This California Hot Spring Overhyped, It's Crowded and Kinda Gross

When Wild Willy's Hits, It Hits

Wild Willy's is the most popular hot spring in the Mammoth Lakes hot spring area. This spot can be one of the best places to soak because there is a parking lot with a toilet and trash cans, a wooden path to cut down on foot traffic through the fragile brush, and three soaking areas for you to choose from. At first glance, this hot spring is idyllic. 

With a stunning mountain backdrop your daytime views from the tubs are incredible. Often the area is void of other humans, so you can soak in the piece and quiet, especially during the shoulder season. Feel free to take a naked dip as well, if that is your jam. The unspoken rule of clothing is whoever is first to the tub sets the tone.

At night, the area has little light pollution, so you can stargaze from the natural hot springs. Watch the stars move across the night sky on a new moon night. Or, take a full moon soak and let your eyes prow the landscape in the moonlight glow.

When Wild Willy's Is A Miss, Get Out Of Dodge ASAP

Unfortunately, not every visit to Wild Willy's is tranquil, idyllic, and calming. There are those days you arrive to tents scattered around the full parking lot, a line for the toilet, and the trash cans overflowing. This land is open to the public and camping is allowed, kind of. But, that isn't the worse of it. 

There are those times at Wild Willy's when music will be blasting from speakers, people will be drinking, and influencers will be hogging a pool to snap images while they flex or pop their booty just above the waterline. This isn't the best atmosphere to have a relaxing soak.

If you arrive when all of this is going on, I'm sorry, it's just the nature of the beast, I guess. There is good news here, though. There are other hot springs.

While locals in the area wouldn't appreciate me blowing up other areas, I'll leave you with this: Drive around a little bit, this area has several hot springs you can find. Walk around a little bit, but keep in mind LNT practices. Respect the places you visit and be kind to others.