Maybe this dates me, but do you remember as a kid having to navigate via a Rand McNally map for a road trip? One of our family’s fondest memories was when I was promoted to “co-pilot” for the 1st time. I was maybe eleven. My dad seated in the driver’s seat waiting for my instructions. I watched as our turn zipped by on an expressway in New Mexico. Nervous that I failed my father, I sheepishly said we missed the turn. “Well? It isn’t a failure if you have a plan B.” Looking down at the map, I suggested to take a small state road called “505” instead. What started as a highway quickly transitioned to gravel eventually into a bumpy dirt road. It was stressful during it, but afterwards this adventure became one of our most memorable adventures as a family.
While there is an easy route to get to Benton California, ours was by a road like this. More on this adventure in our “things to do” section.
Journey Is The Reward
If there’s one thing to remember on a trip to the Eastern Sierra, don’t be in a rush to get to your destination. Instead, slow down and get lost. Maybe not get lost… but become an explorer. You’ll find things that most will never see such the Red Rock Canyon.
History
Gold Sparked But Silver Fueled Its Renaissance
To give you an idea of how old Benton is, let’s look at the 1st settlement in what was to become Nevada. Genoa was founded in 1851. A year later, the town of Benton California was formed. It was originally setup as a waypoint to get to the boomtowns of Aurora and Bodie. Although gold being found in 1862 in the hills surrounding Benton sparked its population boom, it was silver that helped it thrive for more than fifty years.
The Springs Kept It Going
Other mining settlements surrounding it such as Bodie become ghost towns by 1915. Benton had one resource that helped it not completely collapse – the hot springs. Due to its consistent flow and its purity even after the silver mining was finished, its bathhouses were still attracting visitors from afar including Hollywood celebrities such as Fred MacMurray into the forties and fifties.
Cars…
Much of its popularity was because of its ease of access via the Carson and Colorado Railroad. As the railroad ceased its operation in 1960 and cars became the primary mode of transportation, most visitors stayed on US-395. What you find today is an oasis hidden away in the rolling high desert. A place to re-energize your batteries and restore your soul from a good soak in the Benton Springs.
What’s There To Do
A Place With Many Names
From whatever direction you arrive, the one thing you’ll see is the iconic sign which reads Historical Benton Hot Springs – population 13½. The town itself is technically Benton California and is part of the census-designated place in Mono County, but it’s known for its hot springs which it grew around hence why many call it Benton Hot Springs.
Soak Up The Good Life At The Inn At Benton Hot Springs
This is one of our favorite hot spring resorts we’ve ever visited. Is it because of the amenities? Nope, the other way around. Miles from any large civilization and no televisions, this heavenly place helped us unwind. The only sounds we heard were birds chirping and the trickling of water into the private pool as we read our books. The B&B is housed in a 1940s historic building featuring seven rooms and two private historic houses. As such, it’s a good idea to book your stay WAY ahead of time. They also have a handful of camping sites that each have their own private hot springs pools as well.
Note: Pools are only accessible for guests staying at the Inn or have a camping site.
Stroll Back In Time Via A Self-Guided Tour
Benton is the oldest town in Mono County and at its height hosted almost 5,000 inhabitants. From being a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop to a Hollywood celebrity hotspot, the Historic Benton Hot Springs self-guided walking tour allows you to explore the deep history that is in the almost ghost-town. And due to many of the original buildings remaining from the cemetery down to the Old Wells Fargo Building, you’ll catch a glimpse of its heyday. Maps of the route are available at The Inn at Benton Hot Springs ($5 donation to preserve the historical area).
Take The Road Less Traveled
If you’ve never left the smooth pavement of a highway, the Eastern Sierra surrounding Benton California is the perfect destination to do just that. It’s exhilarating! You’ll have to follow a PRINTED map but that’s the best part. We took Route 14 from Bishop and most of the journey may have been on graded gravel roads but we didn’t see a single person on it for over THREE HOURS.
Note: You are MILES away from any civilization with NO cell reception. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, lots of snacks, and plenty of water. You are responsible if anything happens.
Getting There
Even if you don’t take a gravel road, Benton Crossing Road from Mammoth Lakes is filled with eye popping scenery. Starting from Benton, you’ll come upon the Benton Crags, the Owens River, and the north shore of Crowley. As you come upon the intersection of Highway 395, this segment of Benton Crossing is the location where so many commercials and Instagram photos have been shot with the Sierra as the background.
When To Visit
The most ideal time to visit would be spring or fall, but Benton’s climate is a classic high desert location. Regardless of when you visit, you can always find a time of day that the temps will be comfortable. For example, mid-summer might be the most unfavorable due to temperatures averaging the mid-90’s but lows are in the 50s so you can escape the heat by going at night or in the morning. While in the winter, Benton only averages eleven inches of snow annually so you can chase the warmth of the sun during the day.
Things To Know
While the B&B offers breakfast, be aware that the closest restaurant in Benton Station is only open from 8am-4pm. It’s a good idea to have dinner in Bishop or Mammoth Lakes before coming or bring your food with you.
