Hot Creek
4.5
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You can relax in the heated springs of this popular fishing spot.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
172 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
52
Average
20
Poor
3
Terrible
3
MiAmorEterno
Los Angeles, CA53 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Last visited over 30 years ago and it used to be worth the drive down the unpaved road. Don’t waste your time visiting, it’s not worth it. Everything is fenced off and there are only a few “hot springs.”
The photos are better than seeing in person. The view from the parking lot is better than walking down the short paved trail.
The photos are better than seeing in person. The view from the parking lot is better than walking down the short paved trail.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci O
17 contributions
May 2021
Easy to get to, ample parking, not crowded, clean restrooms. Just a neat tourist spot to visit and see a geological site. The fishery is on the way there which is a nice place to visit for the kiddos, but it was closed at the time either because of C19 or the virus CA fisheries are contending against.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris L
Mountain View, CA197 contributions
Jul 2020
A beautiful natural site is ruined by a hodge-podge collection of fencing and warning signs. It's like a hastily assembled construction site. If you've never seen hot springs, fine, but consider Lassen or other places that do a better job of preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luv2Grdn
Chino, CA32 contributions
Jul 2021
The blue hot springs are beautiful. The best view is from the information sign near the parking lot. There was a slight smell of sulfur in some areas. I enjoyed seeing this very interesting geological site.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaWino
CaWino34 contributions
Just got back from a wonder weekend trip to Mammoth Lakes area (four hour drive from Fresno via Tioga Pass in Yosemite. Mammoth Lakes is a breathtakingly beautiful with lots to do and see (trout fishing, Bodie, Devils Postpile, etc.).
I had heard and read about Hot Creek (about 4 miles south off Highway 395) in the past, but this was my first dip in the very refreshing water.
Swimming is discouraged, but not prohibited. I suspect that over the course of several years, there have been accidents where swimmers were injured when they ventured in to areas that are clearly marked off.
According to a FAQ flyer put out by the USFS ( http://www.thesierraweb.com/generalinfo/hotcreekfaq.html ), "There are too many hazards to recommend entering the water here". All of the warnings did not discourage about 50 or so people relaxng in the warm, sometimes hot in places, water.
Some isolated spots were hotter than a comfortable hot tub, but for the most part it was just right. The temperature did fluctuate some.
There was a cold mountain stream that flowed on the North end of the warm pool. Several conveniently placed boulders adjacent to the two made for a convenient seating area while in the water. Fall backward and you're in a cold stream!
I met an older lady from Belgium in the water. She described the experience as "fantastic". There was also a Christian youth group there conducting several babtisms. People were generally very socialable. Don't expect nude bathing-it's probited.
Don't expect anything very scenic either. It wasn't bad though. There is paved parking and bathrooms at the top. A steep walk down of 1/4 mile or so is required.
The area is now under the mangement of USFS and is open sunup to sundown only. I recommend a visit if you're looking to soak your weary bones. Despite all of the warnings, I think it is safe as long as you don't do anything stupid.
I had heard and read about Hot Creek (about 4 miles south off Highway 395) in the past, but this was my first dip in the very refreshing water.
Swimming is discouraged, but not prohibited. I suspect that over the course of several years, there have been accidents where swimmers were injured when they ventured in to areas that are clearly marked off.
According to a FAQ flyer put out by the USFS ( http://www.thesierraweb.com/generalinfo/hotcreekfaq.html ), "There are too many hazards to recommend entering the water here". All of the warnings did not discourage about 50 or so people relaxng in the warm, sometimes hot in places, water.
Some isolated spots were hotter than a comfortable hot tub, but for the most part it was just right. The temperature did fluctuate some.
There was a cold mountain stream that flowed on the North end of the warm pool. Several conveniently placed boulders adjacent to the two made for a convenient seating area while in the water. Fall backward and you're in a cold stream!
I met an older lady from Belgium in the water. She described the experience as "fantastic". There was also a Christian youth group there conducting several babtisms. People were generally very socialable. Don't expect nude bathing-it's probited.
Don't expect anything very scenic either. It wasn't bad though. There is paved parking and bathrooms at the top. A steep walk down of 1/4 mile or so is required.
The area is now under the mangement of USFS and is open sunup to sundown only. I recommend a visit if you're looking to soak your weary bones. Despite all of the warnings, I think it is safe as long as you don't do anything stupid.
Written June 14, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew b
San Francisco, CA46 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We started going to Hot Creek, near Mammoth Lakes over 40 years ago. At that time we parked a VW camper at the top of the canyon and stayed there for several days. We walked down to the creek and stayed in the water, in and out all day long and night time too. There was nothing there, you had to take everything with you and you could use the two pit toilets in the parking area.
Along came Sunset Magazine revealing this hidden gem and all hell broke loose. Drunken people came, leaving empty gallon bottle from wine all over the place and it became a pig sty.
Then the forest service began a crackdown, not allowing camping on the rim. The nearest campground is at Convict Lake. Look it up on the internet if you want to camp or RV at the place.
Today Hot Creek is full of redwood catwalks and signs, passing over the creek and the hot pools. The water can be scalding and you can easily be hurt or burned going in to it. You can still go into the creek but have to pick your spot carefully and avoid alcohol consumption for your own safety. Its beautiful scenery there is no other place around in California like it. again, you must take everything with you if you are going to spend the day there. There are no stores or places to get water. Its a high desert plateau, so prepare accordingly. Of course you can go there on a short visit just off highway 395, and then rush to Mammoth in time for the cocktail hour if that suits you. Enjoy nature.
Along came Sunset Magazine revealing this hidden gem and all hell broke loose. Drunken people came, leaving empty gallon bottle from wine all over the place and it became a pig sty.
Then the forest service began a crackdown, not allowing camping on the rim. The nearest campground is at Convict Lake. Look it up on the internet if you want to camp or RV at the place.
Today Hot Creek is full of redwood catwalks and signs, passing over the creek and the hot pools. The water can be scalding and you can easily be hurt or burned going in to it. You can still go into the creek but have to pick your spot carefully and avoid alcohol consumption for your own safety. Its beautiful scenery there is no other place around in California like it. again, you must take everything with you if you are going to spend the day there. There are no stores or places to get water. Its a high desert plateau, so prepare accordingly. Of course you can go there on a short visit just off highway 395, and then rush to Mammoth in time for the cocktail hour if that suits you. Enjoy nature.
Written October 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r8drz
Lodi, California66 contributions
We just returned from 4 days in the Mammoth Lakes area (what a blast!) and did spend a few hours in the Hot Springs. The friend I traveled with had visited this area about 25 years ago and remembered that there used to be a geyser that erupted in the area. Interestingly enough, you can see the old walkways that now overlook...nothing. The area is rather active geothermally so things are constantly changing. We took our 12 year old daughters to the springs and at first they were hesitant about the whole thing. (visions of Dante's Peak dancing in their heads!) Once they were in though it was hard getting them out! The entrance area is COLD snowmelt but once you get across the stream it turns HOT. Its fun to find the perfect spot to soak along with 50 other people and watch peoples reactions when a plume of super heated water boils up. The group reaction is kinda like murmer murmer murmer AHHHH AHHHHH HOT HOT HOT and then everyone shifts around. The center of the creek is a bit deep probably 10-12 feet but if you sink down to the bottom you can hear the rumbling of the earth under you. There are bathrooms for changing but no showers. Thumbs up from the 4 of us!
Written August 9, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cwm1111
Indiana3 contributions
Last review about 1 year ago describes swimming in the creek. Due to increased geologic activity the forest service has fenced off the entire area and all swimming in the area is currently banned. They never really recommended it anyway as it could be dangerous and severe burns and even deaths had occurred over the years. I still enjoy visiting such areas and watching the ground and creek bubble and steam, as well as the faint smell of sulfur. It is like a microcosm of Yellowstone, and is geologically related as both are former calderas.
Written October 4, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCETraveler
San Bernardino, CA9 contributions
This is an awesome place to get a good soak as well as to marvel at the power of nature. We stopped at Hot Creek on our Eastern Sierra trip last week. My wife and I had been to the site five years ago, but it was snowing (in June!) and no one was there, and we didn't know what to expect, so we prudently avoided entering the creek. This time, however, the day was gorgeous and there were about 50 people there, including a youth group on its way back to LA, giving a clear view of where to be and where not to be. On this visit, the upper spring was much hotter. Teens were daring each other to swim over the lower spring, but people kept a healthy distance from the upper. I spent some time at both. The upper spring was great as the river coming in at that point is ice cold (great for alternating hot/cold therapy), but I got near-scalded a couple of times. That sucker is HOT!! A quick dive into the cold stream averted problems. (Hint - wearing a shirt will protect your upper body somewhat from transient plumes of super-hot water.) The lower spring was milder, and there were some nice soaking areas where springs at the bank of the creek came in as well, but the incoming river water had already been heated by the upper spring and wasn't very cold.
Hot Creek has its dangers, but the Forest Service has done a good job fencing off the worst areas, leaving more than enough pool space at both major springs for a couple hundred bathers easily. Not a place to be if you want privacy or clothing-optional (there are many smaller springs in the area for that), but if you want a great hot/cold soak in a breathtakingly beautiful river gorge, this is the place to visit!
Hot Creek has its dangers, but the Forest Service has done a good job fencing off the worst areas, leaving more than enough pool space at both major springs for a couple hundred bathers easily. Not a place to be if you want privacy or clothing-optional (there are many smaller springs in the area for that), but if you want a great hot/cold soak in a breathtakingly beautiful river gorge, this is the place to visit!
Written August 9, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy S
Diamond Bar, CA388 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We visited the Forest Service's facility in Mammoth Lakes and were warned to NOT take a dip in Hot Creek. Geyser activity is peaking and temps exceed 200 degrees in places. The literature from the U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) and the Forest Service have published data that the Long Valley Caldera's volcanic activity makes these thermal springs unpredictable; parts of the springs at Hot Creek can suddenly erupt with violence and at boiling temperatures. Parts of the Hot Creek Spring are closed. Do NOT enter. The temperature in Hot Creek can change in seconds, with boiling water erupting above the surface. Take photos, but don't risk a scalding.
Written July 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafi G
Oakland, CA1 contribution
We are staying at the Westin in Mammoth Lakes in November. Is there a natural hot springs nearby where we can soak in the mineral water?
Jacobus M
Huntington Beach, CA63 contributions
may one go into the hot springs water? Fee?
MRO_13
Moreno Valley, CA574 contributions
You cannot go into the water. The water temperature can get very hot! Upon doing some research, I read that the water temperature can reach up to 200 degrees.
There is no fee to see the hot springs.
ubfig
Palmdale, CA6 contributions
where is it???
Deanna J
Roseville, United States13 contributions
From Hwy 395, take the Hot Creek Hatchery Road that is just west of the Mammoth Airport. After about 1 mile, turn right at the brown sign directing you to the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery and Geological Site. You will drive about 3 more miles from this point. The road will be gravel soon after this turn. The Site is on the left with a nice parking lot and cinder block pit toilet buildings. The walk down is steep, but not longer than 1/4 mile. I recommend looking this up on Google Maps where you can easily find it by following the Hot Creek Hatchery Rd.
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Claim your listingHot Creek - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Creek
- Hotels near Hot Creek:
- (7.76 mi) The Mammoth Creek Inn
- (7.79 mi) Empeiria High Sierra Hotel
- (8.56 mi) Alpenhof Lodge
- (7.67 mi) Outbound Mammoth
- (4.52 mi) Convict Lake Resort
- Restaurants near Hot Creek:
- (7.69 mi) Mogul Restaurant
- (7.88 mi) Shea Schat's Bakery
- (8.53 mi) Skadi
- (7.71 mi) Good Life Cafe
- (7.70 mi) Mammoth Rock Brasserie