Nevada isn’t just casinos and desert highways. It’s also home to dozens of natural hot springs, many bubbling quietly under the open sky with nobody around for miles.
With more travelers seeking off-grid escapes, these wild hot springs are getting fresh attention. From tucked-away soaks to roadside surprises, they’re worth every detour.
This guide gives you the 15 best springs to visit now, with real directions, tips, and what you need to bring before you soak.
Spencer Hot Springs
Just outside Austin, Spencer offers three soak options with sweeping views of the Toiyabe Range. Each pool is fed by hot mineral water piped from a nearby source. Wild burros sometimes stroll past camp.
Bring extra water, food, and fuel—there are no services nearby. Camping is free, but leave the area cleaner than you found it. Best visited from March to October.
Goldstrike Canyon
Located near Hoover Dam, Goldstrike requires a strenuous hike with scrambling, rope descents, and some stream crossings. It’s closed from May to September due to extreme heat.
Bring gloves for rope sections and at least 3 liters of water per person. The pools near the river are hot, clear, and worth the effort. Park at the trailhead off US-93 and start early.
Trego Hot Springs – Wild and Wonderful
More trench than tub, Trego is a primitive soak on the edge of the Black Rock Desert. Expect warm, sulfur-scented water and deep mud.
Bring a shovel to stir hot pockets and sandals you don’t mind ruining. It’s best right before sunset, when the steam catches the light. Avoid during rainy weeks—access roads can become impassable.
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs – For the Self-Sufficient
North of Gerlach, Soldier Meadows features multiple pools across high desert BLM land. You’ll need high clearance and good tires. Cell service disappears early on.
The water’s warm, not scalding, but soothing after the long drive. Avoid stirring up silt when entering. Closest supplies are in Gerlach, so come fully stocked. Bring a trash bag—pack out everything.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs
Located in a marsh just south of the Ruby Mountains, this cluster of warm springs is famous for its stunning clarity. The boardwalk helps you reach the pools, but wear waterproof boots. Each one is at a different temperature, so test before entering.
Ideal in September, when mosquitoes are gone but the weather still holds. Avoid winter visits—snowpack blocks access.
Caliente Hot Springs Motel
In the small town of Caliente, this vintage motel features indoor soaking tubs filled with natural hot spring water. It’s quiet, affordable, and popular with travelers heading east. You can book an overnight room or just a private soak by the hour.
Tubs are deep and comfortably hot. No need to rough it—just bring a towel and relax.
Bog Hot Springs
Near Denio, Bog Hot Springs is a shallow, steaming creek that runs through a sage valley. Find the right bend, and you’ll have your own hot pool.
Some parts are scalding, so test first. Camping is dispersed and free, but pack in all supplies. Come in spring or fall. Summer gets too dry, and winter roads can freeze over.
Crystal Springs
Located along the Extraterrestrial Highway, Crystal Springs is fenced off to protect delicate habitats but still makes a worthy stop. While you can’t soak, the area’s wetlands attract birds and offer peaceful scenery.
Great spot to stretch and snap photos. Watch for the historical marker and pull off safely. Cell signal is decent here, so download your next map.
Smith Creek Valley
Hidden near the center of the state, Smith Creek’s small soaking tub sits quietly behind a low ridge. There’s no sign—you’ll need GPS. The tub fits two people comfortably and stays hot even in winter.
Camping is primitive, but the night sky here is unreal. Watch out for cow patties nearby. Spring access can be muddy; fall is better.
Black Rock Hot Springs
Right near the Black Rock Desert playa, this set of shallow, shifting pools changes shape depending on weather and groundwater. Avoid stepping into spots that look crusty, as some are dangerously soft.
Fall is best when the playa is dry and you can drive closer. Bring plenty of water and check in at Gerlach for road updates before heading out.
Carson Hot Springs Resort
Carson City’s well-loved soak spot combines clean pools, a relaxed crowd, and a grill that serves burgers and local beer. Outdoor tubs are hot and perfect in cooler months. You can book private rooms or go for a day pass. Not fancy, but friendly.
Weekends get crowded, so aim for weekday afternoons. Towel rental available.
Twelve Mile Hot Springs
Just outside Wells, Twelve Mile requires a rough drive and a short walk along a streambed. The reward is a long concrete tub fed by a pipe, backed by tall cliffs. The water stays steamy all winter. Wear sturdy shoes—the path is rocky.
Weekends are busier, so if you want solitude, try early mornings midweek.
Rogers Spring
Inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Rogers Spring is more of a warm pool than a hot soak. Great for cooling off after hiking the nearby trails. It’s shallow and kid-friendly. You’ll need a park pass to visit, and parking can fill up on weekends.
Come early and bring lunch—there are shaded tables nearby.
Dyke Hot Springs
Accessible by dirt road near the Sheldon Refuge, Dyke offers a soaking trough and small pool surrounded by wide valleys. Best in fall, when temperatures drop but the road remains clear. Expect wildlife sightings—this is antelope country.
No signage or services, so download your maps in advance. Bring a trash bag and extra fuel.
Paradise Valley Hot Spring
Hard to find but worth the effort, this spring near Winnemucca has no sign and no trail—just GPS coordinates and a bit of luck. Water’s hot enough for a soak, and the surrounding hills light up at sunset.
Respect the land, as locals fiercely protect it. Don’t leave anything behind, and keep your visit quiet.
