Developed hot spring pool · California
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Mono County, California · 9.5 miles east of Mammoth Lakes, CA
Also searched as:Crab Cooker Hot Springs · Shepherd Hot Springs Mammoth Lakes CA · Crab Cooker Hot Springs Mammoth · Shepherd Hot Springs Reviews · Is Crab Cooker Hot Springs Closed
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 167°F (75°C) at the source
- Cost
- Free
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Mammoth Lakes, CA (10 mi / 15 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 4
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is a developed hot spring pool in Mono County, California, about 9.5 miles east of Mammoth Lakes, CA. The nearest large city is Clovis, CA, roughly 76 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 167°F (75°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself. At developed sites the soaking pools are normally cooled to a comfortable level, so the pools you sit in will be cooler than this figure.
This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.
The site has 4 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other, including Shepherd Hot Springs.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Crab Cooker Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 37.66284, -118.80010.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Mammoth Lakes, CA. The spring is about 9.5 miles (15 km) east of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Clovis, CA, about 76 miles (122 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Fresno, CA.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Crab Cooker Hot Springs
- Hilltop Hot Spring Not recorded
- Alkali Hot Springs 135°F
- Rock Tub Hot Spring Not recorded
- Boiling Lake 199°F
- Wild Willy's Hot Springs Not recorded
- Little Creek Hot Springs 180°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Crab Cooker Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 167°F (75°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Crab Cooker Hot Springs?
Crab Cooker Hot Springs is in Mono County, California, about 9.5 miles east of Mammoth Lakes, CA. The GPS coordinates are 37.6628, -118.8001.
When is Crab Cooker Hot Springs open?
Not recorded. Seasonal road closures, fire restrictions and maintenance can close springs without notice.
Is Crab Cooker Hot Springs free?
Yes. It is recorded as free to visit. Parking passes or recreation fees may still apply on public land.
What hot springs are near Crab Cooker Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Hilltop Hot Spring, about under 1 mile east. Alkali Hot Springs is about 1.1 mile away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.