Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs

Lyon County, Nevada · Near Smith
38.8990°N, 119.4100°W · 4,632 ft
144°F 4,632 ft Roadside Camping nearby (22.7 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 144°F, the source water at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Nevada Hot Springs, also on file as Hinds Hot Springs, sits right in Smith in Lyon County. The water is scalding at the source, well over what skin tolerates. Whether the public can get to it is not recorded, and no landowner is listed, so this page is mostly a record of a very hot spring in a small town.

Location

About three hundred feet from the nearest road, a roadside spring at around 4,600 feet. Which road isn't noted. This part of Lyon County gets a couple of feet of snow in an ordinary winter and around thirteen inches of precipitation. Indian Creek Campground, over the California line, is the nearest camping on file at about 23 miles.

Midwinter is what the record recommends. Water this hot burns, so keep hands out of the source and look for cooled outflow if soaking is even possible, which the record cannot confirm. A 1974 sample shows alkaline water with iron in it. No fee recorded. Confirm access before you make the drive.

Monthly Climate
36°
Jan
37°
Feb
43°
Mar
51°
Apr
58°
May
70°
Jun
77°
Jul
76°
Aug
68°
Sep
56°
Oct
43°
Nov
35°
Dec
Annual Precip: 12.5 in Annual Snow: 28.9 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 35°F · Water 144°F · +110° contrast
January Air 36°F · Water 144°F · +108° contrast
February Air 37°F · Water 144°F · +107° contrast
December offers 43°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
N 0.0 mph
Sunday 81° Low 49° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +63° warmer
Labor Day 78° Low 45° Sunny
Spring is +66° warmer
Tuesday 83° Low 49° Sunny 4% precip
Spring is +61° warmer
Wednesday 85° Low 56° Partly Sunny 6% precip
Spring is +59° warmer
Thursday 89° Low 58° Mostly Sunny 11% precip
Spring is +55° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1974-01-01

The water at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 8.7).

pH 8.7 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 5 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 102 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 169 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 17 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 60 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Indian Creek Campground (Ca) 22.7 mi away

Overview Due to the extensive damage sustained in the 2021 Tamarack Fire, Indian Creek Campground is CLOSED at this time and will remain closed until the area can be made safe for public access and facilities can be rebuilt. Updated Press Release .  Indian Creek Campground is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada between the California towns of Woodfords and Markleeville. Elevation in the area ranges from 5,600 feet at the reservoir to 6,400 feet in the surrounding foothills....

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
144°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 144°F (62°C)
Avg Air Temp 54°F
Above Ambient +90°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 306 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs?
Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs has a water temperature of 144°F (62°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs located?
Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs is located in Lyon County, Nevada at 4,632 feet elevation, near Smith. Coordinates: 38.8990°N, 119.4100°W.
How do I get to Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs?
Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs has Roadside road access (306 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs?
Yes, Indian Creek Campground (Ca) is located nearby (22.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.7 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Nevada (Hinds) Hot Springs reaches 144°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS