How to Visit Hot Creek Geologic Site in Mammoth

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Located right off of the famed highway 395 and a stone’s throw from Convict Lake, Hot Creek Geologic Site is a wonderful example of the area’s volcanic past and present.

Here, you’ll bear witness to geology in action as boiling water rises to the surface from a chamber of hot magma lying three miles below your feet. It’s appropriately nicknamed, “Little Yellowstone”.

Read on below to find out how you can visit this amazing California destination for yourself. It’s definitely worth a stop on your travels along highway 395.

Quick Stats

• Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mono County)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, sunrise to sunset (road can be difficult to navigate during winter)

• For: Everyone

• Restroom: Multiple at the parking lot

• Parking: Large, paved lot at the main overlook.

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy, but does have a slightly steep pathway

• Popularity: Moderate

• Mileage: Less than a mile, out and back

• Time: One hour or more

• Elevation Gain: N/A

• Condition: Well-maintained

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Drone friendly, but small airport nearby

• Hazards: Stick to the path and do not enter the water

• Our Visit(s): 2017 and 2022

Getting To Hot Creek

As stated above, Hot Creek is just a few miles off of highway 395, just outside of Mammoth Lakes. If you’re in the area visiting Convict Lake (or just driving through), Hot Creek is an easy stop.

Regardless of which direction you’re traveling from, you’ll turn onto Hot Creek Hatchery road for about 3.5 miles to the parking lot on your left.

The road is paved for the first half mile or so but will turn into dirt/gravel path for the remainder. Our Chevrolet Cruze made it just fine, so high clearance isn’t necessary.

Do note that during winter, this road can be difficult, even impossible, to navigate in a vehicle. Skis, snowmobiles or snowshoes may be necessary.

The parking lot is fairly large with ample space. There is no parking or entry fee to worry about. If needed, there are multiple restrooms at the far end of the lot.

Hot Creek Overlook and Trail

If all you want to do is see the geothermal pools but you don’t want to trek to the bottom, you can easily do so from the overlook.

The trail going to the bottom is paved and easy to follow, but it is steep going in and coming back out. I’m not sure I would recommend it to someone using a wheelchair.

Following the trail, head past the restrooms on your right and then go left at the junction. From here, you’re less than a quarter-mile to the bottom.

Along the way, you’ll see multiple signs warning you to keep to the trail and the dangers of the water. Please heed these warnings

Years ago, people were actually permitted to soak in the pools. However, the pools have since risen to a dangerous temperature, so soaking is now banned.

At the bottom, there will be signs stating which areas are closed off. Unfortunately, you can’t get near the water and the geothermal pools are actually located across the river.

The main pools across Hot Creek give off a beautiful baby blue hue when the sun hits them just right. It’s a stark contrast to the darker color of the creek.

Further up river, there are additional thermal pools, but they are difficult to see as most of this area is closed off due to unstable ground.

To see them, head back up the pathway where you initially turned left at the junction. At the junction, go left and continue straight to a small overlook.

Be careful here. The views of the creek, pools and mountains are top notch, but there are no guard rails and the drop-offs are steep.

Your Thoughts…

Have you been to Hot Creek Geologic Site before? If not, is this something you think you and your family would enjoy checking out? Do you know of more sites like this?

Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers!

Be sure to check out our posts about more great destinations in Mono County below.

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