Attractions and Places To See around Crowley Lake - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see around Crowley Lake are primarily focused on its natural landscapes and recreational opportunities within California's Eastern Sierra. The region is characterized by unique geological formations, natural hot springs, and expansive waters. Crowley Lake lies on the southeastern edge of the Long Valley Caldera, a significant volcanic feature that shaped the area's geology. Visitors can explore a diverse range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and soaking in natural hot springs.
Best attractions and places to see around Crowley Lake
- The most popular attractions is Convict Lake, a lake known for its fishing, particularly for rainbow, German brown, and sucker trout. It also offers a scenic 3-mile hiking trail around the lake, with another trail connecting to the Sierra Crest.
- Another must-see spot is Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs, a natural monument featuring multiple natural pools of varying sizes and temperatures. Dispersed camping is allowed around the location, and it is easily accessible even in winter snow.
- Visitors also love HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴, a natural monument offering panoramic views over Alkali Lake. This easily accessible hot spring features a stone-and-cement tub large enough for several people, known for its scenic backdrop of the Eastern Sierras.
- Crowley Lake is known for its diverse natural monuments, lakes, and trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from alpine lakes to geothermal hot springs and popular hiking trails Crowley Lake.
- The attractions around Crowley Lake are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Convict Lake
Highlight • Lake
Today, Convict Lake is a great spot for fishing. You can find rainbow trout, German brown trout and species of sucker fish in the clear blue waters. It is also a fine hiking location. A 3-miles trail goes around the lake and another one connects it to the Sierra Crest.
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Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs
Highlight • Natural Monument
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HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴
Highlight • Natural Monument
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 naked soakers drop in. Water flows in from the nearby source at over 100-106 degrees Fahrenheit though a valve on the warmer of two inflow pipes, so soakers can adjust the amount of hot water that pours into the tub.
A gravel road leads from paved Benton Crossing Rd to two parking areas (in winter the gate can be closed but it is still ok to walk in. The final 200 yards from the dirt parking area lead on a gravel and wooden plank trail to the low hill with the springs. It is built and maintained by volunteers. Do your part to keep it clean and carry out any trash you see. Camping at the springs is not permitted, though it is allowed on the nearby public land. To find it from Hwy 395 see komoot.com/tour/15518259
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Hilton Creek Lakes
Highlight • Lake
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Lower Rock Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Popular around Crowley Lake
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Hilton Creek Lakes are six lakes in Mount Huntington basin, each one with its own beauty. The hike to the lakes is precious, passing by Lodgepine and Aspen forest (this is a popular hike to see autumn colors), with plenty of wildflowers during summer. The second lake is often chosen for camping, and the third has idyllic views of Mt. Huntington and Mt. Stanford. This is a perfect moderate day hike in the Sierra, which is not very popular, and you can pick a lake for yourself to enjoy some solitude. It requires a wilderness permit for camping, for more information see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=20402&actid=50
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This singletrack trail near Rock Creek is fantastic, with ride options from a longer out-and-back to a quick lap or two on the upper sections. It's best to run lower tire pressure due to the sandy substrate and keep an eye out for rocks to avoid getting a pinch flat. There is parking at both ends of the trail for easy access. The upper section provides some fast and fun riding, while the lower section is more scenic and offers more adventure riding, complete with gnarly rock gardens and incredible scenery.
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Convict Lake is a glacial lake and is surrounded by majestic mountains. The picturesque lake, however, has a very sad history. It gets its name from an incident that happened in 1871, when 29 convicts escaped from Carson City Jail and found a place to hide near the lake. After killing a mail carrier who had found them by chance at Convict Lake, they were followed by military officers and there was a bloody shoot-out. The surviving prisoners were found soon after and lynched.
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One of the best known set of hot spring pools in the Mammoth area. Luckily it attracts most of the people, leaving the other lesser known springs to be quieter. But even this site calms down during the week and outside the holiday seasons
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Be aware, the popular Convict Lake Trail the loops around the lake is closed to bicycles.
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The picturesque alpine lake is the place of a dark story. It was named after an incident in 1871, when 29 convicts escaped from prison in Carson City and found a place to hide near the lake. They were followed by a local posse after killing a mail rider who accidentally found them at Convict lake and as soon as it caught up to the convicts, members of both sides were killed in a shootout. The convicts that survived the shootout were found and lynched later on. Today, Convict Lake is a great spot for fishing. You can find rainbow trout, German brown trout and species of sucker fish in the clear blue waters. It is also a fine hiking location. A 3-miles trail goes around the lake and another one connects it to the Sierra Crest.
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Wild Willy's Hot Springs are within walking distance of a medium-sized parking lot. There are about three different sized and differently hot natural pools. Dispersed camping is allowed around the location.
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Convict Lake is a glacier-blue Alpine lake suitable for fishing and boating. In addition, a hiking trail leads around the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best natural attractions to visit around Crowley Lake?
The area around Crowley Lake is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the unique geological formations of the Crowley Lake Columns, relax in the natural pools of Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs, or enjoy panoramic views from HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴. Additionally, Convict Lake offers stunning alpine scenery and a picturesque setting.
Are there any hot springs near Crowley Lake?
Yes, the region is well-known for its natural hot springs. Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs features multiple natural pools of varying sizes and temperatures, easily accessible even in winter. Another popular option is HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴, which offers panoramic views over Alkali Lake from its stone-and-cement tub.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around Crowley Lake?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. Convict Lake has a scenic 3-mile loop trail and another connecting to the Sierra Crest. For a different experience, the Lower Rock Creek Trail offers fast and scenic mountain biking opportunities. You can also hike to the unique Crowley Lake Columns. For more options, check out the Hiking around Crowley Lake guide.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking options near Crowley Lake?
Yes, several easy and family-friendly options are available. The Convict Lake loop trail is an easy 3-mile hike suitable for families. The trail to Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs is also an easy walk. The Crowley Lake Columns trail is another easy option. For more details on accessible routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Crowley Lake guide.
What activities are available at Convict Lake?
Convict Lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for rainbow, German brown, and sucker trout. It also features a scenic 3-mile hiking trail around the lake, with another trail extending towards the Sierra Crest. Boating is also popular on the lake.
Can I go mountain biking near Crowley Lake?
Yes, the Lower Rock Creek Trail is a fantastic singletrack trail known for its fast and fun riding sections, as well as more adventurous parts with rock gardens and scenic views. Parking is available at both ends for easy access.
What is the best time of year to visit Crowley Lake for outdoor activities?
The fishing season typically opens in late April, attracting many anglers. Summer and fall are excellent for hiking, with McGee Creek offering vibrant fall colors. While some hot springs like Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs are accessible even in winter, conditions for other activities may vary seasonally.
Are there any unique geological formations to see?
Absolutely. The Crowley Lake Columns are a must-see. These mysterious, towering cylindrical pillars, some up to 20 feet high, were formed by volcanic activity over 700,000 years ago. They are particularly popular for photography, especially at sunrise, though access often requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and can depend on water levels.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Crowley Lake?
The Crowley Lake area, part of the Long Valley Caldera, is a diverse ecosystem. It attracts various bird species, including osprey and bald eagles, especially during migrations. You can also spot other wildlife in the surrounding natural landscapes.
Are there any lakes other than Crowley Lake worth visiting in the area?
Yes, Convict Lake is a picturesque alpine lake known for its fishing and hiking. Further afield, the Hilton Creek Lakes offer a beautiful hike through Lodgepine and Aspen forests, with six distinct lakes, wildflowers in summer, and stunning autumn colors.
Is dispersed camping allowed near the hot springs?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed around Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs. However, camping directly at HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴 is not permitted, though it is allowed on nearby public land.
Where can I find information about permits for hiking or camping?
For certain areas, such as the Hilton Creek Lakes if you plan to camp, a wilderness permit is required. More information can typically be found on the Inyo National Forest website.
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