Lackawanna Hot Springs

White Pine County, Nevada · Near Ely
39.2830°N, 114.8660°W · 6,300 ft
95°F 6,300 ft Roadside Camping nearby (7.3 mi)

Lackawanna Hot Springs produces 95-degree water from 6,300 feet elevation in White Pine County, matching Klobe Spring as among the highest-elevation thermal features in the Nevada dataset. Located 56.4 meters from Bothwick Road near Ely, the spring creates a 46-degree differential above the 49-degree annual average in this high-altitude Great Basin environment.

Location

The spring sits in elevated mountain country where elevation strongly moderates temperature, bringing annual precipitation of 11.6 inches and substantial snowfall totaling 45.5 inches. At 6,300 feet, the landscape transitions between sagebrush valleys and conifer-covered slopes, with aspen groves marking drainage corridors and north-facing aspects. The terrain shows the characteristic basin-and-range structure of eastern Nevada, with fault-block mountains separated by wide valleys. Ward Mountain rises to the west, while the Schell Creek and Egan ranges define the broader landscape. Continental climate patterns bring cold winters and moderate summers to this high country.

and scattered ranching operations utilized high-country springs for livestock. The spring's current status as an undeveloped thermal feature reflects the limited accessibility and modest temperature of this remote site."

History of Lackawanna Hot Springs

The name Lackawanna appears across multiple locations in the American West, typically brought by settlers from Pennsylvania's Lackawanna Valley who carried the Delaware Indian name meaning stream that forks" to new settlements. Whether White Pine County's Lackawanna Springs follows this pattern or derives from different origins remains undocumented in available sources. The Ely area developed as a major copper mining district in the early 1900s

Monthly Climate
26°
Jan
27°
Feb
36°
Mar
44°
Apr
55°
May
69°
Jun
76°
Jul
75°
Aug
65°
Sep
51°
Oct
38°
Nov
26°
Dec
Annual Precip: 11.6 in Annual Snow: 45.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 26°F · Water 95°F · +69° contrast
December Air 26°F · Water 95°F · +69° contrast
February Air 27°F · Water 95°F · +68° contrast
January offers 50°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
37°F
Clear 65% Good soaking weather
Thursday 76° Low 34° Sunny 2% precip
Spring is +19° warmer
Friday 78° Low 39° Sunny
Spring is +17° warmer
Saturday 78° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +17° warmer
Sunday 83° Low 38° Sunny
Spring is +12° warmer
Monday 87° Low 45° Sunny
Spring is +8° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) 7.3 mi away

Overview Ward Mountain Recreation Area and Campground sits in the shadow of its namesake, just 10 miles southwest from the city of Ely, in eastern Nevada. It sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet. Many trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Recreation Ward Mountain and the surrounding area offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Many of the trails offer scenic views of the surrounding high desert terrain. Facilities This campgr...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 6,300 ft

Lackawanna Hot Springs sits at 6,300 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 25% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
95°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 95°F (35°C)
Avg Air Temp 49°F
Above Ambient +46°F
Good soaking conditions May
Access
Road Access Roadside
Nearest Road Bothwick Road
Distance to Road 185 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Lackawanna Hot Springs?
Lackawanna Hot Springs has a water temperature of 95°F (35°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Lackawanna Hot Springs located?
Lackawanna Hot Springs is located in White Pine County, Nevada at 6,300 feet elevation, near Ely. Coordinates: 39.2830°N, 114.8660°W.
How do I get to Lackawanna Hot Springs?
Lackawanna Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Bothwick Road (185 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Lackawanna Hot Springs?
Yes, Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) is located nearby (7.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Lackawanna Hot Springs?
Lackawanna Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Lackawanna Hot Springs crowded?
Lackawanna Hot Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Lackawanna Hot Springs?
Essentials for Lackawanna Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Sources: USGS NWIS