Hot Creek Geological Site - Mammoth Lakes, CA
Today we’re adventuring just south of Mammoth Lakes at a unique creek bed which boasts fumaroles, steam vents, and periodic geyser eruptions...so let’s head out and explore the Hot Creek Geological Site.
History
This otherworldly area is the result of a 700,000 year old volcanic explosion, and the landscape here is always changing and evolving. Molten magma deep within the earth rises through cracks and vents, creating this unique and aptly named hot creek before us.
The USDA Forest Service explains:
“The steam you see along the Hot Creek drainage is created when water percolates deep into the ground and enters a complex underground plumbing system. The water is heated and pressurized before it rises to the earth's surface. It is believed this journey takes around 1000 years.”
Visiting & Trail Info
The Hot Creek is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset year-round. During Winter, heavy snows may prevent entry by vehicle, but you can still reach the Hot Creek by snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross country skiing. When not blocked by snow, the 3 mile long Hot Creek Hatchery Road (half paved, half gravel) located just off Highway 395 will take you to the parking area. A clearly marked asphalt and gravel path will lead you down to up-close views of this steaming stream. Be mindful, though, of the many signs that warn of unstable terrain and dangerous waters.
Lookout Point
If you drive a little further past the main parking area, you’ll find a small turnout for a lookout point that will provide that perfectly framed Instagram shot. Not officially marked, this point is known as Brees Lookout on Google Maps. Here you’ll have an overhead view of the beautiful meandering and steaming creek with Laurel Mountain and the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range in the distance. Just keep in mind the gravel road to this spot is a little rougher terrain…so if your car isn’t up for it, you can easily walk to this point from the main parking area in just a few minutes.
Dangers/Safety
Well over a dozen people have been severely burned or killed in recent decades due to crossing marked barriers or entering the water, especially at night. There used to be a popular soaking spot among the bubbling pools here, but in 2006 all the waters were officially closed to the public because of growing concern over unpredictable geyser activity. Crossing the fenced perimeter and entering the water here is strictly prohibited due to the fact that water temperatures can reach over 400°F. Rapid temperature changes (as much as 200°) have also been recorded in just a few seconds. However. located a little upstream of the “hot” section of the creek is the “Hot Creek Wild Trout Area”, which is a unique catch and release fishery. And just past that is the Hot Creek State Fish Hatchery, considered the most prolific of its kind in the Eastern Sierras.
Know before you go
• For the best views of this site bubbling and steaming, consider a visit early in the morning on a cool day when the hot waters will strongly contrast the cold air.
• The full hike from the parking area is under 1/2 a mile.
• There is no water and limited cell coverage here.
• Pit toilets are available at the trailhead in the main parking area.
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
Other great stops in the area:
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Fossil Falls
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Manzanar
• Panum Crater
• Mono Lake
• Devils Postpile
• Lakes in & around Mammoth
• Mammoth Earthquake Fault
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
While not as large as Lassen’s Bumpass Hell, this unique geological wonder is worthy of a stop on any trip to the Mammoth Lakes area. Thanks for joining me here today. For more information on the Hot Creek, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like…
