When you think of Nevada, you probably picture either the glittering showmanship of the Las Vegas casinos or an arid red desert with long strips of empty asphalt winding through jagged rocks: Party city, or dry and rustic. Well, we’ve got some surprising oases for you – as Nevada boasts some 300 mineral springs, formed due to the volcanic activity that kicked off millenia ago. The Traxplorio team has hand-picked our favorites from Nevada’s offerings, with something for the adventurers among our readers, and something for the comfort-and-spa seekers too. Get inspired for a soak in Nevada this weekend. We’ve organized them in terms of their proximity to Las Vegas (or Reno) – just in case you’re thinking of popping in to win on your way through. Read on…
RECOMMENDED:
1. Gold Strike Hot Springs – 36 Minutes From Las Vegas
Gold Strike Hot Springs is one for those who like adventure and aren’t adverse to a bit of rock scaling before their soak. The six-mile round-trip hike on the Goldstrike Canyon Trail will have you scrambling over and around golden boulders, through sandy red canyons, and along algae-strewn streams to get to your goal on the edge of the Colorado River.
What To Expect
There are a number of pools along the trail that winds toward the final large Gold Strike Hot Springs, which is fed by a waterfall. The pool is close to the Colorado River and boasts a hotter 5-person soak pool within the larger main pool, held back by a dam of sandbags, and a third 2-person pool at the base of the hot springs waterfall itself.
If you’re hungry for a more secluded soak, wade upstream through the waist-deep (and cold!) river to a cave with its own hot mineral water seeping out of the cliff face to pool on the ground below.
Note that at several points along the Goldstrike Canyon Trail, starting around the 35-minute mark, you’ll have to scale down short rock faces. Not to worry – strong ropes have been installed to help you! Be sure to wear good shoes that support your ankles, and bring plenty of water to drink. See this video so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into – and to see the reward you’ll get at the end!
When you arrive at the point where water is seeping out of the rocks, encouraging an oasis of algae and fern growth, you can simply follow the streams toward the river. Watch out for slippery rocks, though!
If you are there May-September when the trail is closed due to the heat, you have the option of kayaking along the Colorado River through Black Canyon from Hoover Dam.
Don’t Miss…
Good To Know
The hot springs pools average around 109°F.
Take 3 liters of water for each hiker. Too many people have died due to heat-stroke on this trail.
The trail is closed May-September when Nevada temperatures peak.
Watch out for algae on the wet rocks, which can make it slippery. Take along some water sandals.
This is a great adventure for families, but small children and pets may struggle with the rock-scaling.
Watch out for rattlesnakes in summer.
Watch out for flash-floods before, during, and after rainy weather.
These pools are known to contain brain-eating amoeba which enter through the nose and cause meningitis. Keep your soak “shin to chin” – do not put your head into the water. See more about the risks in this informative article.
No cell-phone service.
No camping allowed.
No day-use permits required.
Clothing optional.
Where: Find the trailhead at 601 Great Basin Highway, Boulder City
2. Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs – 37 Minutes From Las Vegas
Arizona Hot Springs (also known as Ringbolt) is one of the most popular pools in Nevada, and it has some similarities to the Gold Strike Hot Springs (scroll up) in that the access trail is closed May-September because of the heat, and the trail to get to the hot spring involves some climbing and scrambling!
What To Expect
Sandbags separate three murky blue pools nestled between 100-foot-high golden canyon walls. The water averages around 111-120°F (being hotter the closer you get to the source).
There are two hiking options to get to Arizona Hot Springs- the 5.9-mile White Rock Canyon Trail (click here for a video) with over 1500-foot of elevation change and a chance to see the Liberty Bell Arch (a rock formation with an opening shaped like a bell), which adds some 4 miles onto your hike, or the shorter and slightly easier 3-mile Arizona Hot Springs Trail. Or you can hike in one way and hike out the other to make a nice day-long loop! Take waterproof shoes with traction to navigate the sandy-gravelly washes, rock formations and gorges.
Don’t Miss
- Taking photos at the many beautiful viewpoints along the way.
Good To Know
If you choose the White Rock Canyon Trail, you’ll need to climb a 20-foot ladder to get into the springs.
Arizona Hot Springs is known to contain amoeba which can cause meningitis. Keep your soak “shin to chin” and avoid putting your head into the water. See more about the risks in this informative article.
Take 3 liters of water per person. There is a long list of fatalities from heat-stroke on this trail.
The trail is closed May-September when Nevada temperatures hit a peak.
Watch out for algae on the wet rocks- it can be slippery.
A great adventure for families but pets and small children may struggle with the rock-scaling and White Rock Canyon Trail ladder.
Watch out for rattlesnakes in summer.
Beware of flash-floods in and after rainy weather.
No cell-phone service.
No camping allowed.
No day-use permits required.
Clothing optional.
Where: Arizona state highway 93 (3.5 miles south of the Pat Tillman Bridge)
3. Blue Point Spring – 1 Hour From Las Vegas
Blue Point Spring is a wildlife-abundant and often overgrown oasis in the desert, surrounded by palm trees, cacti, muddy-grassy wetland, and the stunning desertscape within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
What To Expect
Blue Point Spring, open year-round, offers a great opportunity to do some wildlife spotting while you soak in the shady shallows, particularly if you’re a fan of birds and unafraid of insects, all of whom are, like you, drawn to the water. That said, this is not an easy spring to find, coming out of such a slim creek as it does- many before us have failed, and tend to head straight to the more popular Rogers Spring nearby (scroll down).
If you’re up for the search, the springs are reachable by an easy, short walk from the highway on a trail that also takes you to Rogers Spring, so you’re getting a two-for-one deal here! The spring is shallow and bubbles out of the source at around 100°F before cooling to around 85-90°F for your soaking pleasure.
Don’t Miss…
- A picnic in the shade around the pond at Rogers Spring.
- Exploring the wetlands formed around the hot springs by creeks.
Good To Know
Best visited September – May when the heat is low and the wildlife is buzzing.
Head there in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
The trailhead parking area has trash cans and restrooms.
Picnic sites include grills, but you must bring your own wood or charcoal to burn, and be sure to fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area. For tips on how to do that, have a look at our article on hot springs “rules” and why they exist!
Blue Point Spring is known to contain amoeba which can cause meningitis. Keep your soak “shin to chin” and avoid dunking your head underwater. See more about the risks in this informative article.
Clothing required.
Where: The Trailhead begins at the Rogers Spring parking area (scroll down).
4. Rogers Spring – Under 1.5 Hours From Las Vegas
Rogers Springs is a warm water pool surrounded by palms and wild grassland in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, close to Lake Mead.
What To Expect
Despite being surrounded by arid desert, both Rogers Spring and the above Blue Point Spring are constantly pumped with 100°F water from a mysterious source.
“Rogers Spring discharges hundreds of gallons per minute, constantly refreshing the water in the pool. Scientists think the water originates 250 miles north near Ely, part of an extensive aquifer in eastern Nevada and western Utah.”
[Source: reviewjournal]
After a brief walk from the parking area, the Rogers Spring main “pond” greets you with a 50-feet wide and 3-feet deep pool clocking in at a delectable 90°F. At the bottom of a small run-off is a smaller rock-bottomed pool for a more private soak.
Palm trees offer shade over the water and will give your soak a distinctly tropical vibe- in stark contrast to the arid desert surrounding you and guaranteeing you a few Instagramable shots!
Don’t Miss…
- Fishing in Lake Mead.
- Wildlife spotting.
- A visit to Hoover Dam.
Good To Know
Entry into the recreation area costs $25/vehicle or $15/person.
Small fish and two species of turtle live in the spring – the spiny softshell and the red-eared slider.
Bring plenty of water to drink to avoid dehydration – it can get hot out there!
Rogers Spring is known to contain that horrid brain-eating amoeba which can cause meningitis. Keep your soak “shin to chin” and don’t put your head into the water. See more about the risks in this informative article.
Clothing required.
No camping.
Where: Just off Northshore Road near the shores of Lake Mead.
5. Caliente Hot Springs Motel And Spa – 2 Hours 19 Minutes From Las Vegas
Located in the small (and perfectly named) town of Caliente, this historic hot springs resort is on Route 93, making it easy to pop into as you’re passing through on your Nevada exploration.
What To Expect
The motel was recently renovated in positive, earthy colors, with each room boasting its own private soaking tub which you can fill with 104°F mineral-packed geothermal water. If the rooms are booked up, grab yourself one of four private soaking rooms with their large tiled baths to rejuvenate yourself on your Nevada trip.
Don’t Miss…
- Mountain biking and hiking at the nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park.
- Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Good To Know
All tubs are designed for private soaking and so are clothing optional.
Caliente Hot Springs Motel and Spa has 18 rooms. All rooms offer a 32″ flat screen TV, a microwave and refrigerator.
Where: 2 Youth Center Drive, Caliente, Nevada
6. Alkali Hot Springs – 3 Hours From Las Vegas
Alkali Hot Springs is perfect for those looking for some wide open spaces and a simple, mineral-infused soak that is easy to get to.
What To Expect
Alkali Hot Springs’ two basic, block-walled 4-person tubs in the colorful desert are all that is left of a 1930s spa, on private but free-to-access property.
The primitive 3-feet deep tubs are enclosed by a concrete deck, and beyond that rough, desert grass. The 100 – 109°F water is slightly murky but is packed with lithium (what we at Traxplorio call “happy minerals”), and is piped in, meaning the water circulates well and the pools are as a result reasonably algae free, though they are rarely scrubbed. The overflow runs into a large rectangular concrete pool, home to koi, for that extra-relaxing experience – please don’t soak in this pool so as not to hurt the fish!
Don’t Miss…
- The chance to spot wild mules while you soak.
Good To Know
No camping onsite, but there is plenty of BLM land nearby. Never camp within 100 feet of a hot spring.
Dogs are not allowed in the area so as to protect local wildlife.
Clothing optional.
Keep noise levels down.
Where: Powerline Rd, Tonopah, Nevada (4 miles north of Goldfield)
7. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs – 5 Hours From Las Vegas
Visitors to Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs can look forward to breathtaking views over the desert to the mountains beyond, and the promise of uninterrupted stargazing at night.
What To Expect
The popular Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs (also known as the Hot Well) offers a 6-person, 4-feet deep, gravel-bottomed concrete soak tub and a large natural hot water lake surrounded by open grassland and boasting stunning views of the White Mountains.
The 105°F water circulates well, guaranteeing a top mineral soak for you, with the overflow running into a large pond which serves as a watering hole for local wildlife and which is home to an abundance of fish.
Don’t Miss…
- Exploring Boundary Peak Wilderness – Inyo National Forest
- Stargazing at the time of the new moon.
- Bird- and wildlife-watching.
Good To Know
The water runs off into natural ponds which house a variety of fish, and which draw other wildlife. Please be considerate when soaking in these natural pools- don’t splash or make noise!
The hot springs can only be accessed via dirt and gravel roads, so a 4×4 is recommended.
Do not fish here. The pools protect the critically endangered Fish Lake Valley tui chub.
Primitive campsites and a vault toilet are available nearby. Do not camp within 100 feet of the hot spring.
There have been complaints of noise and trash left – if you go, keep the noise down out of respect for the wildlife and other hot-springers, and always, always pack out what you pack in!
Clothing optional.
Where: East of Dyer off the NV-266 W.
8. Spencer Hot Springs – 5 Hours From Las Vegas (3 Hours 13 Minutes From Reno)
Promising views of the Toiyabe National Forest and the Big Smoky Valley, Spencer Hot Springs offers the perfect escape from the stress of daily life.
What To Expect
Spencer Hot Springs boasts three different hot springs sources. A 5-person, metal tub has water flowing in at around 120°F – check with your elbow before stepping in. If it’s too hot, you can push the inflow pipe to one side to stop the flow of hot water and let the pool cool a little. The larger mud-bottomed pool, which absorbs the run-off from the tub, offers a mineral soak of around 106°F.
There is another tub with much cooler water. At night, it is used as a drinking hole by the local wild mules.
Don’t Miss…
- A chance to see the wild mules of the Hickison Burro Herd.
- The sacred American Indian Toquima Cave.
- Goldfield Ghost Town.
Good To Know
There is no shade, so best to visit early morning or in the evening for a sunset soak.
Spencer is accessed via a 10-mile dirt road.
The hot springs are on BLM land, so you can camp there, but not within 100 feet of the pools/tubs.
Clothing optional.
Where: 19 miles from Austin on the US 50 E.
9. Ruby Valley Hot Springs – 6 Hours 19 Min From Las Vegas (5.5 Hours From Reno)
Surrounded by open marshland, the swimmable Ruby Valley Hot Springs is a must for those seeking total immersion in desert nature, right next to the Ruby Valley Wildlife Refuge.
What To Expect
The two main (of numerous) sand-and-silt-bottomed primitive pools are smack-bang in the middle of marshland, all but guaranteeing a wet-footed and muddy arrival for eager hot-springers, though some plywood boards have been placed to help you get in and out of the water and to dry off on at the biggest of the pools.
The hot springs tend to sit at around 101 – 106°F in summer, 90 to 95°F in winter, though other hot pools in the area can be scalding, particularly where they bubble up from the source! Use your elbow to check before heading in!
Some of the biggest emerald-colored pools are said to be some 30-feet deep, so not ideal for the weak swimmers among our hot-springing readers! Soak with care!
Don’t Miss…
- Exploring the Ruby Valley Wildlife Refuge.
Good To Know
Open spring through fall.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs is near impossible to access after rainfall due to mud, and in general not without a high clearance vehicle.
You may notice red mites in the water. They don’t bite and are harmless. In any case – keep your soak “shin to chin” and don’t put your head underwater.
Clothing optional.
Where: One hour from Elko, off the NF-113, then via Ruby Valley Road-Ruby Wash/CCC Road.
10. Twelvemile Hot Springs – 6.5 Hours From Las Vegas (5.5 Hours From Reno)
12 Mile Hot Springs is a remote soak nestled in a green valley in the Humboldt Mountains, right alongside the Humboldt River.
Expect to drive through open spaces, along sweat-inducing dirt roads, and ford through a river…or you can park up and do the last two, beautiful miles on foot!
Note: As 12 Mile Hot Spring is on private land, we’ve heard the owners are considering gating it off. Be warned and do your research before you head out there!
What To Expect
12 Mile Hot Springs (also known as Bishop Creek Hot Springs) offers a secluded 100°F twin, rock-bottomed pool divided by a rock-and-concrete wall alongside the Humboldt River. Measuring some 15x90x2 feet, the pool boasts crystal clear mineral water, but you should expect some algae and bring water sandals to prevent slipping. If the heat gets too much, pop into the river to cool off.
Don’t Miss…
- Angel Lake.
- Clover Valley Scenic Drive.
- The ghost town of Metropolis.
Good To Know
Sketchy cell phone service – be prepared.
High-clearance vehicles (or good hiking shoes) are a must to get you to these hot springs.
Check the water before you get in. We’ve read of past complaints of bovine fecal matter in the water!
Clothing optional.
Where: 11 miles outside Wells.
11. Steamboat Hot Springs – 7 Hours 12 Minutes From Las Vegas (17 Minutes From Reno)
Steamboat Hot Springs is a healing center with water boasting a unique set of minerals that pumps out of the ground at 230°F, to be shared among the resort’s numerous hot spring spa offerings. Come out of this rejuvenating soak uplifted and feeling silky smooth!
What To Expect
Steamboat Hot Springs offers guests a 5-person outdoor tub, rooms with private, tiled, 2-person tubs and temperature control (from 50 – 150°F), a steam room, massage service, and aromatherapy. Drop-ins are welcome for the outdoor tub, but you should make an online appointment to use the other services.
Rates are available for 30-minute soaks up to 2 hours maximum. There are also package options available that can take 3-4 hours.
The Steamboat minerals are: calcium carbonate, magnesium, sodium sulfate, sulfur, lithia, soda and a high level of silica. Check out this article to find out which mineral does what.
The owners say:
“The geothermal mineral water at our Nevada hot springs is pumped directly from the ground into our soaking tubs, without ever spending extended time in tanks and pipes. There is significant research indicating that this direct contact with the frequency of the earth provides grounding for the body and offers numerous positive health effects.”
Don’t Miss…
- A massage from a seasoned Reno massage therapist.
- Locally handcrafted body soap available for purchase in the reception area.
Good To Know
No lodging on site.
No children under the age of 12.
The water at Steamboat is not treated, but the shower water has about the same amount of chlorine you have coming out of your shower at home.
Towels can be rented for $3 and flip-flops can be bought.
There is complimentary tea and drinking water, but no food. Bring your own, but no alcohol or glass containers.
Staff drain and fill the indoor tubs with fresh mineral water for each client, while the outdoor tub is completely drained and cleaned 3 times a week.
Swimwear is required in the sauna and outdoor tub.
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm, Thursday – Saturday 10am – 9pm.
Where: 16010 S Virginia St, Reno, Nevada.
12. Carson Hot Springs Resort – 7.5 Hours From Las Vegas (30 Min From Reno)
Carson Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place for those seeking a budget-friendly way to rejuvenate and spend quality time with loved ones, having fun while immersed in the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra National Forest.
What To Expect
Carson Hot Springs Resort offers four simple outdoor pools (two for swimming, two for soaking), nine private indoor pools, spa rooms, and a beautiful patio to take in the Sierra National Forest from.
All the pools are 100% natural. The bigger pools pack 93 – 96°F in the summer months and 98 – 100°F in winter, while the indoor private baths are kept in the 98 – 100°F range. The mineral water here boasts almost a dozen different minerals, including sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium, fluoride, magnesium, and lithium. Click on this article to find out which mineral does what.
Don’t Miss…
- Nevada State Museum
- Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Washoe Lake State Park (where you can also camp)
- Kings Canyon Waterfall
- Dinner at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint or Shoe Tree Brewing Co.
Good To Know
No on-site lodging. Stay in Carson City or choose from these great campgrounds:
- Tahoe Valley Campground
- Mount Rose Campground
- Yerington Retreat
- Washoe Lake State Park
- Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion
- Silver City RV Resort
Spa rooms are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, no reservations required.
Clothing is a must.
Where: 1500 Old Hot Springs Road Carson City, Nevada.
13. David Walley’s Resort – 6 Hours 55 Minutes From Las Vegas (51 Minutes From Reno)
David Walley’s Resort offers hot soaking heaven in a watery oasis, in the depths of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada.
What To Expect
David Walley’s Resort boasts a large warm-water swimming pool and five separate mineral spas of 98 to 104°F, with natural water that cycles every 2-3 hours. All pools are surrounded by concrete decking and sunbathing areas, with the shade of trees providing comfort on the warmest Nevada days.
Sulfur is the top mineral of the many found in the resort’s hot spring water, great for strong and healthy hair, nails and skin.
Don’t Miss…
- South Lake Tahoe for fun, food and shopping!
- Heavenly Ski Resort.
Good To Know
David Walley’s Resort offers a choice of studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and two- or three-bedroom luxury cottages.
There is an onsite restaurant for guests – 1862 Restaurant & Saloon, the perfect choice for some all-American dining in a historic lodge with beautiful mountain views. They also have a highly recommended wine/beer/cocktail menu in case you really want to let your hair down after a soak.
Elsewhere on-site, you’ll find a business center, fitness center, playground, billiards, volleyball court, and a board game library.
Open daily from 7am to 9pm.
Clothing required.
Website: david-walleys-resort
Where: 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, Nevada.
13.5. Diana’s Punch Bowl – 6 Hours 17 Minutes From Las Vegas (4 Hours 43 Minutes From Reno)
This last one is a must-see but is 100% unsoakable!!! Diana’s Punch Bowl makes a great 6-mile side-trip for visitors looking into Pott’s Ranch Ghost Town. In the middle of a large travertine hill, you’ll discover an eerie sunken cauldron 50 feet across by 30 feet deep…and it is full of 200°F dark blue water, not unlike what you can expect to find at Yellowstone. Be careful when checking this hot spring out. Trust us, you do NOT want to fall in!
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
