When most people think of Nevada, they picture seas of sagebrush or glittering casinos rising out of the desert. It’s true: Nevada has those things — but if you look just a little deeper into the heart of Nevada, you’ll find countless treasures awaiting discovery. And the crown jewels of these gems? The state’s plethora of isolated, achingly beautiful hot springs.
Most folks are unaware that Nevada is one of the most geothermally active regions in North America. Meaning that below all of that sagebrush, the earth tumbles with heat and energy, some of which escapes to the surface in the form of pristine, hot water that has been soothing humans for countless generations.
With 60 million acres of public land, the state offers unparalleled openness, inviting you to explore. This vastness ensures that hidden gems remain just that — hidden — ready for those willing to seek them out and discover their secrets. And perhaps one of the best parts: You’ll be (mostly) alone, surrounded by silence and the wide open vistas of endless sage, basin, and range.
Throw in endless dispersed camping and tons of charming historical towns and overnighters along the way, and every trip is a new adventure.
Learn More About Nevada Hot Springs
What Is Good Hot Spring Etiquette?
Enjoying Nevada’s hot springs requires not just enthusiasm but also respect and consideration. Follow these etiquette tips to ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- While it’s tempting to geotag your hot spring finds on Instagram, it’s important to keep these locations off the social map to preserve the thrill of the hunt.
- Many Nevada hot springs are often surrounded by muddy alkali surfaces, so plan to park a good distance away and wear shoes that can handle getting messy.
- Don’t pitch your tent or park your vehicle too close to the springs. Your campsite should respect the view, maintain the ambiance, and allow local critters access to their water source. Also, respect private property boundaries — camping without permission is a no-go.
- Always leave the area as you found it. If a gate is open, leave it open; if it’s closed, close it behind you. And don’t forget to flex your Leave No Trace ethics by packing out everything you brought in, plus any extra trash you find!
- Leave your glass containers at home. Instead, opt for cans or unbreakable vessels to enjoy a sip while you dip.
- Check the water temperature before hopping in, as conditions can change quickly. When you’re done, leave a trickle of water flowing to keep the spring ready for the next group. Keep a close eye on pets, especially near extremely hot pools, and remember to keep your head above water.
How to Be Prepared for Car Travel in Nevada
Sharing the adventure with a buddy is crucial — always let someone know which part of Nevada you’re exploring, and bring friends along for company and safety.
Always fill up your gas tank before venturing into the wilderness. Travel with at least 3 gallons of extra drinking water, blankets, and enough food to last a couple of days in case you get stuck.
Although some of Nevada’s hot springs can be accessed with a two-wheel-drive vehicle, many of its best pools are protected by rough, gnarly roads that demand a 4×4 rig. If possible, utilize an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance for your trip.
And lastly, don’t trust your fate to Google Maps. Service in the outback of Nevada is incredibly spotty, if nonexistent. At a bare minimum, download your maps ahead of time. But even better — pick up a detailed topo/road map and navigate the old-fashioned way once you’re beyond the reaches of technology.
Our Top 5 Nevada Hot Springs
From where-the-heck-are-we dirt road sojourns to easily accessible pools, the springs in Nevada run the gamut. So do your research, make a plan, set your waypoints, and pack your supplies — and then hit the road to find your own slice of thermal paradise.
1. Spencer Hot Springs: The Perfect Detour
Why go: Tucked off the Loneliest Road in America just outside of Austin, Spencer Hot Springs has been welcoming “super soakers” for decades due to its reliably hot waters, insane views, and primitive, out-there vibe.
It’s simultaneously one of the most accessible and isolated hot springs on this list, making it ideal for folks new to primitive hot springs. There are several pools of varying heat and quality, and dispersed camping options are nearly limitless.
However, due to its popularity, you’re likely to encounter a couple of other folks at this one-of-a-kind wonder in central Nevada.
Where to stay: You can literally pull over and camp almost anywhere, but if you’d rather settle in and enjoy some creature comforts, Austin is a short drive away, offering several motels and inns to choose from, plus a variety of historical curiosities including the Austin Historical Society Museum.
Special considerations: Spencer Hot Springs has one of the darkest night skies in the state. So be sure to scope out the stars while nabbing a soak. Also, the plucky and curious Hickison burro herd calls the area home and is sure to entertain with their enthusiastic brays while you’re taking a dip.
2. Ruby Valley Hot Spring: A Secluded Gem
Why go: Ruby Valley Hot Spring is out there — and you’ll probably have this one to yourself! Tucked on the east side of the Ruby Mountains, this isolated hot spring makes for the perfect stop after a backpacking trip or long excursion on the historic Pony Express route.
This spring’s rich, turquoise waters will invite you to stay awhile. However, the pool’s depth is considerable, so be mindful if bringing children along.
It’s such a gorgeous pool that you might wonder why so few people visit. The answer? It’s not really on the way to anything and requires some gnarly driving to access (4×4 recommended). So go ahead, tell a friend — you still probably won’t see them there because it takes a lot of effort to enjoy this pool’s supreme beauty and solitude.
Where to stay: There’s lots of dispersed camping available in the immediate vicinity, but we recommend making Elko, Nevada, your adventure home base.
This bustling town has tons of cowboy culture, art, entertainment, dining, and lodging options. Plus, it’s the perfect launch point for accessing hiking trips into the Ruby Mountains in the summer and the range’s heli-skiing ops in the winter.
Special considerations: As with all hot springs, remember to keep your head above the water’s surface to avoid any unwanted bugs. Also, Ruby Valley’s source vent is exposed and very hot, so keep any pets you might bring leashed and away from these scalding waters.
3. Soldier Meadows: Northwestern Exposure
Why go: Accessing Soldier Meadows is a big commitment. It sits at the northern periphery of the Black Rock Desert, made famous by its status as the marquee venue of Burning Man. It’s easily the hardest-to-access hot spring on this list. But that means the rewards for hot spring adventurers are that much more seductive.
The natural hot springs creek at Soldier Meadows lures soakers with its inviting terraced and rock-dammed pools. A couple of these pools are spacious enough for groups, while a few just down the creek are perfect for a more intimate soak. There are also a number of hidden, more obscure pools that you can find by doing a bit of research.
Where to stay: To be clear, Soldier Meadows is very deep in the Nevada outback and requires more than 50 miles of slow-going, dirt-road driving. That said, once you’re at Soldier Meadows, you’ll probably want to hunker down and stay awhile.
Dispersed camping options are plentiful, and there’s also established camping, but perhaps the coolest option is a first-come, first-served BLM cabin that has a wood-burning stove and a rustic ambiance that will be welcome after a long, peaceful soak in the northwest Nevada solitude.
Special considerations: You’re going to be all alone out there, so proper preparation is absolutely essential. Help is more than a day away, so you’ll want to come prepared with several days’ worth of extra food and water, plus a sturdy 4×4 rig and spare tire (and the know-how to change a flat if needed). If possible, bring a satellite phone or other enhanced telecom device in case of emergency.
4. Fish Lake: South-Central Solitude
Why go: Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, sometimes called Fish Lake Valley Hot Well, is an off-the-radar gem. Only about a 7-minute drive off the highway on a well-maintained dirt road, this spot is a hot spring enthusiast’s dream. Free and open to the public, it offers a large parking area, primitive campsites, and a vault toilet.
The centerpiece is a hefty below-ground concrete tub that stays around 105 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Its outflow trickles into massive natural ponds surrounded by marshy vegetation, attracting abundant wildlife, including plenty of fish.
If you’ve got time, the trailhead for Boundary Peak — Nevada’s tallest point, at 13,147 feet — is nearby, so remember to bring your hiking kit to make this hot spring soak that much better after a long trek.
Where to stay: Free and open to the public, Fish Lake has a large parking area and primitive campsites. Dispersed camping is available, but Dyer is just south of the hot spring and has a very nice RV park with historic cabins.
Also, the nearby historical mining town Tonopah makes for an excellent adventure hub with plentiful lodging options and comfortable overnight stays. The town’s mining park lends insight into the region’s prolific mining history, and if you need an extra dose of eclectic, there is the International Car Forest in nearby Goldfield, so bring your camera!
Special considerations: The Fish Lake area offers top-notch birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. However, despite the name, fishing at Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs is restricted. But keep an eye out for the large schools of goldfish that thrive in the warm ponds year-round.
5. David Walley’s Resort: Sierra Serenity
Why go: If traveling into the wild Nevada outback isn’t your jam, David Walley’s Resort is a great family-friendly option for those who want an easily accessible soak just off the highway.
Nestled against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, this resort has been the go-to spot for ultimate relaxation for nearly 160 years. In fact, Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) soaked at David Walley’s and chronicled his affinity for the spring’s warm, mineral-rich waters.
Where to stay: David Walley’s is a hot spring resort with plentiful lodging options. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio, a one- or two-bedroom villa, or a spacious two- or three-bedroom cottage, you’ll find it here. Each room comes with a full kitchen or kitchenette, fully equipped with cookware and tableware, making it easy to cook for the whole family.
Special considerations: One of Nevada’s oldest settlements, Genoa, is a quick drive away. It was founded as a supply station for westward pioneers and is home to the state’s oldest saloon, a state park, and a picturesque main street.
Become a ‘Super Soaker’ and Explore Nevada Hot Springs
Although the hot springs noted in this article are some of Nevada’s best, they really are just the tip of the iceberg. From inviting resorts to public oases, there are dozens of hot springs in Nevada, and a person could spend a lifetime exploring them all.
However, these places are fragile. Practicing whole-hearted LNT ethics and acting as a conscientous steward of the land is critical. This way, we can ensure they’re just as special to future generations as they’ve been for us.
This post was sponsored by Travel Nevada.
