Hot Creek Springs
Hot Creek Springs emerges at 171°F from the volcanic terrain of the Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes, offering one of the region's hottest thermal features with a remarkable 125°F temperature rise above ambient air.
The spring sits just 230 feet from Hot Creek Hatchery Road at 6,970 feet elevation, making it exceptionally accessible. Alkaline waters (pH 8.7) rich in chlorides flow through the dramatic high-elevation landscape where sagebrush and conifer forest meet volcanic terrain.
Hot Creek's extreme temperatures reflect its location atop the geothermal spine of the Long Valley Caldera, a region of intense crustal heating. The spring has been known to local geologists and outdoor enthusiasts for decades as a striking example of accessible, high-temperature geothermal activity.
Park along Hot Creek Hatchery Road—no permit required. The spring is open year-round but snow blocks access November through April. Water temperature exceeds 171°F; approach from downstream areas where cooler mixing occurs. USGS monitoring continues here.
Is Hot Creek Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Hot Creek Springs is alkaline (pH 8.7). It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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