Reds Meadow Hot Springs
115°F
Source water (NOAA)
Short walk
Easy access
Unknown
Fee not verified
This is a very hot natural spring in the Reds Meadow valley near Devils Postpile, close to Reds Meadow Campground and the resort. Campers report it needs cold creek water mixed in, and it is best in early morning. Access depends on Reds Meadow Road, which has seasonal closures and ongoing reconstruction, so check conditions before going.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyReds Meadow Campground (about 52 sites, roughly $23-32 per night) is next to the spring, and Reds Meadow Resort offers cabins and a store.
- Drinking water & toiletsAlso lodging, food, picnic area
- SeasonReds Meadow Road is closed for much of the year (snow and construction) and normally opens in early summer. Summer access is via a mandatory shuttle bus, with private vehicles allowed only outside shuttle hours or after the shuttle season ends. Check current conditions before going.
Best time to go. Campers report the water is easier to soak in early morning, when it is cooler. Visit in summer after the road opens.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with Inyo National Forest.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
The Reds Meadow Road reconstruction project continued through 2025 and into 2026, with scheduled closures and delays that also affect the shuttle. In 2025 the road reopened for the season on July 2. A visitmammoth.com page said the road was closed Monday to Wednesday for repairs. An old High Sierra Topix thread said the hot spring showers and a free tub were locked down, and a pay hot tub was rumored. That thread is roughly a decade old or more. Current status of the natural pool is unverified.
Campers report the source water is very hot and can be too hot to soak without mixing in cold creek water. Reports say people carry buckets of creek water to cool it. The pool's water quality has not been verified. An older forum post said the nearby free tub was closed after a water quality check, so check local status.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Mammoth Lakes.
- 1
From Mammoth Lakes, take Minaret Road past Minaret Vista and down Reds Meadow Road into the valley, about 40 minutes. This road is the only access.
- 2
The spring is reported just above Reds Meadow Campground near the resort. Visitors usually park or ride the summer shuttle to the Reds Meadow stop, then walk a short distance.
- 3
Exact trail and coordinates are unverified.
37.6180, −119.0740 · nearest town Mammoth Lakes, CA
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Mammoth Lakes, from campgrounds to cabins.
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