Hill Top Hot Springs

Hill Top Hot Spring, also called Pulky's Pool, is another in the hot spring-rich valley just south of Mammoth Lakes. 

Like Crab Cooker and Shepherd, Hill Top has a tendency to be a popular soaking spot, and it can often be crowded. It isn't hard to figure out why: the Eastern Sierra create a gorgeous backdrop for the stone-and-cement tub that sits on a bluff surrounded by the boggy Alkali Lake.

The pool is about 2 feet deep and large enough to accommodate four to six people. The pool is clothing-optional, and don't be surprised if additional soakers drop in. Water flows in from the nearby source at over 100 degrees though a valve on the warmer of two inflow pipes, and this allows soakers to adjust the amount of hot water that pours into the tub.

The road to the parking area is paved apart from the final 200 yards, so the access is suitable for all passenger cars. From the dirt parking area, walk about a quarter mile on a gravel and wooden plank trail to reach the low hill with the springs. There are no trash cans or facilities of any type located near the springs, and camping at the springs is not permitted, though there are no restrictions on the nearby public land.