Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

## Overview Wild Willy's Hot Springs is a beloved natural hot spring located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, near the town of Mammoth Lakes. Situated at approximately 7,000 feet elevation along the edge of the Long Valley Caldera — one of the largest volcanic calderas on Earth — this geothermally heated spring draws its warmth from the same magmatic activity that fuels the entire Mammoth Lakes geothermal area. The spring is also known locally as "Hilltop Hot Spring" due to its position atop a small rise that offers sweeping panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, including the dramatic Sherwin Range and Glass Mountains. The main soaking pool at Wild Willy's is a roughly constructed rock-and-mud-lined basin fed by a natural hot spring source. Water temperatures in the primary pool have been reported to range from approximately 100°F to 105°F (38°C–41°C), though temperatures can vary seasonally and depending on recent weather conditions. A smaller, hotter source pool sits nearby, and a wooden boardwalk traverses the surrounding marshy meadow to protect the fragile wetland ecosystem. The mineral-rich water has a slightly sulfurous smell characteristic of geothermal springs in the region. Wild Willy's is a free, undeveloped hot spring on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It has long been a favorite among locals and visitors to the Mammoth Lakes area, offering a rustic, clothing-optional soaking experience in a stunning high-desert setting. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter access may require a vehicle with four-wheel drive or high clearance due to snow and muddy dirt roads. ## Directions 1. From the town of Mammoth Lakes, head south on US-395. 2. Turn left (east) onto Benton Crossing Road (also known as Green Church Road), located approximately 5 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes/CA-203 junction. 3. Follow Benton Crossing Road east for about 3 miles. 4. Look for a dirt pullout and parking area on the right (south) side of the road. A small sign or wooden post may mark the trailhead, though signage can be inconsistent. 5. From the parking area, follow the wooden boardwalk south across the meadow for roughly a quarter mile to reach the hot spring pools. 6. GPS coordinates: 34.5757803819682, -119.051303246772. **Note:** These GPS coordinates appear to point to a location in the Santa Barbara County area of California rather than the Eastern Sierra. Visitors should rely on the directions above and search for "Wild Willy's Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes" in their navigation app for accurate routing. The spring is commonly mapped near coordinates approximately 37.6108, -118.7575. ## What to Expect Upon arriving at the dirt parking area along Benton Crossing Road, you'll find a wooden boardwalk that leads across a lush, marshy meadow fed by geothermal runoff. The boardwalk was installed to protect the delicate wetland habitat and makes the walk easy and scenic. The trail is flat and takes only about five minutes to walk. At the end of the boardwalk, you'll reach the main soaking pool — a natural rock-lined basin large enough for several people. The water is typically hot and comfortable for soaking, with the temperature being hottest near the source. A second, smaller pool closer to the source tends to be significantly hotter. Visitors often move between the two pools to find their preferred temperature. The setting is spectacular: an open high-desert meadow with unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Sunrise and sunset soaks are particularly popular for the dramatic lighting across the Sierra crest. On clear nights, the remote location and high elevation make for exceptional stargazing. A few things to keep in mind: - This is an undeveloped, primitive hot spring with no facilities — no restrooms, trash cans, or changing areas. Pack out everything you bring in. - The spring is clothing-optional, and nudity is common. - The area can be windy, especially in the afternoon, so bringing a windbreak or extra layers for before and after soaking is a good idea. - In winter and early spring, the dirt road may be muddy or snow-covered. High-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended during these seasons. - The meadow surrounding the spring is ecologically sensitive. Please stay on the boardwalk and established paths to minimize impact.