Do you ever feel like just dropping everything and escaping into the mountains? It can be hard to resist at times, especially when our state is home to the glorious Sierra Nevadas. The next time the urge comes to make a quick getaway, consider visiting this glorious mountain hot spring in the Eastern Sierra. This place might just be heaven on earth and you need to experience it for yourself. Located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, soaking at this hot spring is like something out of a dream. Keep reading and see for yourself.
Just a short drive away from the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes is a quaint but stunning hot spring known as Wild Willy's. The hot spring itself is just as memorable as the name and you'll definitely want to see it with your own eyes. Take a look!
Wild Willy's is also sometimes referred to as "Crowley Hot Springs". The natural pools of geothermal water are tucked away in a sagebrush plain surrounded by the Eastern Sierras. It's an utterly serene location for a soak that you'll never want to leave.
To get there, you'll take Benton Crossing Road from US 395. From here you'll travel east about 2.5 miles and turn right just past a cattle guard. About a mile down this road you'll reach the parking area for Wild Willy's.
From the parking lot, you'll notice a long wooden boardwalk that stretches out onto the plain. You'll follow this boardwalk for approximately 200 yards until you reach the pools. The hike to the hot spring is short, sweet, and flat, making it perfect for families with young kids.
As the trail starts to bend downward, you'll spot the small creek that feeds into the hot spring. The main pool is about ten feet wide and approximately three feet deep, perfect for sitting and soaking in the warm water.
If the main pool isn't hot enough for you, make your way to the second pool nearby. This pool is smaller but it's both deeper and hotter. It's perfect for hardcore soakers who like their hot spring water HOT.
As you sit back and soak, you'll find yourself losing track of time as you take in the magnificent views. With the mountains surrounding you from all sides and the peace and quiet of the valley, you really couldn't ask for a more relaxing setting.
Wild Willy's tends to be popular so you might run into some company during your visit. We suggest visiting on a weekday if you prefer your hot spring visits with some solitude.
