Crowley (Wild Willy's) Hot Spring, California

Location & Access

This hot spring area is off Benton Crossing Road (also signed as Green Church Road) in the Long Valley outside Mammoth Lakes. From US 395, turn onto Benton Crossing Road near the green church and the airport area, then continue into the open valley. A dirt spur road leads to a small parking lot used for the hot springs. The last stretch is unpaved and can be washboarded or rutted, so drive slowly and avoid it when storms have softened the road surface.

From the parking area, follow the wooden boardwalk across the meadow to the pools. The walk is short and mostly level, but the boardwalk can be slick when wet and can be icy in cold weather. Stay on the boardwalk where it exists and use established paths near the pools to avoid damaging fragile ground. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so bring everything you need, including water, a trash bag, and a headlamp if you might leave near dusk.

The basin is exposed to sun and wind with little shade. Keep warm layers in your car for shoulder seasons, and pack sun protection for summer. If you are visiting in winter conditions, check road and weather reports for the Mammoth Lakes area before you go. Download maps ahead of time, since cell coverage can be inconsistent once you are out in the valley.

Suitability & Accessibility

This is a good match for visitors who want an easy, natural soak without a long hike and who are comfortable with an undeveloped site. Many people stop here on a drive through the Eastern Sierra or as a quick outing from Mammoth Lakes. Families do visit, but the atmosphere can be mixed because clothing optional soaking is common. If that is a concern, bring a swimsuit and choose a time when the area is quieter.

Even though the walk is short, the pools themselves are not built like a public pool. Edges are uneven, the bottom can be soft, and entry often means stepping over rocks or down a small ledge. If you have limited balance, plan to have a companion assist and use sandals with good traction. Children should be supervised closely on wet rocks and around deeper spots in the main pool.

Wheelchair access is not reliable here. The boardwalk helps, but it is not designed as a fully accessible route to pool entry, and there are no ramps into the pools. If you use a wheelchair, expect uneven ground near the water and difficult transfers. For a truly accessible soak, a developed facility with paved paths and accessible pool entry is a better option.

For most visitors, comfort comes from simple preparation: water, towel, sandals, and a warm layer for after soaking. Keeping your gear minimal also makes it easier to leave the site clean and avoid dropping items into the pools.

Safety & Etiquette

This is a natural, unstaffed hot spring area, so you are responsible for your own safety. Water temperature and quality are not managed. Step in slowly, sit where you can stand up easily, and take breaks to cool down. Avoid soaking if you have open cuts. If the water looks unusually cloudy, has heavy debris, or seems off for any reason, choose a different pool or skip soaking that day.

Footing is the most common issue. Mud, algae, and wet rocks can be slick, and the boardwalk can be slippery when wet or icy in cold weather. Wear sandals with traction, move slowly, and use a headlamp if you are walking in low light. The valley is open and can be windy, hot, or very cold depending on season, so bring sun protection, warm layers, and enough drinking water. Cell service is not guaranteed, so do not assume you can call for help quickly.

Etiquette is simple and practical. Share space and keep voices low. Clothing optional soaking is common, so be respectful and keep photos and video away from other visitors. Do not use soap, shampoo, or detergents in the pools, and keep food and drinks out of the water. Avoid glass containers because broken glass is hard to find and dangerous to bare feet. Pack out all trash, including small items like bottle caps and cigarette butts.

Stay on the boardwalk and established paths to protect the meadow, and do not move rocks or dig new pools. If you bring a dog, keep it leashed and out of the water to protect water quality and reduce conflict with other visitors. Leave the area as you found it so the springs remain usable.