Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | 6.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
7100 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+250, -250 feet |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Half day |
| Season | Late December through mid-March |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Whitmore Hot Springs |
| Start |
Mammoth School and entrance to Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. From Mammoth Junction (junction of Highways 395 and 203) drive southeast on Highway 395 for 3.3 miles, turn north (left), drive 0.3 mile until you pass the turnoff to the Long Valley Airport on your right, and drive 0.2 mile to Mammoth School and the entrance to the fish hatchery. The trailhead is just before crossing the cattle guard at the school and entrance to the fish hatchery. |
Description
The hot springs area of Hot Creek, designated as Hot Creek Geologic Site by the Forest Service, is just one of many that exist in the area. These springs are a small reminder of the vast amount of energy stored 4 to 5 miles below the earth's surface. This body of molten rock erupted as recently as 500 years ago and created the volcanic formations found throughout the area.
There was a time when in the summer large numbers of people would simmer in the creek. It could be so crowded that you were literally elbow to elbow. But when the snow fell, access was limited to skiers and snowshoers, and a soak in the creek was even more rewarding. Then the Forest Service closed the area to bathing from Thanksgiving through March to prevent the occasional death. Now the site is closed to bathing the entire year.
The route to the hot springs is through a desolate area, but as you ski toward the Sierra on your return from the hot springs in the late afternoon light, this high desert desolation turns to beauty.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.3
Elevation change: +0
From the trailhead (1), ski east on a snow-covered road for 1.3 miles, paralleling the telephone lines to the north, until you reach a road junction (2). Shortly before reaching the junction you will pass Hot Creek Ranch on your left.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.3 - 3.0
Elevation change: +100, -100
Turn north (left) at the junction and ski generally northeast and parallel to Hot Creek for 1.7 miles until you reach a road that descends at a very steep angle to the west (3) toward the creek. This road is approximately 100 yards past the restroom area.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 3.0 - 3.1
Elevation change: -50
Descend west on a road at a very steep angle for 0.1 mile until you reach Hot Creek (4).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.1 - 6.2
Elevation change: +150, -100
Retrace the route for 3.1 miles back to the trailhead (1).
