Hot Springs
Hot Springs known locally as Rock Tub Hot Spring deliver 129°F water from the Long Valley Caldera near Mammoth Lakes at 6,981 feet elevation, offering warm thermal bathing in accessible volcanic terrain on Bureau of Land Management public land.
The spring sits roughly 550 feet from the road on sagebrush and volcanic terrain, requiring a short walk through the landscape that defines the Long Valley environment. Recent USGS data shows complex water chemistry (pH 7.3, TDS-rich with sodium and chloride), indicating deep thermal circulation.
Park near Crowley Lake Campground, 9.4 kilometers away, and access on Bureau of Land Management public land. The spring is open year-round with no permit required. Water temperature near the vent reaches 129°F; cooler soaking areas exist downstream. Snow may limit road access December through April.
Rock Tub Hot Spring's name reflects its historical use—locals bathed in the cooled outflows. The spring sits atop the Long Valley Caldera, a region of intense crustal heating that powers multiple geothermal features across the Mammoth Lakes area.
The water at Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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Overview Crowley Lake Campground offers 47 RV/tent sites, maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet. All sites include a fire pit, picnic table and a lantern holder. No hook-up. Potable water is available. Dump station fee is $10.00, no passes accepted. Closest amenities are 2 miles south in Crowley, or 10 miles north in Mammoth Lakes. Recreation Popular activities include lake and stream fishing, boating, windsurfing, horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Facilities Crowley Lake...
Hot Springs sits at 6,981 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 28% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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