Hot Spring
This BLM-managed thermal spring near Wells shows temperature designated only as 'H' in historical records, leaving actual heat output undetermined. Located 1,292.7 meters from the nearest road at 5,435 feet elevation on Wells Field Office land, it requires a short cross-country walk. OpenStreetMap confirms its presence as a recognized feature, but absent specific temperature data, its suitability for bathing remains unclear.
The spring emerges in high desert terrain at 5,435 feet elevation, where sagebrush and scattered juniper define the vegetation. The region receives 11.0 inches of annual precipitation with 32.8 inches of winter snow, creating cold-season conditions despite the 48.4°F average annual air temperature. Elko County's characteristic Basin and Range topography surrounds the site—alluvial valleys between parallel mountain ranges. Angel Lake in the East Humboldt Range lies 22.2 kilometers away at much higher elevation, offering alpine contrast to this desert thermal feature.
Confirm current spring conditions and actual temperature before committing to the 1.3-kilometer walk from roadside—historical data gaps mean the thermal output could range from barely warm to scalding. Visit spring through fall when ground conditions are dry and weather stable. The 5,400-foot elevation brings cold nights and potential afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Angel Lake Campground provides developed camping 22 kilometers away at 8,400 feet, though its distance makes it impractical as a base for visiting this spring alone.
The absence of specific temperature data and the generic 'Hot Spring' designation suggest limited documentation during the original NOAA inventory. No records indicate Indigenous naming, homesteader use, or development history. The BLM's Wells Field Office maintains jurisdiction under open-access status allowing recreational use, but the spring's human history remains effectively undocumented. Whether the 'H' designation indicated 'hot to touch' or represented incomplete field data is now unclear.
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Angel Lake Campground is located next to beautiful Angel Lake, high on the East Humboldt Mountain Range. It sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet, just 12 miles from the city of Wells, in northeast Nevada. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing, hiking and viewing wildlife.Recreation Angel Lake offers great canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Smith Lake Trail begins at the campground entrance. Facilities The campground offers single and double campsites, some of which have lake...
Hot Spring sits at 5,435 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.