By

Home to more hot springs than any other state in the country, Nevada is chock-full of natural healing water pools, such as the 12 Mile Hot Springs. The 40-feet long, man-made pool at 12 Mile Hot Springs averages temperatures of over 100°F year-round.

Twelve Mile hot springs, located in Wells Nevada, is a year-round primitive site where you can soak in the healing waters during warm summer nights and cold, snowy days. Being able to enjoy the natural mineral water throughout the year is what makes this one of the most cherished primitive sites in the state.

Twelve Mile Hot Springs is aptly named, as it is located 12 miles north of Wells Nevada. Also referred to as the Bishop Creek Hot Springs, this primitive site is located in the beautiful Bishop Creek Canyon and offers fantastic views and a great hiking opportunity.

Natural Hot Springs along Bishop Creek

Image of crystal clear water at 12 Miles Hot Springs in Wells, Nevada
Soak in crystal clear water at 12 Mile Hot Springs in Wells, Nevada. Photo by: Travel Nevada

The soaking pool at Twelve Mile Hot Springs is separated from Bishop Creek by a long concrete wall. At 40 feet long and 3 feet deep, there is plenty of room for everyone! The bottom of the pool is gravel giving visitors solid footing when maneuvering from place to place.

The water flows from the source at 105°F, and depending on the season and time of day, will be between 95°F and 104°F once it settles into the hot spring pool. Being adjacent to Bishop Creek makes the pools positioning great for a hot day as you can climb over the wall and into the refreshing cool water of the creek.

Camping

There are dispersed camping spots located sporadically along the road to the hot springs, though no signs are posted. The road and the hot springs pool is on private property, but the owner has graciously allowed public access, so please respect the land to ensure future use for all.

12 Mile Hot Springs is open all year round, just be mindful of the weather conditions as it pertains to driving. The road leading to Twelve Mile hot springs is rough, so you must have a high clearance 4WD vehicle if you want to drive directly up to the hot springs.

What to Know Before Going

Image of the water and scenic surroundings at 12 mile hot springs in nevada
With temperatures ranging between 94-104°F, you can soak year-round. Photo by: Travel Nevada

Most people will park a ¼ mile from the hot springs and hike the rest of the way. Additionally, there are no signs for parking, camping, or directions to the hot springs, and cell service is usually non-existent, so be prepared before you head up!

During the rainy season, the road will not be passable, as the water level will be quite high. In this situation, it will be in your best interest to park at the cattle guard and make your way on foot. This 2-mile trek will allow you to experience the full beauty of the narrow Bishop Creek Canyon.

Because there are many hot spring spots all along the creek, the geothermally heated water also warms the creek and makes passing through it on your way to the hot springs very refreshing.

Image of Nevada's stunning scenic views at 12 Mile Hot Springs
Take a soak while enjoying Nevada’s stunning scenic views. Photo by: Travel Nevada

From Wells, Nevada:

  1. Follow Highway 93 North.
  2. Proceed onto N Metropolis Rd for 5 miles.
  3. Continue straight for about 1 mile.
  4. Continue onto County Rd/Upper Metropolis Rd.
  5. Follow County Rd. for a little over 3 miles.
  6. Turn right and continue for about 2 miles until you reach the spring.

Details

Address: Wells, Nevada 89835

Season: Year-round | Check the weather before visiting

Admissions: Free