hot creek

852jamesr

We LOVED it here. Too bad it's closed for swimming. It was seriously the best . Some people still try and go in it though

IrishTomKat

We visited in late October, late enough to miss the Summer crowds and before the Winter snow. We were able to walk around the fence without issue. If you choose to do so, use common sense! No standing next to or on top of active vents. We were able to get awesome pics of the area. A local told us he has seen 4-6 foot geysers in visits earlier this year. Unfortunately we did not. It is definitely worth the stop. It's amazing to see all the gas bubbling in the creek and the numerous steam vents. Otherworldly! As Huell Howser would say, it's truly California Gold.

OregonKayaker

Interesting place with the geothermal activity. Not much to do and way off the beaten path. If this stuff intrigues you its worth the stop. Otherwise I would leave it behind.

253deannaj

If you've never been to Yellowstone, this is worth seeing! The walk is short but a bit steep uphill from the creek. I suggest seeing late in the day when temps are lower. That way, you can see more steam and get better pictures.

HBmike001

Very weird.. A creek in the middle os the high desert that is hot enough to cook fish and humans?!!! The area used to be unfenced allowing bathing but ten years back the activity soared with many people getting hurt so nw it is fenced.Parts are still bather accessabke. But please leave the bathing suit on....

TwoTeaTotalers

The area all around Hot Creek and the hot springs is simply beautiful. Except for the ugly fence.Its meant to keep people from bathing and therefore burning themselves.We spent a couple hours poking around, but easily could have made it a day. A unique, natural wonder.

725amandas

This is a creek that runs over a hot spot in the earth causing the water to boil and steam to rise. It has become too hot in recent years for the public to swim there anymore but it is still an interesting walk along the shore for those with little to no experence with such things. Do not put your hand into the water as you can become badly burned. Be careful for children or pets.

eck1979

When I was a kid, up until my teens, you could swim in Hot Creek, which was great because the lakes in the area are very cold. Around 2008, they banned swimming...my theory is that, with major cut-backs, they could no longer afford to have personnel come test the creek every day for temperature changes, so it's too risky. I'm pretty sure locals swim in it and, if you're smart about it, you're probably fine. It's really neat...ranges in temp from a swimming pool to a hot tub.

ba272

This is one of those places you should stop and see, take a moment to really think about what you're are seeing. You can't get very close, but you get a darn good idea of the heat!

pweiss

If you are heading to Hot Creek to go into the creek, be warned that there are signs about it being unlawful and fines. That said the day we were there a group of people (locals??) was doing just that. To me and my family it was not worth the trouble and risk.The geological feature is okay, but again not sure it is worth the ride.

CazBrogz

Well-worth a visit: don't be put off by the unpaved road leading to the site. The reek of sulphur; the bubbling turquoise pools; the signs warning of death and arsenic: it all makes for an exciting hour or two, filling the kids's heads with science and geology while they're too interested in the dangers to even notice! It's very tempting to crawl under the spoilsport fence and get closer to the creek but if you walk along the path beside the creek for a few hundred yards you'll find a few bubbling puddles.Fantastic!

californiagirl55

I had no idea this existed in Mammoth but so glad we drove off the beaten path to see it. It is like a mini Yellowstone .You do have to look very carefully for the signs (Fish Hatchery, Hot Creek) and you will have to travel on some gravel road for a bit, but it really is worth seeing.

amanda42

The sulfuric smell of the hot springs can be smelt from the parking lot so you know you're at the right place. It's a brief walk down the path to get a closer look and it's really a great view. Note: they also have bathrooms at this location and the dirt path can be a bit rough.

chrishB8413WD

This was our last stop before going home. It's a must see. If you wish to fish, it's a catch and release fly fishing. It's great way to hike down to the craters and see it still boiling.

freemaee

We have been coming to Mammoth for years (skiing) and I can't believe we never stopped there. This place is amazing! So breathtaking it is unreal. You can do a little (or bigger) hike and go down to be closer. Or you can just admire from the top and take some pictures. But if you can , do walk down- it will be well worth it!