Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool) is a natural, free-access soaking pool located in the high desert just outside Mammoth Lakes, California. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks, this open-air tub is fed by natural geothermal water that stays between 100°F and 110°F (38–43°C) year-round. Just a short 0.25-mile walk from the parking area, it’s one of the most popular undeveloped hot springs in the Eastern Sierra. With no facilities, no fees, and clothing optional etiquette, it attracts everyone from early-morning solitude seekers to sunset crowds and backpacking road-trippers.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool) is a primitive, undeveloped hot spring—so don’t expect changing rooms, trash cans, or any kind of supervision. The soaking pool is man-made, constructed from poured concrete and stone, and comfortably fits about 4 to 6 people. The water is piped from a nearby source and flows constantly, helping maintain its natural heat and cleanliness.
The area is clothing-optional, especially during early morning and evening hours, so visitors should be prepared to share the space with nude bathers. While the site is open 24/7 year-round, it can get crowded during weekends, holidays, or at sunset, when travelers come for the views. If you’re looking for solitude, aim for sunrise or weekday mornings.
There are no restrooms, no trash services, and no lighting. You’ll need to pack out everything you bring in, including trash, and respect Leave No Trace principles. Pets are technically allowed but must be leashed, and keeping them away from the water is strongly encouraged. Also, while camping is possible nearby on BLM land, camping at the spring itself is not permitted.
How to Get to Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool) is located just 15 minutes southeast of Mammoth Lakes, off US-395. From town, take US-395 south, then turn left onto Benton Crossing Road, a paved road marked by a small green church, which serves as a key landmark. After about 2.5 miles, look for a dirt road on the left with a sign for the Hot Springs Trailhead.
Turn onto the dirt road and follow it for about 0.6 miles to a small, unpaved parking area near the trailhead. The road is usually passable for most vehicles, though conditions can become rough or rutted after rain or snow. There is no formal parking lot, just a wide, flat area where cars typically pull off to the side. No fees or permits are required to park here, but space is limited, especially during weekends.
From the parking area, the hot spring is reached by a flat, 0.25-mile (400-meter) trail. The path is unmarked but obvious, worn into the landscape by frequent foot traffic. It leads across open sagebrush terrain with no shade or cover, so bring sun protection. The final stretch approaches the spring from the north, where you’ll see the cement soaking pool with stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada all around.
Be aware there is no lighting, no signage at the spring, and no cell service in the area. If visiting early in the morning, late at night, or in winter, a headlamp or flashlight and offline navigation are highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs is accessible year-round, but conditions can vary dramatically with the seasons. The most comfortable times to visit are during spring and fall, when daytime temperatures are mild and the surrounding landscape is at its most scenic. These seasons also tend to bring fewer crowds than peak summer.
Winter offers a magical experience, soaking in hot water while surrounded by snow-covered peaks but it also comes with challenges. Benton Crossing Road may be closed or icy, and access might require parking farther away and hiking in. Always check road conditions before setting out in colder months.
Summer is the busiest season, especially at sunset, when visitors arrive for the panoramic views. Midday heat can be intense due to the exposed location, so early mornings and evenings are better options if you’re visiting in July or August.
Because there’s no shade, no services, and no crowd control, timing your visit well can make all the difference between a serene soak and a crowded dip.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs Hilltop Hot Srings
Hilltop Hot Springs is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accessible year-round. There are no gates, signs, or staff, so visitors can arrive at any time. However, early mornings and weekdays are generally the quietest times to soak.
There is no admission fee, and no permits are required to visit. The site is located on public land, making it one of the most accessible hot springs in the Eastern Sierra for budget travelers and road-trippers alike.
Because it’s a primitive site, there are no reservations, no restrooms, and no amenities. Visitors must come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural surroundings.
Where to Stay Nearby Hilltop Hot Springs
There are no on-site accommodations at Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulkey’s Pool), and camping directly at the spring is not allowed. However, the surrounding area offers several options for both camping and lodging. Dispersed camping is permitted on nearby BLM land, but visitors must be fully self-contained and follow Leave No Trace guidelines. There are no toilets, no fire pits, and no trash services, so plan to pack everything out.
Most travelers choose to stay in Mammoth Lakes, a scenic mountain town located 12 to 15 miles from Hilltop. From most hotels, it takes approximately 20–25 minutes by car to reach the hot springs, including the drive along Benton Crossing Road, a short stretch of unpaved road, and a 5–10 minute walk from the trailhead.
Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of lodges, inns, and vacation rentals, as well as convenient access to restaurants, grocery stores, and outdoor gear shops—making it the best base for exploring hot springs in the Eastern Sierra.
Recommended Places to Stay:
The Mammoth Creek Inn
A boutique-style hotel in the center of Mammoth Lakes, offering comfortable rooms, a wellness area with sauna, and a cozy alpine atmosphere. The drive to Hilltop Hot Springs takes about 20 minutes.
A modern mountain resort in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, featuring condo-style suites, heated pool, and outdoor hot tubs. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, it’s a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the region. The drive to Hilltop Hot Springs takes about 20 minutes.
You can explore more nearby hotels and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Hilltop Hot Springs
While Hilltop Hot Springs offers a peaceful soak with scenic mountain views, the surrounding Eastern Sierra region is packed with outdoor adventures. Just a short drive away, you’ll find some of California’s best hiking, fishing, and sightseeing spots.
A great nearby destination is Hot Creek Geological Site, only 10 minutes by car. This unique area features steaming vents, boiling pools, and dramatic volcanic cliffs—all visible from a safe, designated trail. It’s one of the most photogenic and geologically fascinating places in the region.
If you’re into hiking, the Mammoth Lakes Basin is just 20 minutes away and offers trails to Crystal Lake, Duck Pass, and Lake George. During summer and fall, the area is ideal for day hikes, fishing, and kayaking.
For something guided, you can explore Mammoth’s volcanic legacy with a geology-themed tour, or book a fly fishing experience in the nearby Owens River Valley.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Hilltop Hot Springs
The Long Valley area near Mammoth Lakes, where Hilltop Hot Springs is located, is one of the richest geothermal regions in California. Just a short drive away, you can soak at Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, known for its natural pools and panoramic mountain views. Nearby Crab Cooker Hot Springs and Shepherd Hot Springs offer similarly scenic, undeveloped pools perfect for a quiet soak at sunrise or sunset. Farther north, Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport is another must-visit, featuring rustic pools with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada.