while the pools are deeper and hotter. The main pool is heart-shaped. ❤️
✅ Both pools have been reinforced with cement and slightly built up.
✅ Water temperature ranges between 95 and 105 degrees, varies slightly from day to day.
✅ Pick up after yourself when you leave.
✅ Be respectful of the environment you are visiting.
✅ Stay on the boardwalk to preserve the desert’s fragile ecosystem.
✅ The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible until you get to the end. There are stairs at the end of the boardwalk.
✅ The road to Wild Willy’s is a dirt road with large potholes, about a mile and a half.
✅ There are no amenities, bathrooms, or trash cans. There is an outhouse located in the parking lot.
✅ Be courteous of others: no loud music, clean up after your dog, avoid excessive intoxication, and be considerate of others. Demonstrate respectful behavior of other and the environment. If you’re not the only one at Wild Willy’s don’t play music. Other people do not want to hear your music. The hot springs are for everyone to visit.
What to Bring to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Fortunately, you won’t require much for your visit to Wild Willy’s. However, here are some suggested items to consider packing to enhance your experience.
Bathing suit 👙
If you want to go nude, that’s fine. To each her own. I prefer a bathing suit, if you do too, make sure you wear or bring one.
‼️Mono County has been know to give out tickets for public nudity‼️
Towel 🧖🏻♀️
A towel is nice to have after a long soak. Wild Willy’s is in a desert environment. To protect your feet from rocks, dirt, and sticks, dry your feet with a towel before putting on your shoes for the long walk back on the boardwalk.
Water shoes 🩴
As a natural hot spring, Wild Willy’s pools have muddy and rocky bottoms. Consider packing hiking sandals that can also serve as water shoes for water activities during your trip.
Water Bottle
Soaking in hot springs can lead to dehydration, especially if you consume alcoholic beverages, which I don’t recommend.
What I do recommend is the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle that I take everywhere I travel. Fill it up anywhere and it filters out those nasty chemicals and contaminants that have no business in your body!
Jacket or sweater: something to keep you warm
Temperatures are unpredictable in California. Temps drop precipitously in the evenings. Your body temperature drops after a soak in a hot spring or sauna.
This phenomenon occurs because the hot water in the spring causes your blood vessels to dilate and your blood flow to increase.
As a result, more blood is brought to the skin’s surface to release heat, and you may experience sweating.
When you leave the hot spring and the surrounding air is cooler, your body tries to regulate its temperature by reducing blood flow to the skin and extremities.
This process, known as peripheral vasoconstriction, helps retain heat in your core and can lead to a drop in your overall body temperature.
That’s why it’s essential to be cautious about sudden changes in temperature after spending time in a hot spring to avoid potential discomfort or health risks. It also suggested not combining alcohol with hot tubs and hot springs.
Where to Stay Near Wild Willys Hot Springs
Hotels
There are several places to stay in Mammoth Lakes. The first three hotels listed are moderately priced hotels.
Luxury Accommodations:
Other Options: Where to Stay Near Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Camping
McGee Creek RV Park & Campground is great for tent camping and RV parking.
Check rates and availability here.
Good news for camping enthusiasts!
Since Wild Willy’s is situated on BLM land, you can camp in the parking lot for free, whether in a tent or RV.
You can stay on the land for up to 14 days, as per BLM regulations. For more information contact their local office at 760.872.5000.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking to explore more of the area, there are plenty of other attractions to check out.
Yosemite National Park is located about 100 miles north of Wild Willy’s and offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Death Valley is located about 200 miles south of Wild Willy’s and is home to some of the most unique landscapes in the country.
Bishop, which is located about 40 miles south of Wild Willy’s, is a charming town that offers plenty of dining and shopping options.
California has some of the best day trips compared to any state in the US.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring: FAQS
What is the history of Wild Willy’s hot spring?
Wild Willy’s hot spring is a product of ancient volcanic activity and is one of several natural hot springs in the Long Valley area. Early Native Americans and American settlers considered it sacred ground.
What is the temperature at Wild Willy’s hot springs?
The temperature at Wild Willy’s hot springs ranges from 95˚ to 105˚F. This warm water is fed into the hot spring pools by a natural geothermal source, and the temperature will fluctuate depending on the time of day and time of year.
Can you get into the hot springs in Mammoth?
Yes, you can get into the hot springs in Mammoth at Wild Willy’s hot springs, about 20 minutes (13 miles) east of Mammoth Lakes. Also known as Crowley Hot Springs, Wild Willy’s hot spring is the biggest of the Mammoth Lakes hot springs – there are two pools; one fits around 25 people, and the other fits two..
Does Lake Tahoe have hot springs?
Yes. Lake Tahoe has one hot spring, Brockway Hot Springs. It’s located between Kings Beach and Crystal Bay, just at the north tip of the lake.
How to get to Wild Willy’s hot springs?
Wild Willy’s hot springs is located in Long Valley Caldera south of Mammoth Lakes in California. The easiest way to get there is to drive. Take US-395 S and turn onto Benton Crossing Rd. Then turn right onto Owens River Rd and continue until you reach the parking area. From there, it’s a short hike to the hot springs on an wooden boardwalk.
What is the best time of day to visit Wild Willy’s hot springs?
The best time to visit Wild Willy’s hot springs is in the evening. People often bring beer and wine down to the water and watch the sunset over the mountains while soaking in the hot springs. However, keep in mind that the hot springs can get crowded during peak hours.
Are there any rules or regulations for visiting Wild Willy’s hot springs?
Yes, there are a few rules to follow when visiting Wild Willy’s hot springs. First, clothing is optional, but it is recommended that visitors wear swimwear. Second, visitors are not allowed to bring glass containers to the hot springs. Third, visitors are advised to pack out all trash and leave the area cleaner than they found it.
What is the water temperature like at nearby hot springs?
The water temperature at nearby hot springs varies, but it is generally warm. The temperature at Wild Willy’s hot springs is around 105°F (40.5°C). Other nearby hot springs, such as Hilltop and Shepherd, have temperatures ranging from 90°F (32°C) to 105°F (40.5°C).
Are there any nearby accommodations for visitors to Wild Willy’s hot springs?
There are several nearby accommodations for visitors to Wild Willy’s hot springs. Mammoth Lakes is the closest town and has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. There are also several RV parks and campgrounds located near the hot springs.
What should I bring with me for a visit to Wild Willy’s hot springs?
When visiting Wild Willy’s hot springs, it is recommended that you bring a towel, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to bring a change of clothes and a bag to pack out all trash. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Wrap-Up: Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Spring near Mammoth Lakes, CA, offers a truly unique and authentic experience.
Nestled in a picturesque landscape, these natural hot springs provide a perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with nature.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stunning photo moments at sunrise and sunset, or a memorable camping adventure, Wild Willy’s promises an unforgettable journey.
Embrace the beauty and serenity of this remarkable destination while immersing yourself in the soothing waters of these enchanting hot springs.
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California Travel Planning Guide
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💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
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For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
