Hot Creek Geological Site: A Must-See Geothermal Wonder Near Mammoth Lakes

• Hot Creek Geological Site is known for its boiling geysers, turquoise-colored pools, and fumaroles
• Hot Creek has been closed to all bathing activities since May 2006

Known for its boiling geysers, turquoise-colored pools, and fumaroles, the Hot Creek Geologic Site is a unique geothermal area where you can observe impressive volcanic geology in action.

The Site is located in a small canyon of Hot Creek that flows through the Long Valley Caldera in the Inyo National Forest.

Overview of Hot Creek Geothermal Area

The Hot Greek Geothermal Area is where two kinds of water meet and merge, creating a fascinating, sometimes violent, landscape. Even though both kinds are overall your good old H2O, each arrives at the Geologic Site in a completely different fashion.

The first kind of water is the water from the melted snow of the Sierra Nevada that filters down through the cracks in the Earth's crust. Then it gets heated to 430°F (220°C) by the molten magma beneath the Inyo Crater and Domes.

Pressurized hot water travels about 10 miles eastward before emerging along the Long Valley Caldera, a 10 by 18-mile depression created by massive volcanic explosions over 700,000 years ago. The caldera is an exceptionally geologically active place experiencing small but frequent earthquakes. Due to ongoing geological changes, new hot springs can appear at Hot Creek anytime.

The second kind of water is Hot Creek itself, which starts as cool-water Mammoth Creek originating as an outflow from Twin Lakes and is fed by snowmelt. The stream becomes Hot Creek as it enters the Hot Creek Gorge. It then reaches the geothermal area and mixes with much hotter water from underground thermal vents. The hot water flows into the creek at the rate of about 240 liters per second, dramatically elevating the creek's temperature.

At Hot Creek Geologic Site, the water temperature reaches 199°F (93°C). At an elevation of 7,000 feet, this is almost boiling hot.

The temperature gradually drops as the water continues further east and mixes with cooler sources. At Crab Cooker Hot Springs, the water cools to around 150°F (65°C). Further out, at Crowley Hot Springs - also known as Wild Willy's - roughly five miles east of Hot Creek, the temperature drops below 110°F (43°C).

Hot Creek was once a popular destination for swimming and soaking. All bathing activities have been prohibited since May 2006 due to the area's dangerous and unpredictable geothermal activity.

Boiling water can erupt from the stream's bed or along its banks without warning as flow rates, temperatures, and geyser activity can shift in a matter of seconds. These sudden discharges of scalding, pressurized water make the area extremely hazardous. As a result, many of the places once popular with swimmers are now roped off for safety.

Since 1998, at least 14 people have died or suffered severe burns at Hot Creek, and many others have received other injuries. Entering the water at the Site is strictly prohibited. Visitors are strongly advised to stay on designated paths and refrain from crossing into fenced or restricted areas.

Camping is not permitted at the hot springs. You can camp on public land or at Brown's Owens River Campground, which is located five miles away.

The closest accommodations are available in Mammoth Lakes, 12 miles west.

Lodging in Mammoth Lakes

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Mammoth Lakes

Dangerously Hot for Soaking

Location: 10 miles east of Mammoth Lakes • California • USA
Open: Year-round
Amenities: Interpretive site, vault toilet

Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Restrictions: No camping, no swimming, no fishing, dogs must be on leash, no climbing into the fenced off areas
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service

Elevation: 7,000 ft (2,130 m)