Hot Creek

Hot Creek

Mammoth Lakes, California

4.2(1,456)naturalEasyFree

Click thumbnails to view larger photos • Photos from Google Maps

🌡️Temperature130°F
🏊Typenatural
🥾DifficultyEasy
💰PriceFree
📅Best SeasonSummer through Fall
👥Crowd LevelHigh

About Hot Creek

A dramatic volcanic hot spring where superheated water erupts into a cold mountain creek in the Long Valley Caldera. While swimming is currently prohibited due to dangerous geothermal surges, Hot Creek remains a stunning geological spectacle. Visitors can observe boiling pools and steam vents from a boardwalk along the creek.

Access

Short walk

🏕️

Overnight

No

👙

Clothing Optional

No

Features

Volcanic geologyGeothermal ventsBoardwalk viewingPhotography spotWildlife viewing

Water Minerals

SilicaArsenicBoronLithiumChloride

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Hot Creek?
The water temperature at Hot Creek is 130°F.
How much does Hot Creek cost?
Hot Creek is free to visit.
Is Hot Creek clothing optional?
No, Hot Creek requires swimwear.
What minerals are in the water at Hot Creek?
The water at Hot Creek contains Silica, Arsenic, Boron, Lithium, Chloride.
How difficult is it to get to Hot Creek?
Hot Creek has a easy difficulty level with short walk access.

Recent Google Reviews

Jose Mathew• Google Review

"Had to drive more than a mile through unpaved road to get here. But the place is beautiful with a few hot springs steaming out. Overall a nice place for a quick stop."

11/27/2025
Bob Oxenburgh• Google Review

"This is a gem of the National First Service. The river runs between vibrant grasses and has hot springs bubbling into it. A favorite for trout fishing. An easy walk down into the gorge after driving t..."

10/20/2025
Frank Reza• Google Review

"It was a beautiful place, it’s such a unique place. I have been coming to the Mammoth area for years and I just found out about it. I wish it was better advertised. We went during the warmest part of ..."

10/3/2025