Hot Hole
Hot Hole produces 133-degree water at pH 7.5 in Elko County, emerging just 450 feet from Bullion Road at 5,077 feet elevation. Recent USGS analysis recorded 52-degree Celsius temperature and documented chemistry showing 110 mg/L sodium, 64 mg/L calcium, and balanced sulfate-chloride levels at 53 and 18.5 mg/L respectively.
The spring sits in sagebrush rangeland north of Elko, where the Humboldt River drainage gives way to basin topography. Vegetation grades from valley grasslands to juniper at higher elevations, while Bullion Road cuts through open country used for ranching. Powerhouse Group Picnic Area campground lies 30 kilometers south in scenic Lamoille Canyon at 6,500 feet, where Lamoille Creek supports riparian growth and trout fisheries. The thermal feature itself occupies relatively flat terrain with minimal visual prominence.
The name 'Hot Hole' reflects utilitarian Western spring nomenclature focused on physical characteristics rather than cultural associations. Documentation remains sparse beyond the 1980 NOAA thermal springs inventory. The spring exists in territory that saw ranching development from the 1860s onward as Elko grew into a railroad and agricultural hub.
Access from Bullion Road year-round except during heavy snow periods that drop 43 inches annually on this 50-degree climate zone. The 137-meter walk from vehicle parking crosses open ground. Elko provides full services 15 miles away. Combine with visits to Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway and alpine hiking trails that access the Ruby Mountains crest above 10,000 feet.
Is Hot Hole worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Hot Hole is slightly alkaline (pH 7.5).
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Overview Powerhouse Group Picnic Area is set in scenic Lamoille Canyon, next to Lamoille Creek, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Elko, in northeastern Nevada, is just 25 miles away. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.Recreation Fishing for rainbow and brook trout is popular on the creek. Lamoille Canyon contains numerous hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to alpine lakes and scenic vistas. The canyon road itself, Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, is popular for scenic drivi...