Moorman Spring
Moorman Spring flows at 100 degrees Fahrenheit near Ely in White Pine County at 5,295 feet elevation, emerging 46 degrees warmer than the 54-degree average air temperature. Located roadside just 43 feet from the nearest access, the spring offers immediate availability to thermal waters. Recent USGS measurements recorded 98-degree water with neutral pH of 7.0 and moderate total dissolved solids of 349 mg/L, indicating clean calcium-sulfate chemistry.
The spring occupies high valley terrain in east-central Nevada, surrounded by sagebrush steppe and scattered pinyon-juniper woodland at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet. The landscape consists of open rangeland with mountain ranges visible on distant horizons, typical of the Basin and Range province. Ely sits several miles away at 6,437 feet elevation, serving as the commercial center for White Pine County's extensive mining and ranching operations. Annual precipitation totals 8 inches with 22 inches of snow, creating semi-arid conditions with cold winters.
Visit May through October when weather conditions are favorable; winter brings snow and freezing temperatures at 5,295 feet elevation. The 100-degree water temperature provides comfortable soaking without requiring cold water mixing. Roadside access eliminates hiking needs, though roads may deteriorate in wet weather. Ely offers full services 20-30 minutes away. The spring's remote high-desert setting provides solitude for visitors seeking undeveloped thermal features away from commercial resorts.
The spring's name likely honors an early settler, rancher, or landowner in the Ely area, though specific documentation of the namesake remains elusive. Springs throughout the region served critical roles for livestock operations, mining camps, and travelers crossing Nevada's vast desert valleys. The thermal feature appears on OpenStreetMap databases, indicating modern recognition and mapping efforts. Current conditions show continued flow with no apparent development or commercial use of the thermal waters.
The water at Moorman Spring is neutral (pH 7.0) with 349 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Moorman Spring sits at 5,295 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 21% 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.
Moorman Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.