Relaxing Nevada Hot Springs for a Desert Soak

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Black Rock Hot Springs in Nevada Photo credit: Travel Nevada

Nevada is known for its dusty desert landscapes, picturesque national parks, rolling mountain ranges and vibrant Las Vegas nightlife. However, the Silver State is also home to more than 300 natural hot springs. In fact, Nevada has more hot springs than any other U.S. state. While some of these pools are found within resorts, others are tucked into canyons or nestled into the mountains, only accessible by hiking or off-road vehicles.

Soak among colorful canyon walls at Arizona Hot Springs or try a detox mud treatment at Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center. Enjoy views of the Black Rock Desert’s Playa at Black Rock Hot Springs or soak in a rustic tub at Spencer Hot Springs. Plan your next Nevada hot springs adventure now with this list of the state’s 12 best hot springs.

1. Twelve-Mile (Bishop Creek) Hot Springs

The Twelve-Mile Hot Springs, also known as Bishop Creek Hot Springs, is located 12 miles north of Wells, hence the name. Tucked into the Bishop Creek Canyon, these springs are found at the end of an easy 1/4-mile hike.

The springs include one man-made pool that is 40 feet long and three feet deep. The water temperature is typically around 100 degrees, which can vary depending on the season. The pool is open year-round and there is camping nearby.

Spencer Hot Springs is one of the Nevada Hot Springs
Spencer Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

2. Spencer Hot Springs

Spencer Hot Springs sits in the open desert valley, at the foothills of the Toiyabe Range. Here, visitors will find a cluster of rustic tubs and small pools. There is a pool with a sandy bottom, and there are two tubs made from metal cattle troughs.

The springs are managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and are free and open all year-round. The water is around 130 degrees near the source, and in the low hundreds in the pools. Be sure to test the water before entering, as it can be scalding during the summer months.

3. Arizona Hot Springs

Tucked in a colorful slot canyon and only accessible via a moderate hike, Arizona Hot Springs provides the ultimate secluded springs experience. There are three pools, varying in temperature and depth and separated by sand bags. These pools are surrounded by canyon walls that are washed with gray, purple and pink streaks.

The three-mile hike leading up to the warm springs starts a couple miles south of Hoover Dam. The trail passes through a dark ravine, opens up alongside the Colorado River and slips through a slot canyon before emerging at the springs. Those looking to kayak can also access the river by paddling upriver from Willow Beach.

Indoor pool at Carson Hot Springs, one of the Nevada Hot Springs
Carson Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

4. Carson Hot Springs

To enjoy abundant amenities and a private soaking experience, visit Carson Hot Springs Resort outside of downtown Carson City. There is an outdoor pool surrounded by a patio where visitors can relax and sunbathe. There are also various jacuzzis and private indoor pools.

The hot springs are naturally heated and the mineral water is known for its healing properties. The water source is around 120 degrees, and the pools are kept around 95 degrees in the summer and 100 in the winter. After a day of soaking and sunbathing, visitors can grab a bite to eat at the neighboring Sassafras Restaurant or a beer from Shoe Tree Brewery.

Goldstrike is one of the Nevada Hot Springs.
Gold Strike Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

5. Gold Strike Hot Springs

Looking for a fun day trip from Las Vegas? Head to Gold Strike Hot Springs, about an hour from downtown Las Vegas. This collection of natural hot springs can only be accessed by kayaking through Black Canyon on the Colorado River or by hiking a steep and rocky trail. The hike includes several rope climbs, where hikers must use trail ropes to navigate steep descents.

Along the way, hikers will encounter several hot springs pools ranging in temperature from 98 degrees to 110 degrees. The number of pools varies, as some pools dry up in the summer. There are also several hot waterfalls and grottos.

Fish Lake Valley is one of Nevada Hot Springs
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

6. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs

Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs features a large concrete pool surrounded by a beautiful marsh, rich in wildlife. The pool is located in the Fish Lake Valley of western Nevada, near the Nevada-California border. Managed by Esmeralda County, the pool is free and open to the public.

The water is naturally heated to around 104°F. Hot water from the pool runs off into nearby ponds, which are around 85°F. There is a parking area right next to the pools and there are nearby campgrounds for those who want to stay the night.

7. Alkali Hot Springs

In the early 1900s, crowds of gold miners flocked to Alkali, a small town near the Nevada-California border. After the Gold Rush, people abandoned Alkali and all that remains today is a ghost town and Alkali Hot Springs, the remains of a 1930s spa.

Alkali Hot Springs features two rock-walled soaking tubs, each accommodating up to three people with temperatures ranging between 100-105°F. Water from the hot spring tubs flows into a concrete pool. Although the water is murky, it is rich in lithium, known to aid with relaxation. Alkali Hot Springs is technically located on private property but access to the pools is not prohibited.

Dad holding baby in Soldier Meadow Hot Springs, one of the Nevada Hot Springs
Soldier Meadow Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

8. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Located in the Black Rock Desert in Northern Nevada, Soldier Meadows hot springs is made up of various mineral water pools. The pools all come from the same source, a warm creek, and are made by damming the creek with large rocks. Soakers are recommended to wear shoes, as visitors have reported finding broken glass at the bottom of the pools.

While some pools can accommodate groups, others are better suited for one or two people. Water temperatures range from the mid 90s to low 100s.

Outdoor facade of Steamboat Hot Springs, one of the Nevada hot springs.
Steamboat Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

9. Steamboat Hot Springs

Steamboat Hot Springs is a healing center and spa located in Reno. The natural hot springs are rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, sodium sulfate, carbon dioxide, sulfur, lithia and silica, providing a therapeutic and rejuvenating soak.

The center also offers massages, in addition to wellness packages, which may include full body scrubs, moisturizing treatments, chakra alignment, mineral baths or detox mud treatments. These packages are aimed to help visitors relax, release tension or recover from illness or sore muscles.

Trego is one of the Nevada Hot Springs.
Trego Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

10. Trego Hot Springs

Trego Hot Springs is a long ditch cutting through the Black Rock Desert, adjacent to active railroad tracks. Some parts of the ditch are hotter than others, so soakers can expect temperatures anywhere between 90 and 100 degrees. The pools have mud floors, which are soft to the touch.

The springs are free to visit and located on public land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A dirt road leads to the springs. This can be difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall, as the road turns to mud, so exercise caution.

Black Rock is one of the Nevada Hot Springs.
Black Rock Hot Springs. Photo credit: Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada

11. Black Rock Hot Springs

Nestled in the Black Rock Desert north of Gerlach, Black Rock Hot Springs is a natural oasis, featuring four pools. The hot spring is owned by the State of Nevada and free to visit. While soaking in the pools, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Black Rock Desert’s Playa and the surrounding desert.

The smallest of the pools is closest to the source and scalding hot, so don’t swim in that pool. The desert can be very hot in the summer, so this spring is best visited in late fall, winter or early spring.

12. Ruby Valley Hot Springs

Several hot springs are scattered throughout the Ruby Valley Refuge. These hot springs, called the Ruby Valley Hit Springs, run off into a marsh area that occupies the surrounding landscape. The largest pool is 30 feet deep and has a stunning green hue.

Springs range in temperature from 100 to 122 °F, so always test the water before entering. The area around the pools is muddy almost all year-round, but there is a wooden platform where soakers can sit and sunbathe.


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