Hilltop (Pulky's Pool) Hot Springs, California

Quick Facts

Experience

Wild / Natural

Access Level

Short hike

Safety Level

Be mindful

What to Wear

Swimsuit required

Family Friendly

Yes

Entry Fee

Free

Wheelchair Access

Address

M676+H6, Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA

Overview

Hilltop Hot Springs, also called Pulkey's Pool, is a small soaking tub in the Long Valley Caldera near Mammoth Lakes. The pool is man-made and fed by hot spring water piped from a source nearby. What makes it distinct is the open, elevated viewpoint: you soak with wide views across the meadow and the Eastern Sierra, with very little around you besides sky, wind, and mountains.

The tub is compact and usually fits a small group, so sharing is part of the experience. There are no services at the pool. No restrooms, no trash bins, and no staff. Conditions change with weather and use. Wind can cool you quickly once you get out, and dust can blow across the surface of the water. Approach the soak with steady pacing. Test the water with your hand, ease in slowly, and take breaks to cool down and hydrate.

This is a practical stop for visitors who want a simple, short outing from Mammoth Lakes without a long hike. It is also a good sunrise or sunset soak if you plan your timing and bring a headlamp. If you prefer a quiet visit, aim for early morning or midweek, and keep your group small so others can have a turn.

Location & Access

Hilltop Hot Springs is in the Long Valley area east of Mammoth Lakes, reached from US 395 via Benton Crossing Road, which is also signed as Green Church Road. From the highway, drive out into the open valley and continue past the green church area. A dirt access road on the west side of Benton Crossing leads to a small parking area used for Hilltop. The last section is unpaved and can be washboarded, so take it slow and avoid deep ruts after storms.

From the parking area, the walk to the tub is short on a dirt path across open ground. There is little shade and the route is exposed to wind. In wet or icy conditions, the path can be slick, and mud can collect in low spots. Wear sturdy shoes for the walk, then switch to sandals near the pool if you prefer. A headlamp is useful if you are visiting near dusk because there is no lighting and the landscape can look similar in every direction.

Bring everything you need: water, a towel, and a small trash bag. Cell coverage can be inconsistent in the valley, so save offline maps before you leave Mammoth Lakes. Park only in established spots and avoid blocking the access road, since it is used by other visitors and sometimes by local maintenance vehicles. Stay on existing paths where possible to protect the meadow, and keep your visit tidy so the area remains usable.

Suitability & Accessibility

This hot spring works well for travelers who want a short, easy walk to a single soaking tub and do not need facilities. It is popular with visitors who are comfortable sharing a small space and who enjoy open views more than privacy. Families can visit, but parents should plan for the realities of the site: wind, sun, and a small tub with hard edges. Keep children within reach, and use short soak intervals followed by warm-up breaks, especially in cooler months.

The approach is simple, but the experience is still outdoors and undeveloped. There is no shade structure, no benches you can rely on, and no safe place for valuables beyond what you bring. Plan to keep your gear minimal and secure against wind. The tub rim can be slippery, and entry usually requires stepping over a concrete edge and down into the water. If you have knee, hip, or balance limitations, bring a companion who can steady you during entry and exit.

Wheelchair access is not practical. The route is on dirt and can include ruts, mud, or snow, and the tub has a step-down entry without a ramp or lift. Visitors using mobility devices may be able to reach the viewpoint with assistance in good conditions, but a safe transfer into the water is not assured. If you need accessible soaking, a developed facility with paved paths and accessible pool entry is a better choice.

For most visitors, this spot is best as a brief stop: soak, cool down, pack out trash, and move on to keep the tub available for others.

Safety & Etiquette

Hilltop is generally safe when treated like a small, remote outdoor water site. There are no lifeguards, no staff, and no water testing. Always test the water before entering, since temperature can vary. Ease in slowly and keep early sessions short. Avoid soaking if you have open cuts, and do not put your head under the water. If the water looks unusually cloudy or has debris after storms, consider skipping the soak.

Exposure is the most common challenge. Wind can be strong in the caldera, and wet skin chills quickly once you step out. Bring a warm layer and a towel you can wrap around yourself immediately. In summer, sun exposure is intense with little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and extra drinking water. Dehydration can happen even when the air feels cool. Take breaks, drink water, and leave the tub if you feel lightheaded.

Footing is another risk. The path and the concrete rim can be slick when wet, icy, or dusty. Wear sandals with traction near the tub and move slowly when stepping in and out. At night, use a headlamp and keep your group close so no one wanders into soft ground. Cell service can be unreliable, so do not count on quick help.

Etiquette is simple because the tub is small. Share space, keep voices low, and limit time if others are waiting. Do not use soap or shampoo in the water, and keep food and drinks away from the tub edge. Avoid glass containers. Pack out all trash, including small pieces. Respect privacy by keeping photos and video pointed away from other visitors. Stay on established paths to protect the meadow, and do not modify the tub, move rocks, or dig channels.