Hilltop Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes
Tucked away near Mammoth Lakes, just a stone’s throw from the more frequented Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Hilltop Hot Springs offers an escape with breathtaking views.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading here for a soak!
Table of Contents
Hilltop Hot Springs: Getting There
Finding Hilltop Hot Springs is really easy; it’s right off Benton Crossing Road. There’s a tiny dirt parking area big enough for a handful of cars.
You can route yourself here to get to the springs.
The Trail
The trail to the springs is short and sweet, a mix of dirt path and boardwalk.
As you walk, keep an eye out for wisps of steam rising up—nature’s way of letting you know you’re getting close. If you’re here on a frigid morning like we were, you’ll probably have an extra pep in your step to get there!
The walk to the hot springs is only about five minutes from the parking lot.
Hilltop Hot Springs
Arriving at the spring, you’re greeted by a singular, man-made cement pool that’s as inviting as it is intimate.
It’s deep enough to let you soak (2 feet) but small enough (fitting 4 to 6 people) to keep the experience personal. The water temp is around 100 degrees (38 Celsius) year-round.
In fact, you’ll be able to see the piping bringing in the hot water. We didn’t mess with it, but it looks like you can adjust the water flow and temperature, too.
We landed here at the crisp hour of 7:00 AM, finding the spot all to ourselves before a couple more early risers joined.
This pool isn’t just a place to warm up; it’s a vantage point. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains on all sides, it’s a 360-degree panorama of nature’s finest work.
The Best Time to Visit
Fall and spring are the ideal months to visit simply because the weather is still chilly, and a nice hot tub soak cures all, right?
Winter soaks sound sublime, and you should certainly make it out here in winter if the road isn’t closed due to too much snowfall.
Summer is still a great time to visit if you’re here early or late, so you’re not soaking at the peak of the heat. We were here in June, and it was still quite cold in the morning.
Tips:
- Hilltop is as rustic as they come. There’s no restroom or other facilities, so come prepared.
- There are no camping signs around here, so don’t come looking to pitch your tent for the night. However, there are public lands nearby.
- There are no trash cans, pack it out and respect the public lands.
- This hot spring is often frequented and can get busy, so come early.
- This hot spring is clothing-optional.
- Hilltop Hot Springs is sometimes called “Pulkey’s Pool.”
- This spot may be closed off in winter simply because the road to get here becomes impassable.
- Don’t forget to bring water, a dry bag, a towel, proper shoes that can get wet, and, of course, a swimsuit.
- And oh, the mosquitos! There were tons, even on a brisk morning.
Final Thoughts
Hilltop Hot Springs is an awesome place to pop by and have a nice soak while taking in the insanely beautiful Sierra!
However, this spot is far from a secret, so don’t be surprised if others are here. We arrived very early, but people came by just 10 minutes after us.
Where to next?
- You’re not too far from the stunning Mono Lake or the alien looking Crowley Lake Columns.
- Take a trip around the June Lakes Loop or head into Mammoth Lakes.
- Heading into Yosemite? Read our guide on the best things to do in Yosemite.
- Want to soak some more? Head to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs or Travertine Hot Springs.
- Heading south? Don’t miss out on the Alabama Hills.
We hope this helped you plan your visit to Hilltop Hot Springs!
