Black Rock Hot Springs

It’s no surprise that the Black Rock Desert—an area known for stunning landscapes, and untamed remoteness—is home to an impressive series of some of Nevada’s best public natural hot springs, including the Black Rock Hot Springs. Ruggedly remote and with incredible views, the Black Rock Desert hot springs north of Gerlach, Nevada, offers exactly what one dreams of in a high desert oasis.

The geothermal hot springs can be found along the edge of the Black Rock Desert’s Playa (or dry lakebed surface), made famous by the Burning Man, held here each year. Accessing the pool is no easy feat, however, and requires the skills of an experienced offroad driver. With this in mind, plan ahead and know your limits before heading into the stunning northwestern solitude.

Historic Black Rock Hot Springs

The Black Rock Desert’s vast landscape is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and comprises 1.2 million acres of national conservation and wilderness area—together, this is the largest collection of publicly managed lands in the continental United States. Pioneers following the Applegate-Lassen Trail through the region named a large black rock formation on the northern edge of the Playa “Black Rock,” using this landmark as a place to rest and restock on critical supplies, like water. When visiting this rugged corner of Nevada, keep an eye out for intact portions of the original trail that can still be seen, as the area has remained mostly untouched for more than 150 years.

Visiting the Gerlach-Area Hot Springs

Accessing Black Rock Hot Springs, Nevada means traveling across the Playa—an ancient dry lake bed within the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. This public land is commonly dry—cracked after baking in extreme high desert temperatures—but is completely impassible when wet. If conditions are dry and the Playa is safe to access, do as the pioneers did and look for the pointed black rock formation on the horizon. The hot springs are accessed directly beneath this age-old landmark, and can be accessed via a sandy dirt road. Here, visitors will find a large blue pool of natural hot spring water, surrounded by reeds and wetlands.

Know Before You Go

Before you hit the road, be sure to read up on the Dirt Road Code and Hot Spring Etiquette Guide. Always travel prepared, and bring along more food and water than you think you’ll need, a spare tire (or two!), and be sure to let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to return. This is a spectacular section of Nevada and one of the state’s most rugged and remote. It proves to be a great way to hit reset, but remember this: you will be in fact be disconnected from cell service and away from all modern conveniences like restaurants and gas stations. Do not attempt to travel in this area unless you’ve come equipped with a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle.

If it’s anything other than bone dry, DON’T DRIVE ON THE PLAYA. Check recent conditions with Friends of Black Rock or a Gerlach business before attempting to drive on the Playa or access any of the natural hot springs that surround. To plan ahead, call the Friends of Black Rock directly at (775) 557-2900.