Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
Water Temperature
100.00 °F (37.78 °C)
Sensitive Habitat
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Rock Tub is one of several hot springs located in the meadows southeast of Mammoth Lakes. And while this spring is set before an incredibly scenic backdrop of the Eastern Sierra, it can also be one of the busier springs in the area.

The Rock Tub is a cement pool that is about 2 feet deep and large enough for six to eight people. Water flows from the source, a muddy bog, located about 400 feet away, and falls into the pool. Water temperatures are just about 100 degrees; however, unlike other pools in the area, this pool does not benefit from adjustable source flows. The tub is odorless and does have a bit of algae, though bathers can use available brushes and a tub drain to clean up some of the accumulated algae.

The springs are accessible by all vehicles, though Whitmore Tubs Road as well as the road to the springs can develop washboards or become muddy after storms.

Camping is prohibited at the springs, though it is allowed on nearly any of the public land nearby. That said, some do decide to camp in the wide turnarounds. If you find this to be the case, you may have better luck seeking out one of the nearby pools not immediately adjacent to the parking area.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Picturesque setting.

Cons

Tends to attract crowds. People frequently camp next to the tub.

Features

Constructed
Sensitive Habitat

Number of pools

1

Location

Nearby Adventures

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

Comments

10/01/2017
I've been here before in summer when there wasn't a soul around and the water was nice and warm, not too hot. We just visited Sept 30 - Oct 2 and the water was barely warm enough to be enjoyable. Please note the water is piped over ground a long distance to the pool, so if it is a freezing night the water will be cool. Several people were camping in the parking area and had taken care of the pools, scrubbing, draining, etc. Unfortunately after the campers left, someone had a party and left beer cans, plastic trash, and cigarette butts in the pool. Please take care of these public pools when visiting. Practice common courtesy for everyone's enjoyment.
09/13/2016
Visited on September 12, 2016. Fill pipe now extends into the water. Comfortably warm. Still a beautiful view!
07/28/2016
Super hot!
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