Hilltop Hot Springs

Hilltop Hot Springs, also known as Pulky's Pool, is a single stone-and-cement tub perched on a small rise above the meadows of the Long Valley Caldera, east of Mammoth Lakes. From US-395, turn onto Benton Crossing Road at the green church, drive about three and a half miles past two cattle guards, and take the short dirt spur to a primitive lot; the last stretch is bumpy, but four-wheel drive is not required. From there, a gravel path and a raised wooden boardwalk cross the wet meadow for about a quarter mile, roughly five minutes on foot.

Stay on the boardwalk to protect the ground. Hot water is piped in and a valve lets you adjust the tub, which usually sits between 100 and 110°F; close it if the tub runs too hot and let it cool. Six to eight people fit, though six is comfortable.

Clothing is optional by custom, and swimsuits are equally welcome. There are no facilities, so pack out everything, including waste. In winter the lot can be closed by snow, in which case you park on Benton Crossing Road and walk the extra 0.2 miles.

Sunrise and sunset light on the peaks is the reason to come. The downside: it is one small tub, so on busy days you may wait your turn or share closely.