Quick FactsOverview
About Whitmore Hot Springs
Whitmore Hot Springs, California, also known as Rock Tub Hot Springs, is a free natural soaking tub on Bureau of Land Management public land in the Long Valley Caldera, approximately 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes. The single rock-lined tub sits just steps from a BLM parking area off Whitmore Tubs Road and comfortably holds 2 to 4 people at around 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tub is part of a cluster of natural hot springs scattered across the Long Valley Caldera east of Mammoth Lakes, an area shaped by a massive volcanic eruption more than 760,000 years ago. The geothermal activity that heats these springs is part of the same system that feeds the Hot Creek Geological Site nearby. The Rock Tub is the easiest of the Mammoth Lakes hot springs to access, sitting virtually adjacent to the parking area with no hiking required.
The name Whitmore Hot Springs causes some confusion in the region, as it is also the informal name for the larger geothermal source area that feeds multiple springs, and separately the name of a public swimming pool on Benton Crossing Road. This listing refers specifically to the Rock Tub, the small natural soaking tub on Whitmore Tubs Road. Visitors seeking free natural hot springs in California near Mammoth Lakes will find it one of the most convenient options in the Eastern Sierra.
Location & Access
Getting to Whitmore Hot Springs
Whitmore Hot Springs is reached from Mammoth Lakes by driving south on US-395 and turning left onto Benton Crossing Road at the distinctive green church landmark. After approximately 1.2 miles on Benton Crossing Road, turn left onto Whitmore Tubs Road. After about 1 mile on Whitmore Tubs Road, turn right at the second dirt road and follow it a short distance to the parking area. The tub is immediately adjacent to the parking area on the left.
The access roads are unpaved dirt with potholes. Benton Crossing Road is paved. The dirt sections are passable in most standard vehicles in dry conditions, though high clearance is helpful. In winter, snow can make the roads impassable; conditions vary and are worth checking before traveling. Cell service is limited or absent in this area, so downloading offline maps before departure is recommended.
The drive from Mammoth Lakes town center takes approximately 15 minutes. No fee is required and no permit is needed. For visitors exploring hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, the Rock Tub is typically the first stop along Whitmore Tubs Road, with Wild Willy's Hot Springs and other natural tubs in the same area accessible via Benton Crossing Road.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Whitmore Hot Springs Suits
Whitmore Hot Springs suits adults and older teenagers comfortable with an undeveloped outdoor setting, clothing-optional norms, and a very small tub with limited capacity. The tub holds 2 to 4 people comfortably, meaning it is best experienced on a weekday or off-peak visit when sharing is less of an issue. The proximity of the tub to the BLM parking area means it is frequently occupied by RV campers and overnighters as well as day visitors.
The site is not wheelchair accessible. The dirt access road and the short walk from the parking area cross uneven terrain, and no adapted infrastructure exists. The tub itself is a natural rock formation at ground level with no handrails or structured access.
Free dispersed camping on BLM land adjacent to the tub is permitted and makes Whitmore a practical overnight destination for van and RV travelers. Visitors should note that the tub's popularity and its location directly next to a parking area mean it rarely offers the solitude found at more remote springs in the area. For those seeking free natural hot springs in California with the easiest possible access in the Mammoth Lakes region, the Rock Tub is the most straightforward option available. Wild Willy's Hot Springs nearby offers a larger, more secluded experience for visitors wanting to explore beyond the Rock Tub.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Whitmore Hot Springs
Whitmore Hot Springs warrants mindfulness on temperature. The tub runs at 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit under normal conditions, which is comfortable for most visitors, but temperatures can vary. Always test the water before entering, particularly if visiting a tub for the first time or after unusual weather conditions. The control pipe or flow diverter can be adjusted to cool the tub if needed.
The Long Valley Caldera is an active geothermal area. The nearby Hot Creek Geological Site has been closed to swimming due to dangerous and unpredictable temperature fluctuations. Whitmore and the other Rock Tub springs are considered safe for soaking under normal conditions, but the area is a reminder that geothermal features in this region can be variable. Never enter a pool without testing temperature first.
All waste must be packed out. There are no trash facilities at the tub or parking area, and the BLM land surrounding it is managed under Leave No Trace principles. Glass containers are not permitted. The clothing-optional custom is long-established at Whitmore and the other Mammoth area springs, though swimsuits are common during the day when the site is busier.
Cell service is limited throughout the Benton Crossing Road area. In winter, road conditions can deteriorate quickly with snow. The site is at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, so sun protection and layered clothing are necessary regardless of soaking temperature. Dispersed camping on adjacent BLM land is permitted; camping directly at or blocking the parking area is not.
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