Wild Willy’s Hot Springs are a popular destination located just outside of Mammoth Lakes, California. During the summer the hot springs are easily accessed, but during winter months getting to them can be a bit more challenging. It requires a 3 mile round trip hike that follows the summer road, then a section of boardwalk. Depending on snow conditions and how well packed the trail is, you may be fine with microspikes or even without. But after a big dump you’ll want snowshoes or skis.
To begin, park in the lot off Benton Crossing Road. Follow the trail/snow covered road as it heads in an easterly direction. You’ll descend slightly in elevation as you continue.
About a mile in you’ll reach the summer parking lot area. From here the trail continues and features a section of boardwalk (which may be buried depending how deep the snowpack is). Continue on until you reach the hot springs.
There is a large, shallow pool/creek area to the right, and a decent sized pool that is deeper and hotter to the left. Enjoy the hot springs and please keep the area clean by packing out anything you brought in with you.
After soaking, return to your vehicle the way you came. Keep in mind the slight descent that you enjoyed on the way to the springs somehow seems a little steeper on the way out!
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