

Benton Hot Springs Photo: The Inn at Benton Hot Springs Related read: 10 Best Hikes In Mammoth Lakes, California 2. There is no camping allowed at this site. Because of its remote location, make sure to bring plenty of water, grab a few snacks for the road, and pack out all your trash. Be advised - the springs are clothing optional and hippie friendly. This is wild soaking at its finest, with few restrictions and epic views of the Eastern Sierra.

#Benton hot springs plus
Located a mile down a dirt road - and a quarter-mile hike down a wooden boardwalk from the parking lot - Wild Willy’s has two main, larger pools than can accommodate up to two dozen people comfortably, plus a series of terraced smaller pools, depending on the snow melt each year. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs Photo: ShutterstockĪ time-honored rite of passage for anyone hiking or skiing in the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is the perfect spot to take a rest day and soak your aching adventurous bones. Lastly, check the weather before heading out, as many springs on this list are down long, dusty dirt roads. If you plan on staying the night, do a quick search on to see what campgrounds are nearby so you’re not caught in the woods without a plan. Most undeveloped sites do not have amenities like porta-potties, trash services, water, or camping, so following the seven principles of leave no trace is essential.īring water and food (just keep it away from wildlife!) and pack out everything you packed in.
#Benton hot springs free
In other words, there’s something for even the pickiest nature lover in your crew on this list.īut first, a little housekeeping: many of these hot springs are undeveloped, free to access, and preserved by local volunteers to keep them tidy. We’ve compiled a list of our nine favorite hot springs across the Golden State, from high desert rock pools to redwood resorts complete with cozy cabin rentals. Humans have been flocking to geothermal pools for centuries for their rumored curative powers, and there’s no better place to get a little R&R than in California’s dynamic landscape. What’s not to love about soaking your bones in naturally heated thermal springs?
