Situated on the plateau near Mammoth Lakes, Hilltop Hot Springs, also known as Pulky's Pool, is one of many other hot springs in the Long Valley Caldera that offer great soaking opportunities as well as a fantastic 360-degree panoramic vista of the meadow and the snow-capped Sierra Mountains.

The hot springs are located 400 yards, or 5-6 minutes, from the small parking area on an easy hike. The gravel trail runs through the alkali field, and then a wooden bridge cuts up the soggy gold marshland. However, the dirt road and parking area may close off during heavy snowfall. In this scenario, park your car near Benton Crossing Road and hike about 0.5 miles to the soaking tub.

Hilltop Hot Springs Soaking Experience

Geothermal water at over 130°F emerges from the ground and is then transferred through a pipe into a simple tub made of rocks and cement. The temperature in the tub varies between 100 and 110°F, depending on weather conditions, and can be adjusted using gate valves on the pipes that supply cold and hot water.
The soaking tub is about 2 feet deep and can accommodate up to six people. Like other soaking tubs in Long Valley, it has a drain plug at the bottom to make cleaning easy.

The local custom is clothing optional, so expect nudity here.

Hilltop Hot Springs is one of the best places to soak, but expect lots of tourists on weekends and possible privacy issues.

There are a few other hot spring tubs within driving and walking distance including Shepherd Hot Springs, Crab Cooker Hot Springs, Rock Tub Hot Springs, and Crowley Hot Springs.