Benton Hot Springs, Benton, California 93512

## Overview Benton Hot Springs is a historic geothermal site located near the small community of Benton in Mono County, California — one of the oldest towns in the county. Long before western settlers arrived, the area's natural hot springs attracted indigenous peoples who valued the warm, mineral-rich waters. As the mining boomtowns of Aurora and Bodie grew in the mid-to-late 1800s, Benton became an important waypoint for travelers heading south through the Eastern Sierra region. Situated at an elevation of roughly 5,500 feet in the high desert landscape between the White Mountains and the Glass Mountains, Benton Hot Springs draws from geothermally heated groundwater that rises along fault lines in this tectonically active zone. The springs have been used for bathing and soaking for well over a century, and the site remains a draw for visitors seeking a remote, rustic hot spring experience in one of California's most dramatic and sparsely populated landscapes. While the springs have historically been used as a water source, visitors should note that geothermal water often contains elevated mineral content and should not be assumed safe for drinking without independent testing. ## Directions 1. From US Highway 6, turn south onto Highway 120 (also signed as Benton Hot Springs Road) near the town of Benton, California. 2. Follow Highway 120 south. The hot springs area is located along this road near the address 55030 Highway 120, Benton, CA 93512. 3. GPS coordinates: **37.800267, -118.529353** — use these for precise navigation, as cell service in this remote area can be unreliable. 4. The drive from Bishop, CA is approximately 36 miles north via US-6. From Mammoth Lakes, head east on Highway 120 for roughly 45 miles. ## What to Expect Benton Hot Springs sits in a quiet, arid high-desert setting with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The area has a distinctly remote and peaceful character — Benton itself is a very small community with minimal services, so visitors should plan accordingly by bringing water, food, and fuel. The hot springs in this area range in temperature, with some pools historically reaching well above comfortable soaking levels. Several private soaking tubs are available through the nearby Benton Hot Springs Resort, which offers overnight camping and lodging with access to individual hot tubs fed by the natural springs. Public access to the springs themselves may be limited, so it's worth checking current access conditions before visiting. The landscape is stark and beautiful — sagebrush flats stretching toward snow-capped peaks, with enormous skies and very little light pollution, making this an excellent stargazing destination as well. Summers can be hot during the day, while winters bring cold temperatures that make the hot springs especially inviting. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the area. The region's rich history is still visible in the remnants of old structures and the quiet character of Benton itself, which once served as a bustling supply stop during the Eastern Sierra mining era of the 1860s–1880s.