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Located near Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker Hot Springs is one of several hot water springs in the area that are suitable for soaking in. The pool consists of a manmade cement tub with water piped in from a mineral spring about 30 feet away. Though the water at the source is too hot to bathe in, or even to touch, the tub has been outfitted with a valve that allows for the control of hot water.
Crab cooker is located on land that is owned by the LA Department of Water and Power, which forbids camping. However, camping is permitted on nearby public land.
The Crab Cooker hot springs are found off of Benton Crossing Road off of Hwy 395 (easy to find as the turnoff to Benton Crossing is marked by an iconic green church.) After turning onto Benton Crossing Road, pass the 3rd cattle gate, and then take a left on the next dirt road. At the end of this road you’ll find a parking area and then a .2 mile path to the hot spring. The dirt road to the hot spring is pretty rough and so a 4WD vehicle is definitely recommended, or in the least a car with high clearance.
Its a beautiful spot but was way to hot to go in so was a big disapoitment! I like hot water but do not want to melt my skin of beware!
My favorite hot spring in Mammoth! One of the easiest to get to. Came on a Monday Nov 14- tub was full & HOT almost TOO hot. The valve was left wide open which made it too hot to go full body :(
To be mindful of others' experience, leave the valve 3/4 of the way closed to be able to adjust the temp as desired.
Bring a towel/robe. Very relaxing spot & quiet. Love it here!
What an experience! We wnt there in February just after some heavy snowfall so the road leading to the parking area was inaccessible by car. We took the chance in hiking from the main road and that took about 30minutes to get there in the heavy snow. Well worth it ss the view covered with snow all around us was breathtaking.
Great experience especially during sunrise. You can use a valve to adjust water temperature. 4 stars just because I like the „natural“ style without valves and concrete more. However, it’s awesome regardless.
Beautiful setting and easy to get to if you have a SUV or truck. The spring here is definitely not for the faint of heart — it is a lot hotter than the neighboring springs.
