Benton Hot Springs

Benton Hot Springs is a group of commercial geothermal pools located in the middle of desert land. It overlooks the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Hot Springs is commercialized into multiple marble cement tubs. You can access this going to the camping sites in the Old House and Inn. There are 11 pools here that are fed by the steamy water from the source. The temperature is 140 Degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can control the temperature manually by the Hoses. 

The Benton Hot Springs

The Benton Hot Springs is often cited as the Oasis of the Desert due to its location amid the Semi-arid Desert.  The Hot Springs are located in a shrub or grasslands valley located in between the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. The Benton Hot Springs California is quite popular among tourists due to its isolated location and spectacular views. Spend some alone time camping and soaking in the mineral-rich pools. Enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding semi-arid desert.

Best Time to Visit Benton Hot Springs

The Hot Springs are accessible to people all year long. However, it is advised to make reservations in advance and contact the manager of Old House and Inn for more details. Visiting during Sun Rise and Sun Set is highly advised. The sun rays through the mountain peaks create picturesque landscapes. 

Although, visiting this isolated hot spring in summer is not ideal as the temperatures in this semi-arid desert located in between the mountains soar high. And also the shrub and grasslands offer little or no shade. So soaking in these hot springs during hot climates is not considered best.  While in Winter, the snow-clad mountains offer magnificent views from the soaking tubs, and also soaking in hot pools in a cold climate is pleasant and relaxing.

Benton Hot Springs Map

The Old House Inn at Benton Hot Springs California is located at a distance of 38.8 miles from the Town of Bishop. From Bishop, head towards Fulton Street for 0.2 miles. Take a left turn onto North Main Street for 0.8 miles and now take a right onto the United States 6 Highway. Follow this Highway for 33.9 miles towards the town of Benton. From Benton, turn left onto California State Highway 120 and head straight for 3.8 miles which will lead you to the Old House Inn on the right side.

More About Benton Hot Springs 

The Benton Hot Springs is a historic resort that also consists of camping sites for setting up camps or parking RV’s, Vans and Trailers, etc. The Campers here can have access to tables, hot tubs, tents, fire pits, chairs, and barbecue grills. If you are not interested in camping, the Benton Hot Springs resort offers private suites and cabins with many features like Air-conditioning, a safe, bath/shower, and free breakfast. However, Lunch and Dinner are not provided by the resort. Benton Hot springs camping will give you a good experience, and you won’t forget those moments in Benton Hot springs.

The Steamy hot tubs in this resort vary in size and water temperatures. If you want a small private tub, hot tubs number 1,2,3, and 11 are perfect. Other tubs are available for groups with more than 4 people. There are bathing areas and changing rooms for each camping site and are separated by trees from one side to the other. Clothing is optional here in these hot springs. The Benton Hot Springs is open from 11 am to 4 pm and advanced reservations are preferred. 

The Old House and Inn charges $10 per hour for access to the pools. However, for the campers, the charges are dependent on the number of people and the prices range from $40 to $65 per night. And also to use the BBQ facilities on the campsite you need to pay $109 per night as they provide the gas or firewood for the barbecues station. 

Natural Attractions Near Benton Hot Springs

The Benton Hot Springs is surrounded by many natural attractions for you to visit due to its location closer to the Mammoth Lakes enclosed by the Famed Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a scenic, picturesque waterfall the drops from staggering heights of 101 feet. The falls cascade down at high speed, which creates white mist all around. During the Sun Rise or Sun Set, a rainbow is formed around the falls, hence named Rainbow Waterfalls. Also, Rainbow Falls is a part of Devil’s Postpile National Monument, which is a popular destination for Californians and tourists visiting California. This wide waterfall is located on the mighty San Joaquin River, which is widely known for its turbulent nature, raging currents, and high speeds.

The Waterfalls can be reached by a scenic trail that is 2.5 km long that has its trailhead located near the Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Moreover, the falls are located in the Inyo National Forest, which consists of numerous hiking trails to explore the surrounding wilderness and witness wild animals in their usual environment. Additionally, there are camping sites nearby and apart from these, the falls offer various activities like White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Diving, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking. 

Hot Creek Geological Site

The Hot Creek Geological site used to be a soaking-friendly hot spring near Mammoth Lakes. However, due to the rise in temperature and inconsistent weather conditions, soaking in these hot springs is strictly prohibited as they lead to severe burns and muscle aches. However, the site did not lose its popularity, as it is the only geological site that consists of geysers, heated pools, and unstable ground and creeks. Although, the scenery offered by these turquoise heated pools flowing through creeks is a wonder to watch.

Moreover, this site was believed to be created by volcanic activities that occurred 70,000 years ago and all the hot springs created nearby the mammoth lakes are the result of the stream water that was in contact with the heated molten magma underground that is spread thousands of Kilometers. This Molten Magma is referred to as a Super Volcano, whose destruction can be catastrophic for the world. Apart from these destructive capabilities, the geological site is used by scientists who measure the glass content, arsenic, and other mineral content in this steamy water.

Travertine Hot Springs

This is a popular hot spring located on the travertine terraces which are at an elevation of 6700 feet in the California State Park. The Hot Springs consists of three rock bottom pools and a cement pool, which are fed by the steamy water flowing from the top of the travertine rock structure under which the source is located. The Travertine rocks have gained popularity as they were used to build the interior facings of the San Francisco City Hall, due to their high calcium carbonate content(CaCo3). The Springs were discovered by the Paleo-Indians of California thousands of years ago.

These Indigenous tribes considered these Hot Springs sacred, and they used these mineral-rich pools for warmth, cleaning, and healing. Later, the Paiute tribes used these hot springs for similar purposes. Back in the 1800s and 1900s, steamy pools were used by shepherds to clean their sheep from infections and bacteria. This site still consists of rustic wooden sheep-dip nearby. The pools in these hot springs are maintained at a temperature of 115-156 Degrees Fahrenheit, so caution is needed when soaking into these hot, steamy pools.

Ediza Lake

Ediza is a picturesque lake that is highly popular for its turquoise color, surrounded by steep granite hills in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. Some of the tallest peaks located on the banks like Mount Ritter and Banner Peak are reflected on the surface of the lakes. Moreover, the lake is surrounded by meadows and colorful wildflower patches along the banks. The Alpine Lake is located at an elevation of 9,300 feet, offering amazing views of the surrounding granite peaks and the pristine valley below. It is highly recommended to visit this beautiful lake during Sun Rise or Sun Set when the sky and granite peaks shine in orange colors creating picturesque scenery.

This lake attracts a lot of tourists every year of the large number of camping spaces it provides. At night, the lakes reflect the views of the night sky twinkling with stars and colorful galaxies far away. The Lake is a popular hiking spot and there are many hiking trails nearby leading to other lakes and hidden natural wonders of the Inyo National Forest.

Hiking Trails Nearby Benton Hot Springs

Hiking is a popular activity here in the Benton Hot Springs as it is surrounded by the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains which offer picturesque views of the valley, and the Inyo National Forest. Moreover, Hiking Trails are the only pathways that let you explore the hidden natural wonders and witness stunning landscapes, making your trek worthwhile.

Hot Creek Interpretive Trail

The Hot Creek Interpretive is an easy hiking trail that is only 0.6 km long and is located nearby the Mammoth Lakes of the Inyo National Forest. The Trail is partly paved, and it is best suited for all tourists with or without Hiking Skills. Pets are allowed into the hiking trail but must be kept on a leash. The Trail is frequented by tourists all year long, and they often take part in many activities like Hiking, Walking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Camping, Backpacking, Bird Watching, Witnessing Wildlife, Nature Trips, and Running. The Trail features a stream which is one of the tributaries of a mighty river nearby. This stream passes through the Hot Creek, after which the Hiking Trail is named.

Valentine Lake Trail via Sherwins Lake Trail

This Hiking Trail presents two water bodies known as  Valentine Lake and is close to the Mammoth Lakes in the John Muir Wilderness, California. This Hiking Trail is 17.7 km long and is considered moderate. So, it is best suited for only Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The Trail is popularly used by the tourists visiting the lakes Valentine and Sherwins. The Trail is accessible to people from June to October, and it offers various activities like Hiking, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Running Camping, Nature Trips, and Witness Wild Life. Dogs are permitted into this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Champion Spark Plunge Mine Trail

This is one of the hardest hiking trails nearby the town of Benton in the White Mountain Wilderness of California. This Hiking Trail is 6.3 km long, and it is ideal for only Hikers with Advanced Skills due to steep climbs, rugged surfaces,  and rocky terrain. The hiking trails lead you to a rustic cabin with many features like electricity, a common kitchen, a comfy bed, and private washrooms located at an elevation of 424 meters offering stunning views of the Mountains, and wilderness & valley below. You can camp in this cabin while hiking through this hard trail, however, advanced reservations are required as it is being popular and often stays unavailable. Apart from this, the Hiking Trail is also popularly used by OHV Riders and you can view them zipping through the trail at greater speeds. 

Mammoth Rock Trail

This is one of the popular trails located near the Mammoth lakes in the Valentine Reserve Ecological Study Area. The Trail leads ascend through the forests and gain an elevation of 236 m as it leads you to the Summit of Mammoth Rock. The summit offers magnificent views of Alpine Forests and the surrounding Mountain Ranges. This 8.2 km long Hiking Trail is suitable for only Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The popular Hiking Trail is frequented by tourists from May to September to participate in many interesting activities like Hiking, Rock Climbing, Horse Back Riding, Canyoning, Snowshoeing, Walking, Running, and many more. The Hiking Trail allows pets like dogs and cats into the trail but must be kept on a leash. 

Twin Lakes Campground

This Hiking Trail is quite popular as it is the only pathway leading to the popular twin lakes, atop the mountain range near Mammoth Lakes in the Inyo National Forest. The hiking trail starts from the campground and heads deeper into the wilderness, ascending to an elevation of 71 m as it leads you to the blue twin lakes surrounding the Alpine-Fir Trees. The Hiking Trail is 5.5 km long and it is considered moderate, so it is suitable for tourists with or without Hiking Skills. Dogs are permitted into the Twin Lakes Campground Trail but must be kept on a leash. The Trails is frequented by tourists and hikers from June to November, and it offers several activities like Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Walking, Running, Nature Trips, and Bird Watching.

History of Benton Hot Springs

The ancestral indigenous tribes of the Utu Utu Gwaite Paitu Tribes discovered these Hot Springs. The Native American Tribes depended on these pools for warmth, cleaning, and healing. The steamy water in these geothermal pools has essential properties, making them sacred to the tribes. The Valley in between the mountains was the perfect place for hunting, and so the hunters of the tribes gathered near the hot springs to plan their hunting expedition.

Later the California Gold Rush in 1849 prompted to search for other mines nearby which led to the discovery of the Comstock Lode Silver Mines which led to a silver rush in this part of California. Many mines were discovered and a lot of miners gathered nearby the Benton Town and nearby villages and built their settlements. These Miners loved to relax in the mineral-rich natural hot springs of Benton Town.

However, in the coming years, the profits produced by the silver mines reduced gradually, marking the end of the Silver Rush. Although, hot spring did not lose their popularity as many private businessmen set their sights on these natural hot springs and plan to build them into commercial resorts or bathhouses. The Bramlette Family which more or less owns the whole Benton Town converted the Hot Springs into a Non-Profit Hotel, Camping Site, and a Resort.

Accommodations Nearby Benton Hot Springs

The Town of Benton is a popular site visited by many tourists every year due to its historic silver mines, and most importantly, the Benton Hot Springs. As a result, it has many famous hotels providing many features and amenities.

Shilo Inns Mammoth Lakes

This hotel is just 29.2 miles away in the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Shilo Inns offers Non-smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, and Luxury Suites for a reasonable price range of $150 to $170. These Hotel Rooms have several features like Air-Conditioning, Seating Area, Safe, Housekeeping, Flat-screen TV, Microwave, Refrigerator, Hair Dryer, Telephone, Iron, and Wake-up Service. The Shilo Inns Lodge also has many luxury amenities like Sauna, Heated Pool, Free Parking, Free Breakfast, DVDs, Books, Vending Machine, Spa, Express Check-in/Check-out, Breakfast Buffet, Baggage Storage, and Children’s Activities.

Best Western Bishop Lodge

Best Western Bishop Lodge is a budget-friendly hotel located in the town of Bishop which is 31.2 miles from Benton Town with a price range of $109 to $131. The Lodge has Non-smoking rooms with various features like Air-Conditioning, Fire Place, Inter Connected Rooms, Housekeeping, Microwave, Coffee/Tea Maker, Flat-screen TV, Complimentary Toiletries, Telephone, Iron, Wake-up Service, Refrigerator, and Hair Dryer. Apart from this, the popular hotel also offers luxury amenities like Heated Pool, Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Baggage Storage, BBQ Facilities, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Breakfast Buffet, Vending Machine, Express Check-in/Check-out, Newspaper, 24 Hrs Front Desk, Dry Cleaning, and Self-service Laundry.

Comfort Inn

Comfort Inn Lodge is located in the Town of Bishop, nearby the Benton Hot Springs. The Lodge offers Non-smoking rooms and luxury suites for an amount of $109 to $130. These Hotel rooms consist of multiple features like Air-conditioning, House-Keeping, Iron, Wake up Service, Coffee/Tea Maker, Flat-screen TV, Refrigerator, and Microwave, and it also offers various luxury amenities like Free Breakfast, Free Parking, Horseback Riding Tours, Spa, Wi-Fi, Outdoor heated pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Breakfast Buffet, Baggage Storage, Laundry Service, Dry Cleaning and Business Center with Internet Access.

Restaurants Near Benton Hot Springs California

Benton Station Café

The Benton Station Café was named after the historic Benton Hot Springs, located along State Highway 6 and closer to State Highway 120. The Restaurant provides American and Dinner Cuisines, with meal plans for Breakfast and Lunch. The Highway Café has been popular among tourists as it is the only restaurant near the Benton Hot Springs and also popular for its affordable value, Friendly service, and Tasty & Healthy food. Benton Station Café offers many features like Reservations, Takeout, Indoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessibility, and Table Service.

Erick Schat’s Bakkery

This popular bakery and restaurant are located in the town of Bishop 31 miles from Benton Town. This restaurant is quite popular among tourists as it has been featured in Travelers Choice Websites more than once. The Restaurant has American, Dutch, and Café cuisines with special Vegetarian-Friendly and Vegan diets. Erick Schat’s Bakery has meals for Breakfast, Lunch, and Brunch and also offers important features like Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Indoor Seating, Free Parking, Wheelchairs Accessible, and Accepts Credit Card Payments. 

Mammoth Rock Brasserie

This top-rated restaurant is located on the Chateau Road of the Mammoth Lakes in California. The Modern Restaurant has American and European cuisines with meal plans for dinner. The Hotel offers tasty and healthy dishes for a price range of $18 to $75. The Dutch Restaurant has many amenities like Free Parking, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Indoor Seating, TV, Highchair Seating, Free Wi-Fi,  Wheelchairs Accessible, Reservations, Full Bar, Serves Alcohol, and Table Service. The Restaurant accepts payments through Discover, American Express, Visa, Discover, and Credit Cards.

Conclusion

We highly recommend you to visit Benton hot springs and witness the glory of surrounding towns and mines due to the silver rush here in California. The Hot Springs are modernized, and they consist of multiple cement pools for you to choose from with various features. Apart from this, the Hot Springs resort has campsites for campers and private cabins, hotel rooms for overnight tourists. Moreover, the site is surrounded by many popular destinations where you can participate in many unique and interesting activities to spend your time. The Hot Springs are easily accessible through the State Highways and nearby Towns. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)