How to Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Wild Willy's Hot Springs

Last updated on July 29th, 2024 at 03:43 pm

In June, I went camping at June Lake anticipating warm temperatures and alpine lake swims! Instead, the temperature dropped to the 30s overnight and while the days warmed up, they weren’t warm enough to even consider jumping in the water. One frigid early morning eating oatmeal to warm up, I opened up Google Maps and typed in hot springs, because I knew there were some around here. 

Thankfully, just a 30ish minute drive away was Wild Willy’s Hot Springs. I quickly hopped in the car excited to warm up in the hot water of the springs! I didn’t really know what to expect considering I basically did no research on how to visit Wild Willy’s, but it turned out to be one of the best places to warm up, relax, and soak in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevadas (literally).

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Why You Should Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

It turns out that Wild Willy’s Hot Springs are one of the most popular hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area and it’s easy to see why! There are a series of pools with water temperature ranges from bathwater warm to incredibly hot (100 or so degrees). The pools are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eastern Sierras creating a beautiful place to soak. Since there are a number of different pools, Wild Willy’s can accommodate crowds without feeling like it’s super crowded, which is a good thing because this is a very popular destination in the area.  

These thermal springs are also fairly easily accessible. The pools are just a short distance down a wooden boardwalk path from the parking area. However, the boardwalk does end at the first pool and there is no path or trail between the pools so it may not be wheelchair friendly.

Visiting Wild Willy’s is also free and we love a budget friendly activity around here!

Wild Willy's Hot Springs

Where is Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs are located in Mono County on Benton Crossing Road (also known as Green Church Road) just off of Highway 395. 

The hot springs are about 20 minutes east of Mammoth Lakes. From Mammoth take Highway 395 south and turn left onto Benton Crossing Rd. 

Follow this road for about 3 miles, until you pass the second cow grate where you’ll turn right onto an unmarked dirt road.

From here, it’s about a mile down the bumpy dirt road to the hot springs parking lot. While most cars should be able to manage, be prepared for potholes and a bumpy ride. In the winter, you will likely need 4WD if this road is open. 

From the dirt parking lot, it’s a quarter mile easy walk along the wooded boardwalk path to the natural hot springs

The entrance to Wild Willy's Hot Springs

The Best Time of Year to Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

Wild Willy’s is open year-round, but there are a few things to consider when planning your visit.

The winter can be a beautiful time to visit, when the area is covered in snow and you can warm up in the springs. However, that snow also presents challenges such as road closures that would require hiking in (through the snow) to the hot springs. 

While summer in this area has hot days, the nights and early mornings would be a good time to visit the hot springs. However, they do get crowded on the weekends and I’ve heard rumors that they are particularly lively at night. So if that’s not your scene, and you’re visiting in the summer, then get there to enjoy a serene sunrise!

The fall is a beautiful time of year to visit as you’ll have fewer crowds, cooler temps, and stunning fall foliage. This means you could drive the June Lake Loop for fall colors (one of the best things to do in June Lake), then enjoy the afternoon at the hot springs!

The spring is another good time of year to relax in the hot springs without extreme weather conditions like snow or excessive heat. There may be a bit of mud due to the melting snow, but other than that, it’s a great time of year!

Wild Willy's Hot Springs

Things to Know Before Visiting Wild Willy’s

Before you visit Wild Willy’s there are a few things to know.

Follow Leave No Trace Principles: This is beautiful public land and visitors need to treat it with respect so future generations can visit. When walking around the hot springs, stick to established paths. Anything you bring in, bring out with you. Do not bring anything glass! 

Clothing is Optional: Wild Willy’s is known for its clothing-optional bathing environment. This means you may encounter people who choose to bath without swimsuits. If you are uncomfortable with nudity, it’s something to be aware of before you visit.

Parking Lot Fills Up: The parking lot can get crowded, especially on weekends and peak travel season. But if you’re one of the early risers you should have no problem securing a spot. If you’re traveling with a group of people, be sure to carpool! 

Bring What You Need: Below, I’ll go further into detail about what to bring with you to Wild Willy’s, but I wanted to highlight it here because it’s so important to have the essentials with you. The hot springs are in a remote location with very limited (if any) cell phone service. Make sure that you have plenty of water and snacks. You’ll also want to bring a change of clothes for after your soak.

Respect Others: The pools aren’t very large so be prepared to share with other visitors. 

​Stay Safe: The heat of these pools can dehydrate you quickly, so make sure you drink plenty of water and replace your electrolytes lost from sweat. The rocks around the hot springs can be slippery so take care when moving in and out of the water. 

​Toilets: There are vault toilets in the parking area, but you may want to bring your own toilet paper, just in case they haven’t been serviced recently.

The wooden boardwalk to Wild Willy's Hot Springs

The Wild Willy’s Hot Spring Pools

Now, let’s get into the types of pools you’ll find at Wild Willy’s!

When you get to the end of the elevated wooden path, you’ll see a big pool on its own to your left. This is the hottest pool out of all of them! It’s also the most famous on Instagram because it’s shaped like a heart. To be honest, I didn’t see the shape, but it doesn’t matter because the mountain views from this pool can’t be beat. Since this single pool is the largest pool it can accommodate a handful of people, so you may have to share your space.

On the right hand side of the path is a tiered hot stream that created a series of pools. The water enters the pools from the top one so the further down you go, the cooler the water is. These pools also vary in sizes, but since they’re cooler than the main pool, you can relax in them for a bit longer and may even get one all to yourself! 

Me sitting in Wild Willy hot springs near June Lake, California.
Me sitting in Wild Willy hot springs near June Lake, California.

What to Bring to Wild Willy’s

Bathing Suit: Even though clothing is optional, a bathing suit is a good idea to bring. I wore a bathing suit during my visit as there was a family around and I didn’t feel comfortable walking around in the nude in front of them. 

Towel: Bring a lightweight, quick drying towel to dry off after your soak or to wrap around yourself as you try out the different pools. 

Robe: If you’re visiting in the winter or are planning to embrace the clothing optional atmosphere, a warm cozy robe would add even more relaxation to your visit. Wrapping up in a robe in between dips or on the walk back to the car would be so cozy!

​Water Shoes: The bottom of the pools are rocky and a bit slippery. I wore my Teva water shoes in the pool, then once I got settled, I took them off. They were easy to slip back on as I moved to another pool.

Water Bottle: Bring an insulated reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated and refreshed. You know I love Hydro Flask for this!

Warm Change of Clothes: It often gets chilly, especially in the early mornings or in the evenings, so pack warm comfortable clothes to change into after your soak. A baggy pair of sweats and a cozy sweatshirt would be ideal. If you’re visiting in the summer though, a t-shirt and shorts may be better. 

Dry Bag or Backpack: Store your phone, keys and other valuables in a dry bag or in a backpack

Sun Protection: If you’re visiting during the day, you will need sun protection even if the sun isn’t out as the area is completely exposed. I recommend using a wide-brimmed sun hat to protect your face as well as wearing sunscreen (SunBum is my favorite). 

Bug Repellent: There are some horse flies and other bugs that hang out near the pools. Use these bug repellent wipes to prevent bites.

First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, and personal medication is handy in case of minor injuries.

Snacks: Since you’re about 20 minutes away from any services, bring plenty of snacks. Especially if you plan on spending more than an hour here!

Where to Stay Near Wild Willy’s

Camping Nearby Wild Willy’s

Since Wild Willy’s is located on BLM land, you can actually camp there, but not next to the hot springs. You can camp in the parking lot, which is popular amongst van lifers. Nothing like being in the perfect place to beat the crowds in the morning or close to your bed after a midnight soak under the stars!

Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is a private hot spring with rustic campsites, each with private hot tubs! It’s a super unique camping experience and about 35 minutes from Wild Willy’s.

Convict Lake Campground

I recently camped at Convict Lake Campground which is only a 15 minute drive from Wild Willy’s. In addition to its close proximity to Wild Willy’s, there are plenty of fun things to do at Convict Lake to keep you entertained for a long weekend!

Stay in Nearby Mammoth

If you want a more luxurious stay, head to the Mammoth Lakes area will you will find a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts like the Westin Monache Resort or Mammoth Mountain Inn

There are more budget friendly accommodation options in Mammoth as well like Tamarack Lodge & Resort or Outbound Mammoth.

Other Hot Springs in Mammoth

If Wild Willy’s makes you want to try all of the hot springs near Mammoth like it did for me, then you’re in luck. This area is teeming with hot springs. Here are a few others to add to your California road trip itinerary.

Travertine Hot Springs: Located in Bridgeport, about an hour north of Mammoth is Travertine Hot Springs. These are the second hot springs I visited and the landscape surrounding them is stunning! There are more pools compared to Wild Willy’s so you’re more likely to get one to yourself. 

Crab Cooker Hot Springs: This is a single, small pool with a pipe that pumps hot water into it. However, according to reviews the water is incredibly hot, almost unbearable, so I opted to skip it!

I hope that you have a fun and relaxing time visiting Wild Willy’s! It’s such a beautiful place, I’m happy I could share my experience visiting with you!

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California Hot Springs Guide: How to Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
California Bucket List: How to Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Travel Guide to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs in Mono County California

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