Hot Springs and Tubs

Hot Creek
Hot Creek is managed by the Forest Service to provide a safe family-type experience. But it is still one of the best places to go. Two large pools sitting in the middle of Hot Creek are fed hot water by subsurface magma three miles below the surface. There are bathrooms and changing facilities here, along with a paved parking lot. Only open during the daylight hours, you can get a ticket for going naked here, most people wear suits. This is a great X-country ski trip during the winter when there is enough snow on the ground. Take HWY 395 south about 2 miles to the left turn exit marked Hot Creek/Airport. Follow the signs. About 2 miles of the road is gravel graded, suitable for passenger cars. Look for the paved parking area on the left.

Hilltop Tub
This is probably the best known, most popular tub site. Accessible in the winter by walking 300 yards, in the summer you can drive almost right up to the tub. This tub isn't private. If you are in it, expect company. The tub is about seven feet in diameter and about two feet deep, man-made, fed by a nearby hot water source. Probably the best view in the valley, you sit on a small hilltop with a 360-degree view. You will run into a lot of locals and a lot of tourists here. Take HWY 395 south to Benton Crossing Road. Turn left at the green church and go about 2.5 miles, past two cattle guard crossings. Just past the second cattle guard, you will go down a moderate hill. At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto a dirt road and follow it, staying to the right, for about 300 yards to a well-marked dirt parking area. The tub is just about 100 feet on top of the small hill in front of you.

Wild Willy's
Another popular well-known site. This one has two man-made sitting areas on different branches of a natural creek; so if one is occupied and you are shy, use the other. The views aren't as nice as Hilltop. To get there, drive towards Hilltop as noted above, but just past the second cattle guard, turn right on the dirt road. Follow it for about a mile, staying to the left, until you reach a well-marked parking area. Then, on foot, follow the obvious trail for about 200 yards to the tubs. This also is not regarded as private, and you may have company at times.

Crab Cooker
This is called the Crab Cooker because it sometimes is hot enough to do just that. This is more of a private tub — most people won't approach if they see it is occupied. Smaller and shallow, and sometimes not working well, but a nice place when it is. You will need a map to find it, so get the guidebook. Take Benton Crossing Road again, but turn left at the wide dirt road just past the baseball fields, follow that dirt road for about a mile. The tubs are along one of the dirt roads off the right side. Follow one or the other until you find it. There are actually several in this area, some good and most not. You have found the Crab Cooker when you find one at the END of a dirt road in a small valley.

Rules
You can get a ticket for tubbing naked, but most of the hot tubs are isolated and private, so most people don't wear anything while bathing. Some of the tubs, like Hilltop, are popular, and considered open, whether occupied or not. Some are considered private spots and if occupied, you might want to wait your turn. Usually your intuition will guide you. Please take care of the tubs and take your trash out with you.

Boating and Kayaking

With many lakes and streams in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding areas, this region offers wonderful opportunities for boating, canoeing and kayaking. Rent a canoe, kayak or boat from one of the many local rental companies and have a great time. Take a guided tour via kayak on Mono Lake and learn about its fascinating history.

Any of the lakes that have road access allow fishing boats. Some don't allow motors, so you will have to check ahead. Water skiing happens on Crowley and June Lake.

Bring the whole family and spend a day on the water in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Swimming

There are many creeks and streams in the Mammoth Lake area for wading and getting wet on a summer day. But they are all very cold as they are fed by snow. Horseshoe Lake is the only lake in the Mammoth basin where swimming is permitted, or feasible. Located at the end of Lake Mary Road, the lake is usually shallow enough that the sun makes the water somewhat warmer. There are sandy beaches all the way around the lake. The other lakes in the basin are closed to swimming because they serve as the town's water supply. Higher backcountry lakes are open, but you might want to test the water before you jump right in.