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The Black Rock Desert, known for its expansive landscape, vivid night sky, and diverse wildlife, is also home to numerous natural hot springs including the Soldier Meadows Hot Spring. With multiple pools located off the naturally occurring hot creek, you are sure to unwind in one of these primitive hot spring pools.

Note: There are varying reports of whether this hot spring is open to the public or not, so visit at your own risk.

Image of a person overlooking the Soldier Meadow Hot Spring in Nevada
Lookout at the Black Rock Desert while visiting Soldier Meadows Hot Spring in Gerlach, NV. Photo by: Travel Nevada

With a rich history that peaked during the gold rush in the mid-1800s, this hot spring site has been enjoyed by locals and visitors for the past 10,000 years. Remnants from the Northern Paiute people, a nomadic tribe that became sedentary when new settlers arrived, can be found all over the area.

As the California Gold Rush entered a frenzied state, thousands of pioneers traversed the California Trail. This was an arduous journey due to the area’s unrelentingly high temperatures and lack of water and shade. Once they happened upon Soldier Meadows, travelers could rest, restock supplies, and heal their bodies in the hot springs’ mineral water.

Mineral Hot Springs

Image of the Soldier Meadows Hot Springs
Take a dip in the Soldier Meadows Hot Springs. Photo by: Nick Bonzey

When you arrive at the Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, you will find 4 to 6 hot spring pools available for soaking. Most of these mineral water pools were created by damming up pockets of the hot creek, which flows through most of the valley.

Safety Note: Wear sturdy shoes when soaking, there have been reports of broken glass at the bottom of the pools. Also, refrain from putting your head underwater to prevent illness from microorganisms.

There is one main pool right next to the parking lot, and if you venture further down the creek you will come across a series of additional pools that are all ready to be enjoyed. These offer privacy and seclusion as you relax within the beautiful natural landscape.

Image of a person soaking in the Soldier Meadow Hot Springs under the stars
Soak under the stars while visiting Soldier Meadow Hot Springs. Photo by: Travel Nevada

Unlike most hot springs around Nevada, which are piped into different tubs and pools, Soldier Meadow’s spring water comes straight from the source. Due to this, the water in these pools can be quite hot, so exercise caution before jumping in!

The pools can range in temperature anywhere from 90°F to well over 100°F, depending on the time of day.

Camping

For those wishing to stay overnight, you will find a dozen, free campsites managed by the Bureau of Land Management scattered around the area near Soldier Meadow Hot Springs. There are markings present that indicate camping locations and some sites have fire rings

Getting There

This area is remote and located off the grid, so make sure to bring any supplies necessary for your stay.

From Gerlach

  1. Proceed north on Country Road 34 for nearly 13 miles.
  2. Make a slight right onto Soldier Meadows Road.
  3. Travel along this road for roughly 47 miles.
  4. When you reach the Bureau of Land Management cabin, you have almost reached your destination.
  5. Continue past the cabin and you will follow a series of dirt roads until you reach the hot springs.

Details

Address: Soldier Meadows Road, Gerlach, Nevada 89412

Season: Year-round; check weather conditions before visiting so you don’t overheat or get stuck on the dirt roads

GPS: 41.360231, -119.224564