Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
May to October; winter access depends on snow
About Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Wild Willy's, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is a pair of natural soaking pools in the open sagebrush of the Long Valley Caldera in Mono County, eastern California, at about 6,800 feet and roughly 13 miles east of Mammoth Lakes. The setting is the main attraction: from the water you look west across the valley to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, with Glass Mountain to the east and steaming ground and salt-crusted flats all around. The larger pool, at the end of the boardwalk, is roughly heart-shaped, about three feet deep and big enough for ten to fifteen people; a smaller, slightly hotter pool beside a rock outcrop holds about five. Water emerges at 102-110°F and the pools usually sit at 98-102°F depending on weather, with a small creek running alongside where you can find cooler spots. It is one of the best-known springs in the area and is often busy, especially at sunset and on weekends, though its size spreads people out. Hot spring guides list clothing as optional, and nude soaking is common, particularly after dark and in quieter hours, with swimsuits also usual. The springs are open all day and night and many people come to soak under the stars.
Legal context & local rules
The springs are on BLM land with no designated clothing-optional status; nude soaking is informal custom. BLM asks visitors to follow posted signs, stay on the boardwalk and pack out trash, and camping is not allowed right at the springs. No nudity enforcement reports were found (checked 2026).
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
From US-395 between Crowley Lake and Mammoth Lakes, turn northeast on Benton Crossing Road (by the green church), drive about 3 miles, turn right just past the cattle guard onto a dirt road and follow it about 1.5 miles to a dirt lot. From there an elevated wooden boardwalk, gravel in places, leads about a quarter mile across wet flats to the pools; stay on it, as the ground is muddy and fragile. The dirt road is fine for ordinary cars when dry but not when wet or snowy. No fees, toilets or water; no public transport.
What visitors say
Visitors rave about the Sierra views, especially at sunset and under the stars, and describe the pools as comfortably warm rather than hot. The most common complaint is crowding: it is a well-known stop and can be busy with groups. Clothing is mixed, with some reviewers suggesting you can skip the swimsuit, especially at night. People advise bringing your own water, packing out trash and avoiding the road after rain or snow.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
37.6612, -118.7677
Frequently asked questions
Is Wild Willy's clothing optional?
Hot spring guides list it as clothing optional and nude soaking is common, especially at night, but many visitors wear swimsuits.
Does it cost anything?
No. It is free and open 24 hours on BLM land.
Can I drive there in a regular car?
Usually yes when the dirt road is dry. Avoid it when wet or snowy, as it becomes difficult or impassable.
Can I camp?
Not right at the springs, but dispersed camping is allowed on surrounding BLM land and there is a campground about 3 miles away.
Sources
- Crowley Hot Springs / Wild Willy's (Hot Springs Locator)
- Hike and soak at Wild Willy's Hot Springs near Mammoth (Weekend Sherpa)
- Wild Willy's Hot Spring (The Outbound)
- Wild Willy's Hot Spring (Cali Hot Springs)
Researched 24 October 2026 .
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