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California
Mono County

Mcgee Creek

Attractions and Places To See around Mcgee Creek - Top 13

Best attractions and places to see around Mcgee Creek are found in the scenic Mono County, California, offering a diverse landscape of alpine lakes, geothermal features, and high desert terrain. This region provides opportunities for exploring natural monuments and engaging in outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its unique geological formations and stunning mountain backdrops, making it a notable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best attractions and places to see around Mcgee Creek

  • The most popular attractions is Convict Lake

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Convict Lake

Highlight • Lake

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 …

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Hot Creek Ranch

Highlight • Settlement

Hot Creek Ranch is a gorgeous, privately owned ranch featuring stunning streamside cabins surrounded by incredible scenery, fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It's …

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Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs

Highlight • Natural Monument

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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Hot Creek Geological Site

Highlight • Natural Monument

From a volcanic cleft, boiling hot water escapes into a pool, which evaporates turquoise blue. From the upper vantage point you can see it best.

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HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴

Highlight • Natural Monument

Also called Pulky's Pool, Hill Top Hot Spring has the best view and is probably the easiest accessible hot spring in winter snow in the hot spring-rich valley just south …

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Sue
January 14, 2024, Hot Creek Ranch

Hot Creek Ranch is a gorgeous, privately owned ranch featuring stunning streamside cabins surrounded by incredible scenery, fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It's a dry fly-only ranch, so you can enjoy the thrill of catching fish with nothing but your skills and a bit of luck.

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Marika Abbà
December 15, 2023, Convict Lake

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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JRA
June 27, 2020, Convict Lake

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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From a volcanic cleft, boiling hot water escapes into a pool, which evaporates turquoise blue. From the upper vantage point you can see it best.

Translated by Google

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From a volcanic cleft, boiling hot water escapes into a pool, which evaporates turquoise blue.

Translated by Google

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best natural features to explore around McGee Creek?

The region around McGee Creek in Mono County, California, is rich in natural wonders. You can visit Convict Lake, an idyllic glacially formed lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Another unique natural feature is the Hot Creek Geological Site, where boiling hot water escapes from a volcanic cleft into a turquoise blue pool, offering a fascinating geological phenomenon.

Are there any hot springs to visit near McGee Creek?

Yes, the area is well-known for its natural hot springs. You can relax at Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs, which features several natural pools of varying sizes and temperatures. Another option is HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴, also known as Pulky's Pool, which offers stunning views and is often accessible even in winter snow.

What kind of hiking trails can I find around McGee Creek?

The McGee Creek area offers a variety of hiking opportunities. You can enjoy an easy 3-mile loop trail around Convict Lake. For more options, explore the hiking routes around McGee Creek, which include trails like Convict Creek Trail and McGee Pass Trail, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also find easy hikes such as Wild Willy's Hot Springs Trail and McGee Creek Trail.

Are there family-friendly activities available near McGee Creek?

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. Convict Lake is a great spot for a scenic walk around the lake, and it's also popular for fishing. Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs offers natural pools that families can enjoy. The easy hiking trails, such as the Convict Lake Loop, are also perfect for family outings.

Where can I go fishing around McGee Creek?

Fishing is a popular activity in the region. Convict Lake is renowned for its clear blue waters, where you can find rainbow trout and German brown trout. Additionally, Hot Creek Ranch is a dry fly-only ranch, offering a unique fishing experience in its stunning streams.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around McGee Creek?

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. The clear blue waters of Convict Lake and its surrounding snow-capped mountains are a highlight. The unique geothermal features, such as the boiling pools at Hot Creek Geological Site and the relaxing natural hot springs like Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs, are also highly rated experiences.

Are there any running trails in the McGee Creek area?

Yes, the area provides several options for runners. You can find various running trails around McGee Creek, including the Convict Lake loop from Convict Lake, and longer routes like the Hot Creek valley loop. These trails offer diverse terrain for different running preferences.

Can I find accommodations or places to stay near McGee Creek?

While specific accommodation details are not extensively covered, the region does offer options. For example, Hot Creek Ranch features streamside cabins for a comfortable stay. Additionally, dispersed camping is allowed around Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs, providing an option for those who prefer camping.

What kind of unique geological features can I observe?

The region is known for its unique geological formations. The Hot Creek Geological Site is a prime example, where you can witness boiling hot water emerging from a volcanic cleft. The area's hot springs, such as Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs and HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴, are also direct results of the active geothermal landscape.

Are there any viewpoints offering scenic vistas?

Yes, several spots offer breathtaking views. The area around Convict Lake provides stunning vistas of the lake framed by snow-capped mountains. From an upper vantage point at the Hot Creek Geological Site, you can best observe the turquoise blue pool and volcanic activity. HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴 is also noted for having one of the best views in the hot spring-rich valley.

What are some easy outdoor activities for visitors?

For easy outdoor activities, consider the 3-mile loop trail around Convict Lake, which is suitable for a leisurely walk. You can also find several easy hikes in the area, including the Wild Willy's Hot Springs Trail and the McGee Creek Trail, perfect for a relaxed exploration of the natural surroundings.

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