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Quick FactsOverview
About Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs, California, also known as Pulky's Pool, is a free stone-and-cement soaking tub on BLM land in the Long Valley Caldera near Mammoth Lakes, at 6,900 feet. Geothermal water piped from a source reaching up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit enters a rock-and-cement pool two feet deep that holds four to six people. Gate valves allow visitors to blend hot and cold water and adjust the temperature between approximately 100 and 110 degrees. A quarter-mile boardwalk crosses the alkali flat from the parking area to the pool. No entry fee and no permit is required.
The pool sits on an elevated plateau with 360-degree views of the Long Valley Caldera and the Sierra Nevada. The elevated position gives long sight lines over the meadow toward the mountains, making it a popular choice for sunset and sunrise soaks. A drain plug allows the pool to be emptied between visits. The clothing-optional custom applies here, consistent with other BLM hot springs in the Long Valley Caldera. No overnight camping is permitted at the spring site.
Hilltop is one of several free natural hot springs in California in the Long Valley Caldera, including Wild Willy's, Shepherd, and Crab Cooker. Dispersed camping is permitted in BLM pull-offs nearby. The nearest services are in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 12 miles west.
Location & Access
Getting to Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs is accessed from US-395 via Benton Crossing Road near the Mammoth Yosemite Airport, south of Mammoth Lakes. From Mammoth Lakes, drive south on US-395 and turn left onto Benton Crossing Road. Follow it approximately 3.5 miles, then turn left onto an unmarked dirt road and drive approximately 0.2 miles to one of two small parking areas. A boardwalk trail of approximately 0.25 miles leads from the parking area to the pool. Steam rising from the source may be visible from the parking lot on cool days.
The short dirt access road is passable for most standard vehicles at low speed; a high-clearance vehicle helps in wet or snowy conditions. In winter, the road and parking area can close due to snow, requiring visitors to park on Benton Crossing Road and walk an additional half mile to the trailhead. No facilities exist at the site. Cell coverage is limited in the Long Valley Caldera; download directions offline before leaving Mammoth Lakes.
For visitors looking for natural hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, Hilltop is approximately 15 minutes from town on the same Benton Crossing Road corridor as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. No camping is permitted at the spring, but dispersed BLM camping is available in nearby pull-offs. The nearest developed campground is Brown's Owens River Campground.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs suits outdoor visitors who want free geothermal soaking with panoramic mountain views and are comfortable with a short walk across open terrain. The quarter-mile boardwalk approach is manageable for most visitors, and the adjustable valve temperature control is a practical advantage over nearby springs that cannot be modified. The 360-degree Sierra Nevada views are consistently the defining reason visitors rate it a favorite among the Mammoth Lakes hot springs.
The pool fits four to six people and fills quickly on weekends and holidays. Weekday visits and early morning or evening timing improve the chance of soaking without a wait. The clothing-optional norm applies throughout; visitors uncomfortable with nudity in an outdoor setting should choose a swimsuit-required spring instead. No amenities exist on-site, so visitors should arrive self-sufficient with water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the elevation.
Those seeking free natural hot springs near Mammoth Lakes with exceptional views and a short approach will find Hilltop one of the most rewarding options in the area. It combines well with Wild Willy's, Shepherd, and Crab Cooker on the same Benton Crossing Road corridor for a full hot springs day trip. Free dispersed BLM camping is available nearby for multi-day visitors.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Hilltop Hot Springs
Hilltop Hot Springs is generally safe to visit, though standard caution applies for a remote BLM spring at high elevation. The geothermal source reaches up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit at the pipe inlet; always test the temperature before entering and adjust the valves to a safe level. Never open the hot valve fully without testing first, as the incoming water can be scalding. Limit soaking sessions and take regular breaks to avoid overheating at the 6,900-foot elevation, where altitude increases physiological stress compared to lower-elevation sites.
The site has no facilities and no emergency services on-site. Cell coverage is limited in Long Valley Caldera. Carry drinking water for the walk and the soak; dehydration risk increases with hot water exposure at altitude. The alkali ground surrounding the boardwalk is fragile and soft; stay on the established trail to protect the ecosystem and avoid unstable terrain.
Winter and early spring visits require preparation. The access road and parking area can be icy or snow-covered, and snow tires or chains may be needed. If the road is closed, the walk from Benton Crossing Road adds approximately half a mile each way. Check road conditions before departing Mammoth Lakes.
No overnight camping is permitted at or near the spring site; BLM rangers enforce this. Leave the area as found: do not move rocks, leave the drain plug position as found, close the hot valve when leaving so the next visitor can set their own temperature, and pack out all waste. Mountain lions are present in the Eastern Sierra region; standard precautions apply when hiking at dawn or dusk.
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