Hot Spring
This spring near Mammoth Lakes presents a thermal contradiction: surface water at 68°F masks much hotter conditions at depth, with USGS measurements recording 82.7°C (181°F) beneath the surface, suggesting complex subsurface thermal mixing.
Located at 7,035 feet on Bureau of Land Management public land, the spring requires a short walk of roughly 1,200 feet from Owens River Road. The setting mixes alkaline minerals (pH 7.8) with surprising salinity (TDS 1,230 mg/L), creating distinctive water chemistry in the Long Valley landscape.
The temperature discrepancy between surface and depth reveals the spring's mechanics: geothermal water at depth cools and mixes with non-thermal water during ascent. This phenomenon interested USGS researchers studying Long Valley's complex subsurface thermal geometry.
Approach from Owens River Road on Bureau of Land Management land. The cooler surface temperature allows safe wading, but drilling or disturbing the spring bottom is prohibited. Access is year-round; road conditions dictate difficulty in winter months.
Is Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
- Mineral-rich therapeutic bathing
The water at Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 1230 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits), and total dissolved solids (higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking).
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Overview Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.Recreation The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known...