California

Hilltop Hot Springs - Hot Springs in California

06/20/2021

As the name suggests, this hot spring is located on a hill.

Due to its location, it has an outstanding spectacle compared to other hot tubs in the area.

It's okay even if the gate is closed

The three famous springs in Long Valley Caldera, Shepherd, Crab Cooker, and Hilltop, are located in close proximity to the shores of Little Alkali Lake.

ReferenceCrab Cooker Hot Springs - Hot Springs in California

This is my personal favorite spot in Long Valley Caldera. The water temp, which is noticeably higher than that of nearby wild hot springs, is attractive. Distinctive source well To get close to Crab Cooker Hot Springs, you will have to drive more than a mile on a rough dirt ...

However, there is no good road that connects them in a straight line.

If you visit by car, you will reach them from different directions via different dirt roads.

Gate 1

Hilltop has the shortest dirt road from the paved road to the parking lot.

Especially on that day, due to snowfall, the gate was closed at the intersection with Benton Crossing Rd.

Gate 2

In that case, it was a hike of 0.6 miles one way to the hot spring.

If the gates are open, you only have to walk half that distance; it is still the longest walk needed in the hot springs in this area.

Winter 3

It was not as magnificent as the nearby Wild Willy's, but it did have a boardwalk for walking through the wetlands.

Reference:Wild Willy's (Crowley) Hot Springs - Hot Springs in California

This is by far the largest of natural hot springs in Long Valley Caldera. A boardwalk on the muddy plain leads soakers to the hot springs. You can enter anytime Numerous hot springs that exist inside the Long Valley Caldera, California, are generally small, and people may be hesitant to ...

Boardwalk

Once I got to the top of the gentle hill, that was the destination.

Hilltop 1

360-degree spectacle

There was single six-person tub made of rocks and cement, surrounded by artificial grass.

That was what Hilltop was all about.

rock walled pool 1

If there was anything else, it was the 360-degree panoramic view from the top of the hill.

All of the hot springs in the caldera have great views, but Hilltop's spectacle is outstanding.

Winter 1

The water pipes installed by volunteers were thick enough and split into two.

rock walled pool 2

Due to such a structure, the amount of water distributed to the tub was perfect.

Winter 2

One was directly connected to a hot pool in the immediate vicinity, while the other drew water from a distant location.

Source of the Springs 1

I couldn't get any closer because the ground was too fragile.

Source of the Springs 2

How dare they install the magnificent structures in such a place for free?

Alpaca
Alpaca
Why hasn't it been removed?
It's culture, not removable.
Capybara
Capybara
rock walled pool 3

When I turned the valve, the water flew and was hot at 131 degrees F.

It was slightly yellowish, transparent and odorless.

Water temp

The custom here was closing optional.

Soaking

Summary

Hilltop Hot Springs (Pulky's Pool), Mammoth Lakes, California, U.S.

My rating

Type: Undeveloped

Rule: Clothing optional

Chemical use: No

Water temp: Up to 131 degrees F

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

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