Wild Willy's Hot Spring

Such a lovely collection of hot springs surrounded by beautiful mountains! There are around 5 large pools for lounging in with hot water. There is a parking lot 1/4 mile from the springs and then a wooden boardwalk to the springs. In the winter, they close the dirt road to the parking lot, and it’s a 1.5 mile walk from the main road to the springs. This is one of my favorite spots in the Mammoth area!

This hot spring has a wonderful view, surrounded by beautiful mountains. There is a parking lot for about 20-30 cars with toilets, and there are several natural baths within a 5-minute walk. The water temperature is about 40℃ (104℉). However, don't expect the quality of the toilets.

Awesome hot spring. I used it in the Winter after checking out a few others in the area. The best part of using this one is that there’s a seasonal closure on the road. During the winter you’ll have to hike a ways to get to the spring but there’s NO ONE else around. The other springs were packed with people because they could drive right up next to them.

Interesting spot. There are about 4 pools, one in which you can soak your whole body. Easy to get to, but the last 1/4 mile is on a dirt road that even sedans can navigate. Amazing surroundings

Beautiful views. Recommend getting there early. It's a popular spot even in snow and ice. Recommend bringing water shoes or sandals the rocks in the pools are small and sharp. Lots of icy spots around the pools and walkway. Google maps takes you to a weird location don't make the last right turn through the gate. Instead keep going till it ends at the parking lot/ trailhead.

Absolutely incredible hidden gem! Wild Willy's Hot Springs is literally in the middle of nowhere, which makes it even more special. The journey to get there is part of the adventure.The scenery is absolutely amazing - soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views is pure magic. You feel completely connected to nature and far from civilization.The hot springs themselves are perfect temperature and such a relaxing experience. There's something so peaceful about being in these natural pools with nothing but wilderness around you.The remote location means you really feel like you've discovered something special. It's not crowded or commercialized - just pure, natural beauty.

A series of four Hot Springs of various temperatures that gets really busy on the weekends, where you may have to wait in line for your turn. There are several other hot springs nearby you can also visit. Beautiful mountain views from the pools.

Wild Willy's was an awesome way to unwind after a long drive up to Mammoth and after a day of snowboarding. Always seemed to be room in one of the pools the two times we went since people are always coming and going.

I heard of a lot of good things about this hot spring. There is a small parking lot at the gate. It takes approximately 30 min (1.5 miles) walk from the parking lot to the hot spring. There are a few 3 ponds, and they are in various temperature. I only tried 2 of them, and I stayed in the hottest one throughout. The area around the hot spring pond is very muddy and slippery. I saw people fell. It was cold and windy once you get out of the hot spring. It was a little difficult while you are relax, but still had to walk 30 min back to your car in a cold and windy weather. My recommendation is do not over soak yourself in the hot spring. Great view and friendly people!

What a great place to go at night on a full moon! The waters are amazing and range from super duper hot to comfortable warm. We bounced around each of the different ones and found one we could sit in for hours. It has a wood paved road and the walk from the lot to the springs is less than 10min. Clothing is optional and people seemed friendly. Make sure to bring water to drink to stay hydrated as you are still in the high desert.

Arrive early! Seriously, 5am minimum. Or camp! Or better yet visit during the week day. It is an absolute zoo in the evenings on weekends. The parking lot was 1/3 full at 545am. I won't ever visit on a weekend it's just too packed now. Seen a group of hippie dudes in sleeping bags a few yards away from the western pool. Thought that was a bit bizarre and unnecessary and another dude said he never seen that before. But it is easy access as it's right off the 395. Take the dirt road about a mile to the parking lot. There are porta potty's please use them instead of relieving yourself off the trail. Stay on the boarded path and walk a half mile to the pools. The lone western pool is the hottest and deepest. 3-4 ft approximately. The eastern pools are shallow. Please share the pools and respect the space and presence of others. People visit to relax not party. And let's pack in/pack out. I saw too much trash near the pools. Let's be responsible humans and leave the environment how we found it. There is a reason it's called Wild Willy's and you'll understand when you arrive.

There's a small parking lot by the entrance. There's also a small space by the road that you can park at too. There is a 1.5 mile walk to the hot springs which can take about 30 minutes. There are 2 main hot springs with smaller pools. The water is really nice and warm. It's shallow enough to stand in but be careful walking around as it can be muddy and slippery. There's no entrance fee, it's completely free and open to the public.

One of the better natural hot springs that we've visited. A short dirt road that accessible with any vehicle to a small parking lot. From the parking lot, you take a nice boardwalk over to the hot springs. The water temperature differs in each of the shallow pools. The closer you are to the source, the hotter the water. It's like sitting in a natural hot tub and enjoying the gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains and meadow with cows in the distance. Wear bathing suits. And water shoes if you have them but the sandy pebbles at the bottom aren't too bad on bare feet. Bring water and make sure you stay hydrated. Definitely worth the trip!

Amazing views and calm springs. The connections and friends we made there were special. It's something else to visit a timeless place.

It's definitely a hot spring and one of the larger ones in the area, but it's not really a place to relax. Honestly, this is more of a novelty, but don't let that stop you from coming. The views of this area along the boardwalk are great and worth the short walk to the hot spring.. The water temperature is like a hot bath. Note: Some locals suggest that this is a clothing optional hot spring. I didn't see any of that, fortunately. Also, I can confirm that it appears that a few people do live in their RVs in the parking lot. Just keep valuables hidden. It's a long walk to the hot spring.

When I went to Mammoth I was expecting a lot of hiking, the gondola and lakes. What I didn't know until I got there was that Mammoth Lakes has a bunch of natural hot springs, some of which are unsafe for bathing, some are small and hard to find. Wild Willy's while a little off the beaten path is still easy to find and safe and large enough to visit. After a long day of hiking I thought a nice soak would be a welcome change of pace. Google Maps kind of knows where it is-the parking lot isn't where it says but it's actual before where the route tells you so you can always double back. The walkway is pretty easy to navigate and the springs are naturally divided. The larger one is the cooler one and the smaller, heart shaped one is hotter. During my visit there was one person there just soaking so it was pretty private.

I have been to Wild Willy's a few times. I was here recently to relax after a long day. You drive down a dirt road for a couple miles. Make sure you are sharing the road when passing. Even though it was a Monday, it was quite busy. The parking lot was full. There is a short walk from the parking area to the pools. There are two sets of pools. The one on the west side is more spa sized and quite warm and a series of pools on the eastside. The eastside pools vary in temperature and depth/ volume. These pools are natural so you are sitting on dirt, gravel, algae, etc. I would not recommend drinking the water. Find an open spot, make friends and relax. Try to make room for others. The vibe was pretty chill for the most part. People were relaxing and mostly keep to themselves. Remember to leave the pools in as good a shape as possible.

This was the most beautiful hot springs I've ever been to. Being from the city, it is beautiful to escape it all and just be one with nature. If you are near the area, this is a great spot to camp and enjoy the hot springs. It does get a bit busy so I would recommend coming in the morning so you can enjoy the true sounds of nature.

We have been here twice and had a great time, every time! The area is kept clean and the walkway is good condition. We have been here during the week both times so it was never crowded and always pleasant. We will be back again for sure!

One thing many people don't realize is that Mammoth Lakes actually has natural Hot Springs that you can swim in. The largest and probably most famous is Wild Willy's! It's a relatively large, natural Hot Springs, that you can dip in, with different pools with varying temperatures. This place is really popular so I would highly recommend going either around sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowd. And make sure to have a car that can off-road, because the road to these Hot Springs is quite bumpy/ rocky! Be sure to go the next time you plan to visit Mammoth Lakes!

We visited the rock tub hot springs. It was absolutely the most relaxing and romantic little spot. We got lucky and had it to ourselves this day but we have visited on other occasions and other visitors were there too. We highly recommended this cute little spot and many others around the area as well. We have yet to visit with snow on the ground yet, but I can only imagine the beauty that would be with the snow.

One of my new all time favorite places. Hard to describe how surreal it is taking a bath heated by the Earth, surrounded by a mountain view in the sunrise. The area was mostly clear, with some trash left over from the night before. It's clothing optional, but you can do whatever you're comfortable with. Will definitely be back!!

We were looking for hot springs in the area and were so glad to find this place. It can get busy, but there were at least five different pools to relax in so we didn't feel like we were crowded. The walkway leading to the pools was part wooden planks and gravel. Really pretty and easy to navigate. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking beautiful. You will not be disappointed.

Great spot! I was there this weekend and left my pendant (shiny purple/blue triangular sea rock on black string necklace). If someone finds it and happens to see this, please reach out to me at 310 658-3103.

PSA: It's clothing optional people. Be aware, don't be a prude, and let people just vibe and enjoy themselves :) That being said it's GORGEOUS! A bit sludgy on the bottom of the pools but u get over it ‍

So much fun with multiple pools to explore. The springs were the perfe temperature and really easy to find

Relaxing afternoon with my daughters. I wish the springs were a bit easier to access.

Wild Willy's Hot Springs is amazing! We enjoyed the pool directly to the left. It's about 3 feet deep, and very warm. To get there, you do drive down a gravel road. There is a little parking lot. You then walk on a boardwalk to get to the pools. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. The mountains surrounding the pool are stunning. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Can't wait to go back!

Amazing. Long walk if gate is closed. But it was centering and resetting. Must do after boarding mammoth. The family loved it. Will be back every time we are in the area.

Epic experience and can't await to go back! Easy walk down a boardwalk with beautiful views. Bring water and snacks, you may not want to leave. Short drive from Convict Lake, makes for a perfect day.

WARNING: CLOTHING OPTIONAL I have been coming here for years. At one point it was part of my weekly routine to soak nude during sunrise and sunset. As someone who has lived in Mammoth Lakes and knows that this is a space for locals in neighboring communities to decompress, feel grounded, and reset. It is very frustrating when tourists come without knowing it is a CLOTHING OPTIONAL hot spring, or taking care of it. If you have children and don't want them to see or you don't have the capacity to see individuals nude, do not immerse yourself in an environment that makes you uncomfortable. This is not an opportunity to project your beliefs in a natural space held for individuals to enjoy peace. If it is your first time going, enjoy! It is worth it!

I was lucky enough to sneak into the mountains with the help of a lifted 4x4 and chains. Wild Willy's hot spring is still one of my favorite destinations that always blows me away with each visit. Soaking in the springs in the winter with snowfall is beyond magical. The only downside is when you get out and freeze while running to your vehicle in the snow lol.

Parking was open on 5.13.13! Once we drove to the parking area, it was a 5 min walk maybe . You'll see an area on the right (warm waters) and supposedly the water on the left was hot (too many people on that side that kept leaving to come to the right). We had no issues getting here. There were no kids and everyone was warning some kind of clothing

Great spot to stop by after spending the day on the mountain. Temperature of the water felt great and helped to ease sore muscles!

Okay this place is still utterly amazing. But!!!! I haven't been here for a couple of years, and it has changed. I'd have to blame social media. It was packed!!! I mean cars full of people. Also some other physical changes to the area. There are now these six HUGE bumps along the dirt road. It's easy to get your car stuck, especially if your car is lower. I saw people getting out of their cars to lighten the load. Key is to attack the bumps at an angle. A positive change, was there is now a port-a-potty in the parking lot. And less trash around the area. Thank you to everyone that packed it in and out. Be kind and mindful of each other's space. This place is a piece of heaven and we all deserve to enjoy that.

What a pleasant surprise! I have driven 395 before and didn't realize it was here. It is about 10 minutes off the interstate down a dirt road. There is a small parking lot (15 spaces or so) available. Once there, you walk down a short path and come to some natural hot springs. And, boy, were they hot!! Just like a hot-tub. I had a great time here and spent maybe 25 minutes in the spring. It was a little busy when I went so I didn't want to be selfish, ya know!! Dogs are allowed here. Beautiful springs in the valley and beautiful views of the mtns behind you. Definitely worth a stop!

My husband, SIL, and I hit up the hot springs on our way out of town after a backpacking trip. We got there around 8am on Thursday morning and had no problem finding parking in the lot. The boardwalk out to the springs is nice and easy to walk on. There were 4 others there when we arrived and we had no issue finding a place to soak away from the others. Everyone there was respectful. We chatted briefly with another local couple. It is a natural pool so don't expect control of the water; there is algae and slippery clay (watch your step!) We thoroughly enjoyed soaking our sore muscles and stayed for about an hour. It is in direct sun so I would suggest a hat, sunblock, and lots of water. Midweek early in the am is likely the best time to avoid the crowds. There was a pit toilet in the parking lot and a large dumpster for trash. Fortunately, it seemed pretty clean compared to some other reviewers photos!We would definitely check out this spring again or any of the various others in the area!

Wow, how lucky are folks to be living nearby? It's absolutely free and still somewhat of a hidden gem - especially if you come during the right time. I can't imagine how amazing it would be to catch the stars under here, the sunset or sunrise as I came in the afternoon. The crowd on a Saturday wasn't too bad around noon, although it did get a bit crowded a bit later, but crowds came in waves. Everyone was super friendly. As mentioned, you park and then hike a half mile to the hot springs, which consist of a few natural bodies of water. The smaller heart shaped one is warmer and I generally found it fun to dip in both and get in/out to reset. People come, enjoy beers and friends. Although apparently this place is clothing optional, when we came - the few dozen or so people who were here were all dressed. We drove 6 hours all the way from LA to come here and were not disappointed.

Free hot spring, only a couple other people there when I went.. one side is shallow and the other side is about knee high. Smell wasn't bad at all. Clean area and not a bad walk. I'd totally come again in the winter !

My boyfriend and I were camping in June Lake, CA and decided to drive out to Wild Willy's Hot Spring. We arrived on a Saturday at around 9-10am. When we got there, people were leaving so we got lucky on having our own spot in the hot springs. The water was hot, but beware.. once you come out of the hot springs, it can be really cold! Definitely bring some towels and extra clothes with you. People were socially distanced, but no masks were worn. My bf and I wore our masks while walking the boardwalk to find a spot to chill at. The walk to the hot springs is short. It was my boyfriend and I's very first time at a hot springs and we enjoyed it a lot! I would totally recommend!

This spot is great... highly recommend. Clean hot springs, free and easily accessible via a short easy walk. We brought kids and it was totally fine. Only other thing I feel is worth mentioning, there were some rather large horse flies around and they were quick to bite. I found their presence to detract from the relaxing nature of the hot springs. I suppose it comes with the territory when you're standing in a bathing suit in the middle of a cow field at a hot water source, but nevertheless maybe something y'all may want to know about. Not sure they respond to insect repellents but it's something to think about bringing. Happy travels!!

It's my first time going to a hot spring. There's 2 springs one is shallow but wide and the other is smaller but deeper. It is a true experience, it's about 10 mins from road you have to drive in the dirt. Bring sun block or go in the morning. The scenery is alright its kind of in the middle of no where. The parking is plentiful , just make sure you get there early cause it gets full.

Cool secluded spot near mammoth mountains about 15 min off the 395. Parking is off the main road and hike in is about 3 miles. Relatively flat but wished the summer parking area was opened then the hike would only be about a mile or so. We went on Valentine's Day in the afternoon and there were a handful of people there. IMO the larger pool can fit 12-15 people comfortably with some distance inbetween and 5 in the smaller pool. Any more than that it would be somewhat crowded and may have to wait. The clay around the pools are very slippery, definitely watch your step and use the grass and other dry areas to get in. The pools in general are not very deep only about knee high all around so you'll have to lay in them to stay out of the cold. The water was pretty warm however some spots were warmer than others. There is quite a bit of gravel so expect to be exfoliated, you'll most likely find traces of human hair etc when sifting through the gravel. TIP: bring change of clothes, water and snacks, easy to change out of shoes, and towel to better your experience! Luckily we made it out before the sun had set or else it would have been too dark or cold trekking through the snow. However we had a great time and it is a nice experience in the winter!

Great hot springs. I can see how it could be very busy. We went early in the morning and the pools were almost all full already as the storm was rolling in. Please PACK IN PACK OUT! It was such a bummer to see scattered trash and some things floating in the pools...

Awesome place to hike to in the snow. The large pool is very warm but great on a snowy day. The smaller pool gives you a good mix of air to water ratio. A must do if you are stone's throw away.

Beautiful place to go with your family to enjoy a nice relaxing time water feels so good

This is off the 395 and 3 miles east on Benton Road, make a right into 2 miles of gravel road. Plenty of parking and one porta potty. Then it's a nice walk down the boardwalk to the hot springs! The water was perfect temperature and so clean and beautiful! I would definitely wear water shoes here still as it's all pebbles and dirt underneath. It was so relaxing to soak in the hot springs!!

We had a blast!!! It is well kept in the middle of the valley. Not a far walk from where you have to park. These pictures where taking after midnight!!

I was seriously torn on leaving this review because Wild Willy's Hot Spring is the type of place you'd really just rather people seek out on their own without knowing you may be contributing to overpopulating this semi hidden gem but here it is... my 5 STAR review! This place was the freaken BEST! We left our hotel at around 615A to get here right before sunrise and it was perfect! Turn off 395 at the green church, pass the two (not counting the first) cattle grates - keep in mind - HARD Right after the second, or you'll pass it, drive a bit down the dirt road to the parking lot and you're there! The walk down the wooden path isn't terribly long but in below freezing weather, your toes will literally freeze so maybe bring something a bit warmer than flipflops to make it down there or a very warm pair of wool socks for after - I came prepared. We had changed at the hotel so didn't need to but of course there isn't a changing room, it's a fucken natural hot spring, lol so either come prepared or buck up and strip down. There were plenty of cars in the lot and overnight campers but only one person in the smaller heart shaped hot spring when we arrived, so we had the other larger hot spring to ourselves for around 20 or so minutes until others started to arrive. The water feels amazing!!! And just as there isn't a changing room, of course there's fucken dirt and mud!!! It's a natural hot spring for fucks sake! I loved every second of it! A magical steamy morning spent in the hot springs watching the sunrise and then dipping into the smaller ever so slightly warmer heart shaped spring with a few nice guys was the perfect way to start a Saturday. I'd highly recommend unless of course you have issues with nudity, strangers, dirt or an awesome time, then sure as hell keep away from this most beautifully stunning area. Items to bring: thermos of coffee, water, knit cap, jacket, towels, flipflops, warm socks or boots, warm outfit, friendly attitude

The one star is for the mountain view only! My husband and I already had a really bad vibe as we pulled up to the tiiinyyyy parking area. It was a mess!!!! I am aware it's BLM owned land and ANYBODY is welcome but it looked like these "campers" in their old ugly vans and big huge ugly buses called it their home. They took majority of the parking, was grilling, smoking weed, having a good time, I get it. We were tempted to just leave but I wanted to check out this "infamous" hot spring plus these "campers" weren't trustworthy-looking. We waited for 30 mins to finally get a parking spot, very tight fit. We walked on the boardwalk, beautiful view of the mountains! THEN right when we get to the hot springs, NAKED PEOPLE!!! My husband and I thought we were in a nudist colony or something! There were about 5-6 naked people in one pool, freely standing up and walking around BUTT NAKED!!! We were shocked! But again, BLM land. We didn't go in the hot spring lol ewwwww we didn't even try to feel how hot it is. We left!! There were kids, toddlers and teenagers there too and those people were on the spotlight for them hahaha Got back and the parking area was a MESSSSSSS!!!! People trying to come in while people trying to get out. The bus parked was blocking the majority of the way. There was an RV that was trying to get out but another RV trying to get in. Mind you the road is only good for compact cars going in and out together. We waited another 45 mins to finally get out!!! It's a beautiful view but NEVER AGAIN!!! Ewwwww gross disgusting!!!!!!!!! It seems like that's where all these "campers" take a bath. Nasty

This walk is very easy. The drive from the road to the parking lot is about a mile and the road is gravel and well maintained. The parking lot is small, it fits about 25-30 vehicles. There is a portapotty restroom and a trash bin. The walk from the parking lot to the hot springs is about a quarter of a mile and very easy trail. Once you get to the hot spring, the water feels like hot bathtub water. We went twice in the same way. The first time, we arrived sound 630 am and it wasn't packed at all. I saw the sunrise and there was a ton of cows nearby, the views are nothing short of majestic. In the evening is was much more crowded but watching the sunset, made it worth while! I will definitely be back!!

So Fun nice walk to hot springs that are super cool and natural - Have heard sometimes cows come near to make for great and funny photos

Wasn't crowded which was nice, we initially thought this was going to be some kind of theme park like attraction with the name of it so finding it just a remote hot spring was a massive pleasant surprise. When we got to the springs, there were 7 people in the water and about 50 cows standing at the edge just staring at us. Couple of the pools were too hot to get in, but most were the temp of a hot tub. Highly recommend stopping by for a dip, but you probably won't hang out for more than 30-45 minutes.

Tbh got scared driving my car on the unpaved road because I know my tires aren't meant for that lol but otherwise it was perfect and we made it in and out successfully hahah. There are two pools here, one a little warmer than the other, and it was a good amount of space for the few groups that were down at the hot springs!! A little slippery getting in, but definitely easy to walk around inside the pool. Nice to make some conversation with other visitors and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

We woke up super early to see the sunrise this morning and the hot springs are absolutely beautiful. We got there at a great time with only one other person there. However, there is trash everywhere... It's a bummer to see such a beautiful natural resource be ruined by litter bugs. I took a few photos but they really don't even show half of the trash that was there. Wine bottles, masks, beer cans, white claws and beer boxes everywhere... and trash strewn off of the boardwalk we're asked to walk on to protect the local habitat. Just an overall disappointment. Hopefully in the future it'll be more taken care of by it's visitors. Please pack out your trash

easy walk from parking lot with path (some of it gravel. it is actually suprisingly hot. the rocks and floor of the pool are actually not that gross, and the volcanic sulfur smells is not that strong. what is super cool is as you relax in the hot spring, you feel like you are truly in nature, with a plain and cows that actually pass through the hot springs and mountains on 3 sides. really surreal actially. dogs cant go in the hot springs (not that they would want to) but can roam around, just make sure they dont freak out with cows!

To put it simply, Wild Willy's (and the other collection of springs in this area) offers epic views and relaxing times. I recommend checking out the photos to see just how beautiful it is. Things to note: -This place is CLOTHING OPTIONAL. Despite all of the swimsuit pictures on here, expect most people you're sharing the space with to be naked. If you're not cool with that, you might want to venture elsewhere. -The water can get pretty hot. Test the springs to see which one floats your boat. -Come early. We came at sunrise in the summer, and it was the perfect temperature and view. It was also quite popular at that time. -You might have some cow friends hanging out nearby -There is a porta potty in the parking lot. -Some people seem to come here to drink and then leave their trash :( Overall - if you're cool with naked people, definitely check this place out!