Hot Creek

Overlooking Hot Creek - near Mammoth 

There is a spot in the middle of beautiful valleys brimming with life that is a must-see for anyone exploring Highway 395 in central California. Approximately twenty minutes south of Mammoth Lakes, a bubbling cauldron of steaming water draws visitors year round. This geological wonder is the home of Hot Creek – a hydro-thermal system of water which percolates from the bowels of the earth on a journey to reach the surface of the earth.

Inviting but don't take a chance - may be your last 

 According to the United States Geological Survey, this meandering trip through underground conduits takes up to a thousand years. With temperatures below the surface at over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a place of wonder, albeit with built in dangers. It is easy to understand the desire to stick one's toes in the colorful pools, but that is where death may lurk in the scalding depths of the aptly named Hot Creek..

Beautiful view from atop at the visitor's overlook

Over the past several years, fourteen people have died daring to venture into the pools according to Atlas Obscura. In fact, there are signs posted alerting visitors to the risks. In fact, as recently as 2006 the water in the pools started to geyser, sending temperatures soaring and adding additional risks of scarring or other bodily harm, should a person be struck by the droplets or accompanying steam vents. In June of that year, signage was posted for the entire area that no swimming was allowed. In February 2016, the pools and surrounding waterways were fenced off completely and an old wooden ‘viewing’ bridge was dismantled which had offered up close and personal views of the pools.

The creek actually begins a few miles away where it is known as Mammoth Creek in the eastern Sierras. The waterway then cuts and dodges around the land flows and into the Long Valley Caldera. There it is joined by warming geothermal waters near the Hot Creek State Fish Hatchery and finally turns into Hot Creek Gorge, where the afore-mentioned pools are located. Eventually the waters flow south, cooling along the way into the Owens River as it empties into Crowley Lake.

There are still many explorers who come to marvel at the beauty of the pools and still more fly-fishermen who enjoy the pastime of catching an elusive fish who not only survive the warm waters but seem to thrive. Miles of hiking trails offer fabulous views of the Sierras and Owens Valley making the expedition every so much more enjoyable. Of course, there is hunting and off-roading – making the area a virtual outdoor person's Heaven.

Hollywood in the yesteryear took notice and filmed such movies as ‘True Grit’ and "North to Alaska' starring John Wayne, as well as both ‘Nevada Smith’ starring Steve McQueen, and ‘Shoot Out’ starring Gregory Peck in this unique biome.


J and L had been invited to join a camping expedition on the Owns River by their friends Bill and Becky Daugherty, and they were glad they agreed. Three days of moderate weather and very chilly nights  – at dawn, the thermometer read a chilly 14 degrees. Yow! But the mid-September afternoons were pleasant and pushed the mercury near 70. Important note: when camping at over 7,000 feet, one must take into consideration how quickly the weather can change. That is ever so clear in the shadows of the Sierras.

The researchers excited about finding fish near the hot spots

Weather good or not – a great time was had and the research into the Hot Creek area as well as the personal exploration was perfectly satisfying. A simple three and half hour drive put J and L into some of the most gorgeous territory in California. Nearly in out backyard, as we often say....

And isn’t that what traveling is for?