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Quick FactsOverview
About Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring
Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring, California is a free primitive hot spring in the Long Valley Caldera on Bureau of Land Management land, approximately 13 miles east of Mammoth Lakes off Benton Crossing Road. Two naturally fed pools at 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit are reached by a 0.3-mile flat wooden boardwalk through open meadowland. Soakers sit directly on the natural earth floor; the pools have been slightly reinforced at the edges but contain no piping or adjustable temperature infrastructure.
The larger heart-shaped pool is approximately 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, fitting 10 to 15 people. The smaller pool near a rock outcropping receives mineral water at approximately 102 degrees and fits up to five people. Both pools are fed by a small creek from the geothermal source. Water clarity is generally low and the natural mud floor gives the pools a different character than the cement-lined springs nearby.
Wild Willy's is the largest and most consistently visited of the free natural hot springs in California in the Long Valley Caldera cluster near Mammoth Lakes. The flat boardwalk approach, panoramic Sierra Nevada views, and reliably flowing pools make it the most accessible and visitor-friendly spring in the group.
Location & Access
Getting to Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring
Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring is reached from Highway 395 by turning onto Benton Crossing Road at the green church landmark. From Mammoth Lakes, drive south on US-395 approximately 13 miles and turn left. From Bishop, drive north approximately 35 miles and turn right. Continue on Benton Crossing Road for approximately 2.5 to 3 miles through two cattle guards, then immediately turn right onto an unsigned dirt road. Follow this road approximately 1.4 to 1.5 miles to the parking area. A flat 0.3-mile trail of gravel and wooden boardwalks leads to the pools.
The boardwalk trail is flat and well-maintained. The access road is unpaved but manageable by standard vehicles in dry conditions. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended in wet or snowy conditions, and the road should not be driven in snow. Cell service is limited throughout this area; downloading offline maps before departing is advisable.
For visitors looking for natural hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, Wild Willy's is the most popular and accessible option in the Benton Crossing Road cluster. The flat boardwalk suits a wider range of visitors than the rougher-access springs nearby. Parking is free but the lot fills on summer weekends; early morning arrival is recommended on busy days to find the pools less crowded.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring
Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring suits visitors of most fitness levels who want a free, naturally fed hot spring experience with Eastern Sierra views and an easy flat walk from the parking area. The 0.3-mile wooden boardwalk is accessible for most visitors including families with older children, and the large pool can accommodate groups. Clothing is optional here as at other Long Valley Caldera springs, and the open meadow setting offers limited privacy on busy days.
The natural earth floor and low water clarity give Wild Willy's a more rugged character than nearby cement tubs. Visitors who prefer cleaner visual water may prefer Crab Cooker or Shepherd nearby, while those drawn to a fully natural soaking environment with no pipes or infrastructure will find Wild Willy's the most authentic option in the group. The site is not wheelchair accessible given the unpaved road and undeveloped pool area.
Those seeking free natural hot springs in California with a social, accessible character in an alpine setting will find Wild Willy's the most reliably flowing and visitor-friendly option in the Long Valley Caldera. The spring runs consistently and is not subject to the intermittent cold or dry conditions that affect Crab Cooker. Pets are allowed on leash. All trash must be packed out. Dispersed camping is available on surrounding BLM land but not at the springs themselves.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring
Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring is a remote area with natural hazards. Pool temperatures range from 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and visitors should always test the water before entering. The temperature is not adjustable, and conditions can vary with seasonal changes in geothermal flow. Visitors experiencing overheating or dizziness should exit the pool, cool down in the open air, and rest before the walk back to the parking area.
The boardwalk trail crosses salty flats and areas of shallow standing water. Visitors must stay on the established trail at all times to avoid sinking into deep mud, which can form even when the surface appears firm. Footwear that handles mud and wet terrain is advisable for the approach and return. Do not step off the boardwalk into the surrounding meadow vegetation, which is ecologically fragile and can conceal unstable ground.
The site sits at approximately 6,800 feet elevation in an open meadow with no shade. Sun exposure is significant; bring sun protection, hats, and adequate water. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset and wind is common in the Long Valley Caldera. Warm dry layers are essential for visits at dusk or in cooler months. The access road should not be driven in snow or immediately after rain.
Cell service is not reliable at the site. The nearest services are in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 13 miles west. Visitors should inform someone of their plans before departing. No trash disposal is available on site. Dispersed camping near the springs is permitted on BLM land but camping directly at the pools is not. Visitors should stay on established paths to protect the fragile meadow vegetation around the pools.
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