This is the most personally recommended spot in the Long Valley Caldera's wild hot springs
The water temp was noticeably higher than those of the neighboring hot springs.
Distinctive source well
To get close to Crab Cooker Hot Springs, you will have to drive more than a mile on a rough dirt road from Benton Crossing Road.
![Snow 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs02.jpg)
The ruts were quite deep in the latter half of the course, so vehicles with high road clearance are recommended.
![Snow 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs01.jpg)
This area facing Little Alkali Lake is private property of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, so camping is prohibited.
The parking space overlooked the hot spring area below.
![Well 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs10.jpg)
The source was protected by a sturdy concrete structure.
The wire mesh at the top was broken, so I reached in and measured the temperature of the water surface, which was 156 degrees F.
![Well 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs04.jpg)
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
I was surprised by the water temp, which was noticeably higher than the temperature of other wild hot springs within walking distance.
Monopolize the caldera?
A short distance away from the source was a hot pool that looked like it could accommodate four soakers.
![Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs03.jpg)
It was an oval shape, made of rocks and concrete.
Beside it was a single wooden bench.
![Bench 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs09.jpg)
Piping was exposed on the muddy ground.
Twisting the red valve, boiling water was thrown vigorously from the bottom of the pool.
![Bench 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs08.jpg)
The water quickly becomes too hot for soaking, so be careful of the water temperature.
It is an unwritten rule here to ensure that the valve is closed before leaving here.
![Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs07.jpg)
The slightly yellowish water was accompanied by a faint volcanic odor.
It was a peculiar phenomenon in this region, where many hot springs are colorless and odorless.
![Soaking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/crab-cooker-hot-springs06.jpg)
Clothing was optional.
I was overwhelmed by the tremendous sense of openness, as if I had the caldera all to myself.
Summary
Crab Cooker Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 156 degrees F