Moana Springs
Moana Springs erupts at 199 degrees Fahrenheit, ranking among Nevada's hottest thermal features with water flowing 145 degrees above the 54-degree average air temperature. Located roadside in Reno at 4,510 feet elevation, this urban geothermal spring sits just 1 foot from Manzanita Lane. Recent USGS readings confirm 145-degree water with near-neutral pH of 7.7 and moderate sodium-sulfate chemistry.
The spring occupies a residential area within Reno city limits in Washoe County, surrounded by urban development at the western base of the Carson Range. At 4,510 feet elevation in the Truckee Meadows basin, the site experiences a Great Basin climate with 16 inches annual precipitation and 39 inches of snow. The immediate landscape consists of paved streets, homes, and city infrastructure, a stark contrast to wilderness springs elsewhere in Nevada. The Sierra Nevada rises dramatically to the west, while the Virginia Range extends eastward across the valley.
Moana Springs takes its name from the surrounding Moana neighborhood in southwest Reno, developed in the early 20th century. The thermal waters have been tapped for geothermal heating since Reno's early growth, with the area's numerous hot springs influencing residential and commercial development patterns. The spring remains active within the urban fabric, representing the city's extensive geothermal resource that has been utilized for swimming pools, bathhouses, and building heat over decades.
Visit year-round due to roadside urban location, though the spring itself is not accessible for bathing. The site serves primarily as a geothermal resource rather than recreation destination. Extreme water temperature makes direct contact dangerous. Combine with visits to nearby Mount Rose Campground 21 km away for mountain recreation, or explore Lake Tahoe's shoreline 45 minutes west via Mount Rose Highway.
Is Moana Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Moana Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7).
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