As a state known for its casinos and high-octane nightlife, we can’t forget that Nevada is also home to over three hundred hot springs.
While most people are familiar with Nevada’s famous destinations, such as the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas, one of the most charming and abundant natural features that you can find are mineral springs. From primitive hot springs tucked away in nature to modern resorts that offer spa services along with mineral water soaks, there is no shortage of opportunities to relax and heal.
As a state boasting over 300 sunshine-filled days per year, living in or visiting Nevada means spending ample time outdoors. Whether it be biking, hiking, climbing, or swimming, soaking, and exploring, there is always something fun to do.
12 Mile (Bishop Creek) Hot Springs
The 12 Mile Hot Springs, located in Wells, Nevada, is a primitive hot spring site nestled next to Bishop Creek. With only a stone wall separating the pool from the creek, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The hot soaking pool, which temperatures ranging from 95°F to 104°F, is fed with clean, clear water straight from the source. As a year-round site, you can enjoy this beautiful experience during the high heat of summer as well as the snowy winter. Additionally, if you get too hot, you can just hop over the stones and cool off in the creek.
The hot spring area is covered in lush grass during the warmer seasons, with high hills on both sides that are beautiful when covered in snow.
Camping is allowed at the 12 Mile Hot Springs, with dispersed spots located along the river. It is common to park 1.4 miles from the hot springs and hike the rest of the way, as the road conditions can sometimes be rough. Cell service is very spotty, and there are no signs for parking, camping, or hot spring turn-offs, so be prepared.
Wells, NV
Black Rock Hot Springs
About half a mile from the famous Black Rock Point, located in the remote desert, are the Black Rock Hot Springs. With 1.2 million acres of national conservation and wilderness areas, this is the largest swathe of publicly managed land in the US.
The Black Rock Hot Springs is way out there, far from cell service and any modern conveniences. These ‘inconveniences’ make them the perfect spot for a full nature escape, especially during the winter months. With the breathtaking 360° views, the four pools located here are a wonderful place to soak and relax.
The pools located at Black Rock Hot Springs all vary in temperature, so it is essential to check the water before getting in. The smaller pool is also the source of water and is scalding, so avoid soaking here. The larger pool can also get quite hot, but the temperature drops off where the spring flows into the marsh.
The soaking spots are surrounded by tall reeds and lush wetlands, with a dock that makes getting in and out easier. During the summer season, the land is dry and safe to traverse, but the land is impassable during the rainy season, making the hot springs inaccessible.
Black Rock Desert, NV
Paradise Valley Hot Springs
Another popular primitive site is the Paradise Valley Hot Springs next to the Little Humboldt River. Attracting visitors who are on their way to the Paradise Valley ghost town, this short side trip is well worth visiting. With snow-capped mountains in the distance and a seemingly endless flat plain in front of you, this hot spring site offers fantastic views.
The source water is known as Diana’s Punchbowl and bubbles up at 130°F, making it unsafe for any kind of soaking, so please exercise caution! The water from Diana’s Punchbowl runs underground and comes out at a small waterfall, cascading down the rocky creek until it reaches the piping for the two soaking tubs.
The soaking tubs are plastic pools situated next to each other, alongside the slow-moving creek. Each pool has a rubber plug to drain the water and let it refill, which is excellent for cold days and keeping the water comfortably hot.
Next to the two tubs is a wooden deck, furnished with a sofa and perfect for changing your clothes and taking a break from the hot mineral water. There is also a burn barrel for visitors to use who are soaking at night; just make sure to extinguish any fires before you leave!
While camping is not permitted next to the hot spring tubs, the area across the road is BLM land and public access. You can set up a tent here and enjoy the beautiful location, soaking whenever you’d like.
Shelton Lane by Little Humboldt River, NV
Carson Hot Springs Resort
The search for mineral-rich water starts and ends in Carson City, Nevada at Carson Hot Springs Resort. Initially enjoyed by the Washoe Indians until settlers arrived in 1849, it is now a popular destination for those seeking a healing soak.
The water at the resort bubbles up from over 35,000 underground and is abundant in beneficial minerals such as sodium, sulfate, and silica. These minerals are all known for their ability to improve skin conditions, digestive disorders, and other ailments.
The outdoor pool is kept between 93°F and 96°F during the summer and 98°F to 100°F during the winter. As the source water comes in at 121°F, Carson Hot Springs Resort uses air spray and evaporative cooling to keep the temperature comfortable. Their method means that there are no additives in the water, and the pools are filled straight from the source, giving you the cleanest, most natural soak possible.
Along with the outdoor pool and its wrap-around patio, Carson Hot Springs Resort offers nine small, private pools. These pools hold up to 4 people and their temperatures range from 94°F to 104°F. There is a restaurant on-site, serving up some delicious meals, in addition to a large dance floor and stage.
1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV | 775-885-8844 | carsonhotsprings.com
Bog Hot Springs
The Bog Springs is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, soaking in the warm, healing waters of the naturally fed spring. With its postcard-perfect view of the surrounding mountains, this site has a series of mineral pools for you to enjoy. And since the water is continuously being replenished, it is crystal clear and pure!
The source water that feeds the Bog hot springs runs at 120°F and is cooled as it flows down the creek. This fluctuation allows any visitors to find the perfect temperature, depending on where they decide to soak. The largest pool is between 105°F and 115°F, and the smallest pool is 90°F to 105°F.
There are no fees to visit the Bog Hot Springs, and camping is permitted. The closest town is 4.5 hours away, and because of its location in such a remote area, cell service and modern amenities will be unavailable.
Bog Hot Road, Humboldt County, NV
Dyke Hot Springs
At the foot of the immense Pine Forest Range lies a special little place attracting visitors far and wide. Filled with lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife, a trip to the edge of the forest is just what many need to relax and unwind. Here, you will find four charming claw foot tubs filled with hot mineral water, fresh from the source known as the Dyke Hot Springs.
The Dyke Hot Springs is known for its idyllic setting, with bountiful plant life surrounding the tub and the sounds of birds singing nearby.
The source water that fills the four tubs is diverted from the adjacent creek. Visitors fill and drain the tubs themself, ensuring that the water is fresh and pure with every soak. The source water is boiling, averaging around 140°F to 150°F, and needs a little bit of time to cool after filling the tub. You can relax on one of the wooden platforms and enjoy the scenery around you until the mineral water reaches a comfortable temperature.
There is no camping permitted at Dyke Hot Springs, and there are also no amenities. Denio Junctions is located 40 miles north of the spring, and there you can find food, gas, and lodging accommodations.
Northeastern edge of the Black Rock Desert, NV
Soldier Meadows Hot Spring
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs dates back to the California gold rush when thousands of pioneers ventured across the state searching for treasure. The journey was often long, challenging, and tiring, and when the hot springs were discovered, it became somewhat of an oasis to the road-weary travelers.
The present-day hot springs are just as enjoyable as they were back then, featuring 4 to 6 pools available for soaking and relaxation. The springs were created by damming sections of the hot creek, which flows through the valley. These rock-lined ‘nature tubs’ offer both fantastic views of the surrounding area and much-needed respite from day-to-day life.
The water that fills the hot spring pools flows straight from the source, so it can be quite hot depending on the time of the year. It is essential to exercise caution before jumping in, as the temperatures fluctuate from 90°F to well over 100°F.
The Bureau of Land Management manages the land around the Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, and camping is available. There are campsite markings scattered throughout, with some spots also having fire rings.
Soldier Meadows Road, Gerlach, NV
Gold Strike Hot Springs
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing worth having comes easy,” and this definitely applies to the Gold Strike Hot Springs. Located near the Colorado River, the hike to get to these hot springs can be quite a journey, but one that is worth it.
The trailhead is a 1.5-hour hike in, leading you through tall rock formations and following the beautiful Colorado River. As you journey along the river, you will come across a series of smaller hot springs, but the best is saved for last, so conserve your energy! Rest assured, once you arrive, you will forget all about your sore muscles as you sink into the relaxing healing waters!
The mineral-rich water that fills the Gold Strike Hot Springs ranges from 100°F to 106°F and is crystal clear, providing you with a clean and nourishing mind-body soothe. With gorgeous views and a feeling of privacy, this is the ideal place to relax and be at peace.
If hiking in isn’t your forte, you can also rent a boat from the Willow Beach Marina. There is also a campground nearby, allowing you to turn this day trip into a weekend excursion. Please note, the hot springs are only open from October to May to account for the extreme heat during the summer months.
Goldstrike Canyon Rd, Boulder City, NV
While there are over 300 unique hot springs in Nevada, these are some of the most charming. They offer not only an opportunity for healing with the rich mineral content of the hot spring water but also beautiful views deep within nature. If you feel the urge to experience the genuinely calming and therapeutic effects of soaking in a hot spring pool, consider trying out any of these locations!
Gold Strike Hot Springs – Boulder City, Nevada