By

Near Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, about an hour outside Elko lies Ruby Valley Hot Springs, also known as Smith Ranch Springs, a rustic natural soaking place. In addition to having some of the loveliest scenery in all of Nevada, the location of this hot spring has almost no mobile phone reception.

Traveling to Ruby Valley Hot Springs requires going off the beaten path. Neither modern conveniences nor mobile phone reception is possible here. In addition, the muddy and wet seasons might make it challenging to reach this off-road site unless you have an off-road vehicle. During the winter months, specific routes become entirely inaccessible.

Natural Hot Springs

Several different springs with temperatures ranging from 100 to 122 °F have combined to form a verdant swamp. While the ground is muddy all year round near the spring, there is a wooden platform at the main pool where guests may sunbathe and leave their belongings out of the water. This is a pet-friendly spot, but your pup won’t be able to join you in the pool.

Numerous hot spring pools may be found in Ruby Valley Hot Springs. An assortment of smaller baths within a quarter-mile range in size, depth, temperature, and ease of access. Always check the water temperature before entering a pool since some may be hot.

The ideal temperature for a bath in a hot tub is between 100 and 103 °F, but in winter’s wind chill, the temperature may drop between 90 and 95 degrees.

The widest and most well-liked of the hot springs pools is between 30 and 50 feet in width, and it has a stunning green hue. In contrast, another pool is relatively warmer (perhaps because of its diminutive size), and its marshy margins need the use of a steel ladder. Visitors can still sit in this pool and feel the hot water rise to their feet.

Getting There

To get there from Elko, VN:

Head out on NV-227 E for 6.9 miles, then turn right onto NV-228 S for 29.8 miles, then continue on Harrison Pass Rd for 1.9 miles, then Old Harrison Pass Rd for 1.5 miles, then NF-113 for 3.5 miles, then NF-357 for 1.2 miles, then NF-113 for 5.8 miles, and finally turn left onto Ruby Valley Rd for a distance of about 0.1 miles before turning right at the fork.

Camping

Camping right at the hot springs site isn’t possible, but the South Ruby Lake Campground is close to the refuge, about 17 miles away.

Details

Address: This is a very rural location. It’s located a few miles south of Ruby Wash Road in the Ruby Valley, Nevada 89833

Season: Fall to Early Spring