Ruby Valley Hot Springs
Looking for a stellar soak off the Cowboy Corridor? Take a dirt-road detour south of Elko and discover the stunning natural beauty of Ruby Valley Hot Springs.
Soak in the aquamarine waters of Ruby Valley Hot Springs.
Ruby Valley—also known as Smith Ranch Hot Springs—features multiple pools, with the largest one spanning about 30 feet in diameter. Soak in the Caribbean-esque waters to your heart’s content while taking in expansive views of the Ruby Mountains. Tucked between Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Lake Wildlife Management Area, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of waterfowl.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs sits around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but be sure to check the temperature before hopping in as some of the surrounding springs can be scalding hot.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Visiting Ruby Valley Hot Springs Today
Getting to Ruby Valley Hot Springs will take some extra effort, but this gem of a soak will be its own reward. The hot springs are roughly 60 miles from Elko, and the last few miles of the journey will take you down rough, unpaved roads. Four-wheel drive is recommended at any time of the year, but it’s a necessity during wet and muddy months. We do not advise trying to reach Ruby Valley Hot Springs in the winter due to the adverse road conditions.
Before beginning any backcountry hot springs exploration, brush up on the Dirt Road Code and our Hot Spring Etiquette Guide. Always travel prepared with a spare tire (or two!), and don’t chance getting stuck or stranded in this part of Nevada where cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent. Load up with more food and water than you think you’ll need, and let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to be back.
Hours:
Ruby Valley Hot Springs is located on state land and open to the public year-round. Due to adverse road conditions, accessing Ruby Valley in the winter is not advised.
Admission:
There is no admission fee for Ruby Valley Hot Springs.
