Which state has more hot springs than any other? Nevada, of course. It’d be awkward if the answer was any other than the Silver State! If you’ve soaked in one, you know what blissful sanctuaries they truly are. So let’s keep it that way. Do the homework, pack the right gear, and embrace the required etiquette so the next time you get a little out there, you’re prepared to get yourself into only the right kind of hot water.
Nevada Hot Springs
Get Stoked to Soak
Home of the Most Natural Hot Springs in the U.S.
Season
All Seasons
Region
State of Nevada
Many Nevada hot springs are in a natural pool, old bathtub, or, in classic Nevada style, a “cowboy tub”—AKA a reimagined, upcycled cattle trough—with water flowing or piped into it from a nearby source. If that’s a little too backcountry for you, dip your toes in at a hot spring resort. Ranging from kid-friendly pools to luxury spa getaways paired with wellness treatments, hot spots include Carson Hot Springs, Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa (Mark Twain himself coined the “Steamboat” moniker in 1863!), and David Walley’s Resort.
Nevada’s abundant natural hot springs are glorious to experience, but you gotta know a few things before you go. Check out this handy, introductory hot springs how-to to ensure that your soak sessions are equal parts satisfying, safe, and responsible. Because all it takes is a few people to mess it up for the rest of us. Respect the springs!
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs in Nevada
Know Before You Soak
Google Maps Ain’t Gonna Cut It. In rural Nevada, Google Maps are just about as handy as a full-on scuba suit in the Black Rock Desert. Spring for a topographical map or invest in a super-detailed atlas and get down on some good, old-fashioned navigating.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Sure, some soakers geotag their shots on Instagram and elsewhere, but we encourage keeping locations off the social map. Preserve the thrill of the hunt!
Live by the Buddy System. Heading out for the weekend? It’s a smart idea to let someone know what section of Nevada you’re heading to, and it’s always a good idea to bring friends along with you—for company and safety—when you’re exploring the unknown.
Grab the Right Garments. Many Nevada hot springs are surrounded by a muddy alkali surface that you won’t be able to drive on. When hunting down a spring, plan to park a good way away whether there’s weather or not. It’s smart to pack a pair of shoes you’re not afraid to get messy in
What Dress Code? It’s normal to rock up to a spring and find everyone in suits—of the swim or birthday variety. While there is no set rule, respect and courtesy go a long way. Don’t worry; if you find a tub full of bare-it-all bathers, no one will make you “follow suit.” The opposite also applies!
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Pass on glass! A sip when you dip is one of life’s true joys, but keep it to cans, camp cups, and other unbreakable vessels only.
Don’t Put Yourself in the Hot Seat. Things can change fast out here, including thermal activity, so always check the water temperature before hopping in. Done tubbing? If there’s a valve to control flow, leave a trickle—not a raging torrent—to keep the water primed for its next guests. And with extremely hot pools often nearby, be sure to keep close tabs on your pets, especially if you’re camping. We recommend keeping your head above water, too, as these geothermal soak sources are also enjoyed by wildlife (microscopic and otherwise).
Don’t Get Too In-Tents. Park your tents, vans, and other sleep vessels far enough from the spring that your campsite doesn’t hog the view, hijack the spring’s ambiance, or scare off any local critters who rely on it as a life source. Be aware of private property boundaries, too. Camping is frowned upon without permission.
Leave It How You Found It. Being a good steward is what hot springing is all about. If the gate on the road is open, leave it open. If you found the gate closed, close the gate once you’ve passed through. And of course, anything you pack in (or happen to find that shouldn’t be there), always pack it out.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
For our expanded Hot Spring Etiquette Guide, click here. The more we all follow these “unwritten” rules, the more likely it is that these precious resources will be there for future generations.
Hot Springs: Nevada’s Favorites
I Dip, You Dip, We Dip
Out here, temperatures may surprise you. From the chilly depths of Lake Tahoe to 100-degree-plus hot springs, Nevada packs a punch when it comes to aquatic variety. There are hundreds of natural hot springs in Nevada you’ll never find on this site. In fact, the only ones you’ll ever hear us mention are well-known Nevada hot springs located squarely on public land, which have been long loved by travelers and promoted by locals. Follow our lead and help us keep these resources sacred for all of us.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Not all natural hot springs are safe for soaking. Per the Nevada Bureau of Land Management, Trego Hot Springs has previously tested positive for E. coli and Vibrio cholera, and folks are advised to not enter the water. Likewise, Double Hot Springs isn’t just a clever name. The water temperature—185+ degrees Fahrenheit—is too hot for people and pets, which is why the spring is fenced off with warning signs. Conditions are always changing, so check back for updates.
Gold Strike Hot Springs: Part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you’ll have to scramble over giant boulders and descend fixed ropes to reach these rewarding hot springs at the bottom of a scenic canyon.
Spencer Hot Springs: Next time you’re cruising the Loneliest Road in America, park for a pit stop at these cowboy tubs with sweeping Big Smoky Valley views.
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs: The Soldier Meadows area is home to public hot springs and ones on private land that require permission to access. Look for bathing pools, campgrounds, and designated campsites to make sure you’re soaking (and overnighting) in the right place.
Black Rock Hot Springs: You’ll need bone-dry conditions to safely drive on the Black Rock Desert playa and reach these rugged and remote hot springs in the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area.
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs: Wild wonders await at this soak an hour east of Tonopah, including views of 13,147-foot Boundary Peak and unbelievable stargazing.
Virgin Valley Warm Springs: Situated next to a campground in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and more.
True Tales & Travel Tips
Featured Stories
#NVHotSprings
Look too good to be true? It’s not. It’s in our backyard. You’re probably not gonna be able to post until you get back on the grid, but don’t forget to tag #NVHotSprings to get featured here. Happy soaking!
