Nature in action: boiling water bubbling up from the creek, the river naturally leading to the Eastern Sierra, and stars gleaming in the purple sky. Hot Creek Geothermic Area is the place to be for epic Milky Way and astrophotography.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
Wide-angle lens (16mm)
Tripod
How to get there
N37° 39' 45.3132"W118° 49' 38.3124"
This photo of Hot Creek and the Milky Way was taken near Brees Lookout in the Eastern Sierra of California.
It's easily accessible from Highway 395 by car. From Highway 395, you need to take Hot Creek Hatchery Road. After about ten minutes of driving, the location point will be on your left. You can park your car directly at the roadside. You will want to face west, aligning yourself with Hot Creek and the mountainscape.
Be careful if you're planning to get there during the winter months as it might be hard to access due to snow.
Tips
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Best times to go
Current weather conditions and times around twilight