Benton Hot Springs: Where History Soaks in Geothermal Perfection

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you slip into naturally heated mineral water under a canopy of stars so vast it feels like you’re floating in space itself. No artificial lighting for miles. No cell phone signals. Just you, 140-degree geothermal water cooled to perfection, and the kind of silence that modern life has almost made extinct. Welcome to Benton Hot Springs, where a 160-year-old mining town has transformed into perhaps the most authentic hot springs experience California has to offer.

Forget the crowded commercial spas with their chlorinated pools and WiFi passwords. The hot springs at Benton are perhaps the purest hot springs in the world. Natural mineral water rises to the earth’s surface at 140º in this historic mining town. This isn’t a place you stumble upon by accident. It’s a destination you seek deliberately, understanding that true relaxation requires a bit of intentional isolation.

The Story Behind the Springs

Native Americans lived here for millennia before silver prospectors arrived in the 1860s, when silver was discovered in Blind Spring Hill just east of the hot springs, and a town of nearly a thousand grew up around the springs. While most mining boom towns vanished when the ore ran out, Benton Hot Springs had something more enduring than silver buried beneath its soil.

The town’s survival story reads like a masterclass in adaptation. Named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, an advocate of western expansion, gold was discovered in the hills of Benton in 1862, and its population quickly grew. After the initial gold strike, little more was found. Benton’s profits were soon primarily from silver. By 1865, this had become the largest town in Mono County, complete with Wells Fargo office, general stores, boarding houses, hotels, saloons, a brewery, and even the Bentonian newspaper.

But here’s where Benton distinguished itself from countless other mining towns that became complete ghost towns. When the silver market crashed in the 1870s, the hot springs kept drawing visitors. The town reinvented itself repeatedly over the decades (health spa, dude ranch that attracted Hollywood celebrities like Fred MacMurray in the 1940s and 50s, motel) before settling into its current iteration as an intimate retreat.

In the 1930s, the Bramlettes purchased the entire town site and preserved the history through Historic Benton Hot Springs. The fourth generation of this family still manages the property today, maintaining that delicate balance between preservation and hospitality.

The Inn at Benton Hot Springs

The centerpiece of this operation is the Inn itself, housed in a 1940s building that oozes rustic charm without sacrificing comfort. The Inn at Benton Hot Springs offers a rustic elegance in a tranquil atmosphere, as you soak in the soothing waters of this historic mining town in Mono County.

The Inn features seven individually themed rooms, each named after members of the Bramlette family who shaped this place. From the Victor Suite with its brass bed and travel posters to MaBelle’s room (named after the ranch matriarch who ran both the Inn and the general store for 50 years), every accommodation tells a story. These aren’t generic hotel rooms. They’re time capsules furnished with ranch antiques, waterfall furniture from the 1930s, and enough character to make boutique hotels jealous.

Guests staying at the Inn receive several perks that camping visitors don’t. Most notably, a full ranch-style breakfast served each morning (think hearty portions that fuel a day of exploring, not continental buffet disappointment). The Inn also provides robes for wandering between your room and the hot tubs, unbreakable wine glasses for poolside sipping, and access to semi-private garden hot tubs.

One unique accommodation deserves special mention. The Miner’s Cabin, relocated from Blind Spring Hill in the 1950s, offers what they call “glamping at its best.” This historic structure features a queen bed, battery-operated lights (no utilities), and proximity to both the bathhouse and the Inn’s porches. It’s cold in winter despite available heating, warm in summer despite the fan, and absolutely perfect if you want authenticity over air conditioning.

Beyond the Inn rooms, four historic houses are available for rent (Conway House, Hobbit House, The Bungalow, and Hacienda House), each with private hot tubs. These work well for groups or families wanting more space and independence.

Benton Hot Springs Camping: Your Private Oasis

Here’s where Benton Hot Springs truly distinguishes itself. Each campsite features a private hot tub with picnic table and charcoal grill. Hot tub is fed by natural hot springs; however every tub temperature can be adjusted by the amount of hot water added.

Think about that for a moment. You’re not sharing a communal pool with strangers. You have your own private geothermal hot tub at your campsite. Pitch your tent or park your RV, and you’ve got a dedicated soaking spot that’s yours for the duration of your stay.

There are just 11 campsites, and each is fairly private. The views of the White Mountains are spectacular at sunset and sunrise, and each hot tub has a fantastic vantage point. Sites 1, 2, 3, and 11 feature smaller redwood hot tubs accommodating one to three people. Sites 4 through 10 are larger, with tubs holding four to eight people. Some sites include shaded gazebos. All sites have foliage and trees providing natural privacy screens.

Temperature control works intuitively. The spring water emerges at 140 degrees but cools as it travels through pipes to your tub. You control the flow of hot water into the tub, and during warm months, sprinklers help cool the water further. Finding your perfect temperature becomes part of the experience.

Important notes for campers: There are no hookups (no electricity, water, or sewer connections). You’re bringing your camping gear and setting up at a designated spot with a hot tub. The property maintains clean heated restroom facilities with hot water. WiFi is available at campsites. Pets are welcome but must stay in your tub site area on a leash.

The clothing-optional policy deserves mention. Foliage and trees separate the bathing areas where clothing is optional, but discretion is required. This isn’t a nudist resort. It’s simply a recognition that people relax in hot water differently. The privacy screens and spacing between sites mean you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else unless you choose to socialize.

The Benton Hot Springs Experience

What makes soaking here different from commercial hot springs? Purity, for one thing. These springs filter through layers of rock without human intervention beyond the pipes carrying water to tubs. The water in the tubs can range from 102°F to 104°F, depending on the flow and your preferences. Guests can adjust the temperature by adding more cold water or reducing the flow of hot water.

But the real differentiator is the setting. Accommodations include seven rooms at the Inn (including breakfast), a historic miner’s cabin, five houses with private hot tubs, and 11 private tub sites for tent or RV camping. Whether you’re staying in the Inn or camping, you’re part of something deliberately small-scale and personal.

The dark sky viewing at Benton ranks among the best in California. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way appears so bright that you can sometimes see your shadow by starlight alone. Soaking in a hot tub while stargazing under these conditions creates the kind of memory that doesn’t fade.

The property spans 1,255 acres, giving you room to explore beyond just soaking. A self-guided walking tour (maps available at the Inn for a $5 donation to preserve the historical area) leads you through remaining buildings from the town’s heyday, including the old Wells Fargo building and cemetery. These aren’t Disney recreations. They’re authentic structures that have weathered more than a century.

Location and Getting There

Benton Hot Springs is located 3 miles west-southwest of Benton Station and 31 miles north-northwest of Bishop, at an elevation of 5,630 feet. This Eastern Sierra location puts you in high desert country with dramatic temperature swings and stunning mountain views.

From Bishop, take US-6 North, then turn onto Benton Crossing Road. Follow it to Highway 120 and head toward Benton Hot Springs. From Mammoth Lakes, take US 395 to Benton Crossing Road, then follow the same route. From Lee Vining and points north, take Highway 120 east directly to Benton.

One critical note: Highway 120 from Mono Lake to Benton Hot Springs can close during winter months due to snow. Don’t rely solely on GPS. Call ahead (760-933-2287) to check road conditions, especially between November and April. The inn can provide current information and alternative routes if needed.

The nearest town, Benton Station, sits about 4 miles away and offers a combination gas station, general store, and cafe. That’s it. Bishop, 40 miles away, provides full services including groceries, restaurants, and supplies. This remoteness is precisely the point. You come here to disconnect, not to run errands.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Reservations: This place is popular despite (or because of) its isolation. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons like holidays and weekends. Book well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. The Inn’s phone number is 760-933-2287, or email bentonhotsprings@gmail.com.

Rates: According to Finding Hot Springs, cabins typically range from $150 to $200 per night, while campsites are generally more affordable. Exact pricing varies by season and accommodation type. Day-use passes may be available upon request, though Benton primarily operates as an overnight destination.

Best Times to Visit: Benton is open year-round, but experiences vary dramatically by season. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) offer mild temperatures and beautiful high desert colors. Summer days get hot (low to mid 90s) though nights cool down, making evening soaking particularly pleasant. Winter brings frigid nights (teens and 20s) but daytime temperatures reach the 50s, creating that perfect contrast for hot tubbing in cold air. Winter visits offer a cozy, cold-weather soaking experience, while summer can be hot but manageable.

What to Pack: This is remote territory, so pack accordingly. Bring all the food and beverages you’ll want (the Inn provides breakfast for guests, but that’s it). Camping gear if you’re staying at a tub site. Layers of clothing since temperatures swing wildly between day and night. Sunscreen and sun protection (that elevation intensifies UV exposure). A good book or two (there’s no TV, limited WiFi, and sketchy cell service). A flashlight or headlamp for nighttime navigation. And perhaps most importantly, a mindset ready for genuine relaxation.

Policies: The Inn has specific cancellation policies (72 hours’ notice required for refunds on tub rentals). Children and pets are allowed in specific accommodations but restricted in others, so verify when booking. Quiet hours are enforced. This isn’t a party destination. It’s a place people come to decompress.

Beyond the Hot Springs: Nearby Attractions

While the hot springs provide enough justification for the trip, the surrounding area offers remarkable attractions according to Galloway Kite Trail and the Inn’s own website.

Bodie State Historic Park: About an hour’s drive away, this remarkably preserved ghost town offers a window into California’s Gold Rush era. Unlike Benton, which survived and adapted, Bodie completely collapsed when the gold ran out. Walking through its arrested decay provides fascinating contrast. The buildings remain as they were when the last residents left, creating an authentic time capsule. Admission fees apply.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: Also roughly an hour away, this area protects some of Earth’s oldest living organisms. Trees here can exceed 4,000 years old, predating the pyramids of Egypt. The high-altitude forest (10,000 to 11,000 feet) offers a surreal landscape where gnarled, twisted trees somehow thrive in conditions that would kill most plants.

Eastern Sierra Hiking: The surrounding mountains contain countless trails ranging from easy walks to serious backcountry expeditions. Ask the Inn staff for current trail conditions and recommendations based on your interests and fitness level.

Fishing: Nearby rivers and lakes, particularly in the Owens Valley, offer excellent trout fishing. Obtain appropriate California fishing licenses before casting.

Off-Road Exploring: The area features numerous dirt roads perfect for high-clearance vehicles and adventurous spirits. The Historic Benton Hot Springs website recommends checking out Routes 13-15 in “Backroad Tours of the Eastern Sierra” for excellent off-road adventures.

FAQ

Why Benton Hot Springs Matters

In an era when “getting away from it all” usually means turning your phone on airplane mode while staying at a resort with 400 rooms, Benton Hot Springs offers something increasingly rare. Genuine remoteness. Authentic history. Family stewardship spanning generations. And yes, remarkably pure geothermal water emerging from the earth at the perfect temperature for human relaxation.

This isn’t a place that tries to be all things to all people. There’s no spa menu offering hot stone massages. No restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine (though that hearty ranch breakfast hits perfectly). No activities director organizing poolside games. The experience is deliberately simple. Soak. Read. Stargaze. Explore the ghost town. Soak some more. Sleep deeply in the high desert silence. Repeat.

Some visitors find this simplicity disappointing. They want amenities, entertainment, options. Those visitors should probably go elsewhere. But if you understand that true luxury sometimes means having nothing to do but be present in a remarkable place, Benton Hot Springs delivers an experience that no amount of money can replicate at a five-star resort.

The Bramlette family has carefully preserved this balance for four generations now. They could have expanded, commercialized, turned Benton into something more profitable and less authentic. Instead, they’ve maintained the intimate scale and historic integrity that make this place special. That’s a rare choice in modern America, and one worth supporting.

Planning Your Benton Hot Springs Escape

Start by checking availability. The limited accommodations mean you can’t be spontaneous about visiting (at least not if you want to stay overnight). Call 760-933-2287 or email bentonhotsprings@gmail.com well in advance, especially for summer weekends or holiday periods.

Decide between Inn accommodations, a house rental, or camping. If you want the full breakfast and slightly more comfort, choose the Inn. If you want more independence and space for a group, consider one of the houses. If you’re comfortable camping and want the most authentic experience, grab one of the tub sites.

Check road conditions if visiting between November and April. Pack appropriately for high desert climate swings. Bring food and beverages. Lower your expectations for connectivity and modern conveniences. Raise your expectations for stars, silence, and genuine relaxation.

Then surrender to the experience. Let the mineral water work its magic. Watch the White Mountains change colors as the sun sets. Listen to coyotes howl in the distance. Feel your breathing slow and your shoulders drop. Remember what it feels like when your mind actually quiets.

This is what Benton Hot Springs offers. Not luxury in the conventional sense, but something perhaps more valuable. A chance to step out of time for a while, to soak in water that’s been warming underground for who knows how long, to sleep in buildings with actual history, to wake up to landscapes that have looked essentially the same for millennia.

In our hyperconnected, overstimulated, endlessly distracted world, a place like Benton Hot Springs isn’t just nice. It’s necessary. Your nervous system knows it, even if your mind hasn’t admitted it yet. The hot springs are waiting. The stars are brilliant. The only question is when you’ll make the trip.

Sources:

• Benton Hot Springs Information – Galloway Kite Trail
• Things to Do at Benton Hot Springs
• Benton Hot Springs Complete Guide – Finding Hot Springs