Overview
A single-tub soak in the wide-open Long Valley
Shepherd Hot Springs is a simple setup: one small tub, a big view, and very few comforts. It sits out in the Long Valley Caldera hot springs zone east of Mammoth Lakes, where multiple soaking spots hide along dirt roads. Shepherd is popular because it’s quick to reach once you’re in the area and doesn’t require a real hike.
Expect “primitive,” not curated
There’s no resort structure here, no staff, and no guarantee the tub will be at your preferred temperature when you arrive. People adjust water flow in various ways over time, and conditions change with weather and use. The right mindset is “arrive, assess, adapt.”
What makes it worth it
It’s the contrast. You can be back in Mammoth for dinner, yet you’re soaking in a tub out on open public land with the Sierra skyline doing its thing. If you want a quick, natural-feeling soak without committing to an all-day outing, this is a practical pick.
Location & Access
Where it is
Shepherd Hot Springs is off Whitmore Tubs Road in the Long Valley area east of Mammoth Lakes. The tub is reached via dirt-road spurs, then a short walk. (In this region, “close” still means you should have a map that works offline.)
By car
Road conditions are the main variable. Dirt access can be washboarded, rutted, or soft after moisture. High clearance helps, but the bigger factor is patience, drive slowly, avoid new puddles you can’t read, and don’t create fresh bypass tracks.
On foot
From the common pull-off/parking area, the walk is short and generally flat, but it’s still uneven ground with dust, rocks, and occasional mud. Bring a headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll be walking back at dusk.
What to bring
Pack water, a towel, sandals with traction, and a small bag for trash. Wind can cut fast across the valley, so a warm layer is useful even in shoulder seasons. Keep soap and shampoo at home, this is not the place for it.
Suitability & Accessibility
Shepherd is best for adults who are comfortable with informal hot springs culture and don’t need facilities. It suits small groups who can share space politely, plus solo travelers who want an easy, no-hike soak with minimal fuss.
Families
I wouldn’t plan this as a family hot spring. The tub is small, the water can be too hot for kids if you’re not careful, and clothing norms can be mixed. If you do bring older teens, set expectations and keep the visit short and calm.
Mobility realities
While the distance is short, access is still dirt-road dependent and the last stretch is uneven terrain. It’s not a wheelchair-friendly site and it’s a tougher experience if you need stable footing.
Expectations vs reality
Photos make it look bigger than it is. Expect one tub, limited personal space, and a “take turns” vibe at busy times. If you want multiple pools, changing rooms, or guaranteed comfort, this isn’t the right spring.
Safety & Etiquette
Test the water every time
Hot spring tubs can run hotter than expected, and the safe temperature range for soaking is narrower than people think. Ease in slowly, keep your first soak short, and step out if you feel lightheaded or overheated.
Keep the tub clean
Don’t use soaps or detergents, and keep food and drinks contained. If you pack it in, pack it out. This area gets loved hard, and the only thing keeping it pleasant is basic respect from each visitor.
Road and weather hazards
In dry months, dust reduces visibility on dirt roads. In cold months, ice can linger in shaded ruts. If weather is turning, leave early. A short soak is not worth getting your vehicle stuck miles from pavement.
Etiquette that actually works
If others are waiting, keep your soak brief and rotate. Keep voices low, avoid bright lights at night, and don’t “re-engineer” water flow. If there’s any valve, dam, or diverter in place, leave it as you found it before you go.
Privacy and clothing
Clothing optional is common in this region, but not universal. The easiest approach is to be matter-of-fact: carry a suit, read the vibe, and keep cameras away from other people.
FAQs
Is Shepherd Hot Springs free to visit?
There’s no staffed entrance or ticket booth. Costs, if any, are usually indirect (fuel, gear, and sometimes nearby camping fees). Conditions can change, so plan as a self-supported outing.
Do you need a high-clearance vehicle?
It depends on current dirt-road conditions. High clearance makes the approach less stressful, but careful driving matters more. If the road looks soft or deeply rutted, don’t force it.
How far is the walk to the tub?
Short. Most visitors treat it as a quick walk from where they park, not a hike. Still, bring traction-friendly footwear, the ground can be dusty or muddy.
Can you camp near Shepherd Hot Springs?
This part of Long Valley has a mix of public land and managed areas. Dispersed camping is common in the broader region, but rules vary by jurisdiction and season. Use posted signs and current agency guidance, and don’t camp right on top of the spring.
Is it clothing optional?
In practice, you may see both nude and swimsuit use. Carry a swimsuit so you can match the setting, and keep photography off-limits unless you’re alone.