Fumarole — Not a Soaking Spring
Fumaroles is a fumarole, not a traditional hot spring. These geothermal features can be extremely dangerous — boiling water, toxic gases, and unstable ground are common hazards. Do not attempt to soak.
File:Mammoth - panoramio (2).jpg — cc by 3.0
Fumaroles vent superheated steam high in the Sierra at 8,167 feet, where the geothermal system expresses itself through mountain air in protected National Forest terrain.
The journey requires a short 1,500-foot walk through alpine landscape where wind, rocky terrain, and dramatic elevation define the experience. These steam vents emerge in a harsh environment dominated by sparse vegetation and volcanic rock, creating an otherworldly thermal display in the midst of pristine backcountry near Mammoth Lakes.
History of Fumaroles
The fumaroles represent high-elevation geothermal expression within Inyo National Forest, where the same volcanic systems that powered lower-elevation springs manifest as pure steam vents at altitude. The landscape's extreme winter conditions—nearly 200 inches of annual snow—mean these features are most accessible during summer months.
Access via Lake Mary Campground area with a short uphill hike; check Forest Service conditions before visiting as snow blocks access most of the year. Best season is July through September. Bring warm layers even in summer at this elevation.
Is Fumaroles worth visiting?
Fumaroles is well suited for overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 32.8 in
Annual Snow: 199.8 in
Overview
Lake Mary is the star of the Mammoth Lakes region. Of the 11 lakes in the area, Mary is the largest and most developed. Lake Mary Campground is a large facility with plenty of amenities in and around it. The lake provides a great base for activities like fishing, viewing waterfalls, hiking and backpacking.Recreation
Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and is well-known to anglers for its rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing. No swimmin...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Lake Mary Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
28 miles from Mammoth Lakes, CA
USGS Quad: (DEVILS POSTPILE 15) · NOAA: 5.0 · AMS Map: MARIPOSA
What is the water temperature at Fumaroles?
Fumaroles is classified as hot. An exact temperature measurement has not been recorded.
Where is Fumaroles located?
Fumaroles is located in Mono County, California at 8,167 feet elevation, near Mammoth Lakes. Coordinates: 37.6220°N, 119.0280°W.
How do I get to Fumaroles?
Fumaroles has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Fumaroles free to visit?
Fumaroles has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Fumaroles?
Yes, Lake Mary Campground is located nearby (1.6 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Fumaroles?
Fumaroles is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Fumaroles crowded?
Fumaroles sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Fumaroles?
Essentials for Fumaroles: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.