Crab Cooker Hot Springs is a small natural pool in Long Valley, just outside Mammoth Lakes, and is also featured in our statewide guide to California Hot Springs. It’s basically a stone tub fed by a geothermal spring, with water temperatures often reaching 122–125 °F (50–52 °C) – which is why you’ll need to let in some cold water now and then. There are no facilities here, just the raw setting of nature, but what you do get is peace and sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is a small natural pool, and that simplicity is part of its charm. Be aware that the water gets very hot – often around 122 °F (50 °C), so you’ll need to cool it down with the stream running nearby. Unlike some other springs, there are no fees and no reservations required – the spot is free and open at any time of day or night.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities on site – no restrooms, no changing rooms, no trash bins. Whatever you bring in, you’ll need to take back with you. The access road is dusty and bumpy. In summer, a regular car will usually make it, but if it rains or in winter conditions, a 4×4 is the safer choice. The tub itself is quite small, fitting only a handful of people – sometimes you’ll have to wait your turn, or simply check out one of the other springs nearby.
How to Get to Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is tucked away in Long Valley, not far from Mammoth Lakes. The most common route is along Benton Crossing Road, marked by the small white chapel called the “Green Church.” From there, a dirt track takes you right to the spring. The road isn’t long, but it’s bumpy and dusty, so take it slow. In summer a regular car can usually handle it, while after rain or during winter conditions a 4×4 vehicle is the safer choice. At the end of the track there’s a small parking area, and from there it’s only a short walk to the pool.
If you’re coming from Mammoth Lakes, the drive takes about 20 minutes. From Bishop, it’s roughly a 47-minute ride along US-395. If you’re traveling from farther away, such as Reno, Nevada, expect around a three-hour drive.
Best Time to Visit Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs can be visited year-round, but the conditions vary a lot with the seasons. Spring and fall are generally the best times, with mild weather, passable roads, and a comfortable soak. In summer, the valley can get hot, so it’s best to come early in the morning or in the evening when the air is cooler and the crowds are thinner. In winter, keep in mind that snow can block access entirely, and even if you get close, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle and a good dose of patience.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs in Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is open 24 hours a day. There are no gates or attendants, so you can soak at sunrise for solitude or enjoy the sunset with mountain views. Entry is free, and no reservations or permits are required. Just show up, park, and enjoy the soak.
Where to Stay Nearby Crab Cooker Hot Springs
If you want to stay as close to nature as possible, a great option is Brown’s Owens River Campground near Benton Crossing Road. It offers sites for both tents and RVs, and during the summer season it’s recommended to book in advance since it fills up quickly.
There is no lodging right at Crab Cooker Hot Springs, so the closest base is Mammoth Lakes, only about a 20-minute drive away. This mountain town is popular year-round – skiing in the winter, hiking and lake activities in the summer. The downtown area has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and the alpine setting makes it a cozy and welcoming base.
Another option is Bishop, about a 47-minute drive south along Highway 395. Bishop is a smaller desert town surrounded by the Sierra Nevada. It’s well known among climbers and hikers, and while it feels laid-back, you’ll still find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and local shops. Staying in Bishop also puts you within easy reach of other Eastern Sierra highlights.
Recommended stays nearby Crab Cooker Hot Springs
The Village Lodge – Mammoth Lakes
A modern alpine resort in the heart of Mammoth Lakes offering spacious condos with kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies. A highlight is the outdoor pool and hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventures. The central location also puts you within walking distance of restaurants and ski lifts.
Mammoth Mountain Inn – Mammoth Lakes
A classic mountain lodge located right next to the Mammoth Mountain ski area. It offers cozy rooms and family suites, with the panoramic mountain view right from your room being the biggest draw.
You can explore more accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs sits in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, so there’s plenty to explore beyond the soak. For a full overview of local soaking spots, see our guide to Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes.
Just a short drive away are Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and Hilltop Hot Springs, two of the most popular soaking spots in Long Valley. For something more dramatic, check out the Hot Creek Geological Site, where boiling water bubbles up into the river, creating a striking landscape.
In the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes, you’ll find endless activities – skiing and snowboarding in winter, while summer brings hiking, lake trips, and mountain biking. Also worth the trip are Devils Postpile National Monument, with its stunning basalt columns, and the trail to Rainbow Falls, one of California’s most beautiful waterfalls.
For a more active adventure, Mammoth Lakes also offers a Beginner Climbing Class. Led by an experienced instructor, it gives you the chance to try real rock climbing in the stunning Eastern Sierra landscape. No prior experience is required, and all gear is provided, making it a fun and accessible way to experience the mountains from a new perspective.
Other Springs Nearby Crab Cooker Hot Springs
If Crab Cooker is already taken, don’t worry – Long Valley and the surrounding area are full of other hot springs worth exploring. Just a short drive away you’ll find Crowley Hot Springs, probably the most famous in the area, with natural pools and wide-open mountain views. Not far from there is Hilltop Hot Springs, a small stone tub with one of the best panoramas in the Eastern Sierra. Another favorite is Buckeye Hot Springs near the town of Bridgeport, where steaming water cascades down rock walls into pools by the river. And if you’re after something quieter, head to Shepherd Hot Springs, which usually sees fewer visitors than its popular neighbors.