Quick FactsOverview
Overview
Whitmore Hot Springs is a small, rock-lined soaking tub in the Long Valley area south of Mammoth Lakes, often referred to as the Whitmore Tub or the Rock Tub. It sits on open public land near dirt roads used for dispersed camping and day access. The tub is compact and usually holds only a few people at a time, which means sharing and short turns are common.
Hot spring water rises nearby and is routed into the tub, mixing with cooler water and air. Comfort can shift quickly with wind, recent use, and small changes in inflow. The site is fully outdoors with wide meadow views and little shade. Expect an informal setting with no staff and no services. The tub area can look different across seasons as snow, mud, or dust change the ground around it.
Because the tub is close to common camping pullouts, you may be soaking near RVs, tents, or day visitors. Keep sound low and keep pathways clear so others can pass. Do not assume privacy, and plan to change at your vehicle with a towel or robe.
Bring water, a towel, and grippy footwear, and be prepared to leave if the tub is crowded or the area is muddy. If you want a larger pool or predictable access, a developed hot springs facility will be a better match.
Location & Access
Location and access
The Whitmore Tub is in the Long Valley Caldera area off Benton Crossing Road, a signed turn from US-395 south of Mammoth Lakes. After turning onto Benton Crossing Road, drivers typically use a network of dirt spurs often called Whitmore Tubs Road. Use the coordinates on this page to navigate to the correct parking area, since several nearby spurs look similar and change with grading and storms.
The approach is usually by dirt road and a very short walk. In dry weather, many vehicles make it by driving slowly, but clearance helps when ruts deepen. After rain or snowmelt, the surface can become muddy and slick, and a stuck vehicle can be hard to recover from in soft meadow soil. If the road is wet enough to leave deep tracks, turn around and choose another spring.
From the parking area, walk a short distance on uneven dirt to the tub. The final steps can include loose sand and wet ground near the rim. Bring sandals or water shoes and keep a headlamp if you might leave near sunset. There are no restrooms and no trash cans, so pack out all trash, including small items. Keep dogs leashed or under close control and keep them out of the tub.
Winter travel can be limited by snow, and spring brings mud in low spots. Download offline maps before leaving Mammoth Lakes and carry extra water if you are exploring multiple springs in the valley.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and accessibility
Whitmore is a good fit for visitors who want a quick soak with minimal walking and who can handle an informal, shared space. The tub is small, so you may need to wait your turn, especially on weekends and holiday periods. Wind can make the open meadow feel chilly when you get out, so bring a warm layer even in shoulder seasons.
Accessibility is limited. Parking is close, but the route is dirt and can be rutted, and the tub has a rock rim without handrails. Entry and exit require stepping over uneven stone onto a wet surface. For these reasons, the site is not wheelchair accessible and can be difficult for anyone with balance limits or limited leg strength. If you need level paths, grab bars, or a supported pool entry, choose a developed pool facility.
Family use is not recommended for most groups. The small tub leaves little room to supervise children safely, water temperature can vary near the inflow, and clothing practices can vary in this area. If you do bring older teens, set clear rules, keep sessions short, and be respectful of others. Pets should be kept out of the water and controlled around crowded parking and soaking areas.
For comfort, bring a towel, water shoes, drinking water, and a changing towel or robe. A small trash bag helps you pack out litter and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and etiquette
This is an unattended hot spring tub on open public land. Check the water with your hand before entering and step in slowly, since the hottest water is often closest to the inflow. Do not sit directly on the inflow point. Do not submerge your head and do not drink the water. If you feel dizzy, get out, cool down, and drink water. If you have medical conditions affected by heat, take conservative soak times and breaks.
Slips are a common risk. Wet rock and mineral film can be slick, and the rim can be uneven. Wear footwear with grip and keep your gear off the main entry points so others can step in and out safely. In cold weather, wind can cause rapid cooling after you leave the tub, so have dry clothes ready and limit time in wet swimwear.
Road safety matters in the meadow. Dirt spurs can become muddy and rutted, and driving around puddles damages vegetation and creates new tracks. If the road is soft, do not proceed. Park only in established pullouts and leave room for other vehicles and emergency access. Lightning is a real risk in summer thunderstorms across open ground, so leave the tub area if storms build.
Etiquette is essential because the tub is small. Ask before joining, keep conversations calm, and take turns if others are waiting. Avoid soaps, shampoos, and oils in the tub. Do not dump drinks, food, or bucketed water into the tub. Do not move rocks or dig channels to change flow, since small changes can affect safety and damage the meadow. Pack out every item you bring, including cigarette butts and small wrappers, and remove any sharp debris if it is safe to do so. Respect nearby campers by keeping headlights low and voices quiet at night, and keep pets controlled and out of the tub.
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