Wild Willy's Hot Springs Mammoth Lakes
Natural hot springs nestled in a sagebrush plain, offering a rustic soak with stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Wild Willy's Hot Springs Mammoth Lakes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Natural hot springs nestled in a sagebrush plain, offering a rustic soak with stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views.
"One of the best adventures in my life!!! Highly recommend you check this place out!"
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
Drive slowly on the unpaved road; a higher clearance vehicle is helpful but not always essential.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Pools
Sagebrush plain
Natural hot springs offering a relaxing soak with stunning mountain backdrops. Perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
+1
Scenic Boardwalk Trail
Path to the springs
A short, picturesque walk through a wooden boardwalk leading to the springs, offering beautiful views.
Mountain Vistas
Surrounding landscape
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains while you soak.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Wild Willy's
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
Drive slowly on the unpaved road; a higher clearance vehicle is helpful but not always essential.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning visit.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Bring sturdy shoes for the walk and consider waterproof options if visiting after rain or snow.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on-site, so pack essentials for your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
Drive slowly on the unpaved road; a higher clearance vehicle is helpful but not always essential.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning visit.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Bring sturdy shoes for the walk and consider waterproof options if visiting after rain or snow.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on-site, so pack essentials for your visit.
✨ Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty of this spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wild Willy's Hot Springs, calling it an unforgettable adventure with stunning mountain views and therapeutic waters. While the bumpy access road and basic facilities are noted, the natural beauty and relaxing soak make it a highly recommended stop in Mammoth Lakes.
"One of the best adventures in my life!!! If you've ever been in the Mammoth Lakes area, highly recommend you check this place out!
Just type "Wild Willy's Hot Spring" into Google Maps and it will show you how to get there. Turn left from Highway 395 S into Bento Crossing Road and drive down for around 3 miles. That's when you'll turn right into an unmarked and unpaved road. Trust yourself, you're not lost :)
The road leading there is a bit bumpy though. Drive slowly and carefully. Our non-4WD survived this road. About a mile down, you'll see the hot springs parking lot.
There were plenty of parkings when we came around 10am on Sunday. There are 2 smaller lots which is a bit further away from the hot springs for overflow purposes. From the dirt parking lot, it's a quarter mile easy walk along the wooded boardwalk path to the natural hot springs.
OMG the VIBE!!!! Wooden pathway, surrounding mountainous background, white condensing matters among green grass. Even the walk was an adventure itself.
You'll see the hot springs coming up in both your left and right. And you can literally smell it too! Now, ENJOY!!! The hot springs temperature was perfect for dipping and relaxing. Instragrammable spot as well! And it's good for your body. We were so sore with all the hiking and kayaking the day before. But within 20 minutes of dipping, our soreness was relieved 80%!
The place was not crowded at all even for a Sundays so we occasionally had the entire hot springs for ourselves for like 5-10 minutes.
Highly recommend! Can't gush enough about this place! It is truly one of the highlights of our Mammoth Lakes trip :)"
Khang Kayla Vuong
"Early September morning, temp 37F. Hot spring is little bit shallow but water temperature is good enough for early morning bath.
Toilet was also shallow and someone made real mess when I visit there. Hope it is clean now.
The smoke come from Garnet's fire shrouded horizon brownish. Need slipper to avoid muddy feet."
Kenny Kim
"This hot spring has a wonderful view, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
There is a parking lot for about 20-30 cars with toilets, and there are several natural baths within a 5-minute walk.
The water temperature is about 40℃ (104℉).
However, don't expect the quality of the toilets."
Michael Tsutsui
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navigate to "Wild Willy's Hot Spring" on Google Maps. From Highway 395 S, turn left onto Benton Crossing Road and drive for about 3 miles. Look for an unmarked, unpaved road on your right. Drive slowly for about a mile until you reach the parking lot.
The road is unpaved and can be bumpy. While many non-4WD vehicles have managed, a higher clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride. Drive with caution.
There's a main parking lot near the springs, but it fills up fast. Overflow parking is available further down the road. Arriving early is your best bet for convenient parking.
Currently, there is no direct public transportation to Wild Willy's Hot Springs. A personal vehicle is necessary for access.
Yes, but the dirt road to the parking lot is often closed in winter. This means you'll need to hike about 1.5 miles from the main road, offering a more secluded experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wild Willy's Hot Springs is free to access as it's managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
There are no official operating hours; it's a natural hot spring accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as it's a free, natural attraction. Just show up, but be mindful of parking availability.
Yes, it is generally considered a clothing-optional hot spring, though many visitors wear swimsuits. Be respectful of others' choices.
There are no age restrictions, making it accessible for all ages. However, young children should be supervised closely due to the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water temperature is generally around 104°F (40°C), making it perfect for a relaxing soak. It can vary slightly depending on the season and recent weather.
The walk from the main parking lot to the hot springs is about a quarter-mile along a wooden boardwalk.
Yes, there are basic pit toilets available near the parking lot. However, their cleanliness can vary, so be prepared.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, and potentially water shoes or sandals for walking.
Yes, it's generally suitable for families, especially the accessible boardwalk. However, always supervise children closely.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for capturing the stunning mountain scenery and the steam rising from the springs.
There are no specific restrictions, but be mindful of other visitors' privacy, especially if they are opting for a clothing-optional experience.
You can capture wide landscape shots of the mountains, close-ups of the steaming water, and candid moments of relaxation. The boardwalk also offers unique angles.
Yes, the natural beauty makes it easy to get great shots with a smartphone. Consider a waterproof case if you plan to take photos while in the water.
Cooler temperatures, especially in the early morning or late evening, will produce more visible steam, adding a dramatic effect to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventure Seekers
It's a perfect place to break up a long drive, relax your muscles after hiking, and capture some incredible photos. +1 Many road trippers find it to be a highlight of their California journey. 🐶 Dog Owners
Dogs can enjoy the surrounding natural areas and the walk to the springs. Ensure your dog is on a leash and always clean up after them. Be mindful that while dogs are welcome in the area, they should not enter the hot springs themselves. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Roads and Trails
During winter months, the dirt road to the parking lot is often closed due to snow. This transforms the visit into a winter hike of about 1.5 miles from the main road. While this requires more effort, it rewards visitors with an incredibly secluded and peaceful experience, often with no other people around.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the walk, especially if conditions are wet or muddy. Sturdy hiking boots or waterproof shoes are recommended.
The Soaking Experience: What to Expect
The atmosphere is often described as serene and almost magical, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the landscape and steam rises ethereally from the water.
Many visitors find the mineral-rich waters to be therapeutic, offering relief from muscle soreness and joint pain after days of hiking and outdoor activities. While the springs are generally considered clothing-optional, it's advisable to bring a swimsuit for personal comfort or if you prefer to wear one. It's important to manage expectations regarding amenities. The facilities are basic, typically limited to pit toilets near the parking area, which can sometimes be less than pristine.
Photography Opportunities
The steam rising from the hot springs, particularly in cooler temperatures, adds an atmospheric and mystical quality to photos. The wooden boardwalk leading to the springs offers excellent vantage points for capturing both the journey and the destination.
For the best results, consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions and a waterproof phone case if you plan to capture shots from within the pools. Remember to be respectful of other visitors' privacy when taking photos, especially in areas that may be clothing-optional.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit