Preston Springs
Preston Springs flows at 70°F in White Pine County near Ely at 5,722 feet elevation, representing a warm spring rather than a hot spring with water just 17 degrees above the 53°F ambient average. Recent USGS analysis documented water at 21.2°C with alkaline pH of 7.8 and moderate mineral content (43 mg/L calcium, 20 mg/L magnesium, 13 mg/L sodium), reflecting equilibration with carbonate bedrock. The spring lies 106 meters from the nearest road, requiring a short walk to reach this modest thermal feature.
The spring emerges in White Pine County's Great Basin landscape at 5,722 feet elevation where broad valleys transition to forested mountain slopes. Annual precipitation totals 10 inches with 32 inches of snowfall, sufficient to support sagebrush steppe with scattered pinyon-juniper at this elevation. The surrounding terrain consists of alluvial fans and bajadas characteristic of basin floors, with the Egan Range and other mountains rising to the west and east. Land use reflects the ranching and mining activities that have shaped eastern Nevada since the 19th century.
The 70°F water temperature is too cool for comfortable thermal bathing but represents an accessible example of Great Basin hydrothermal systems. Visit from May through October when roads and trails are most passable; winter snow creates difficult access conditions. The 5,722-foot elevation brings cold nights year-round, so plan for temperature variation. No facilities exist at the site. Ward Mountain Campground 33 kilometers distant provides developed camping with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Combine a spring visit with recreation in the Egan Range backcountry surrounding Ely.
The Preston name likely derives from a ranching family or early settler who utilized the spring for stock water or homestead purposes, following Nevada's pattern of naming springs after the individuals or families who developed water rights. Specific historical documentation remains limited in available records. The spring's inclusion in USGS geochemical sampling indicates scientific recognition of the thermal feature, though commercial development never occurred. Ward Mountain Campground lies 33 kilometers away, suggesting the spring sits in relatively accessible terrain near Ely's recreation infrastructure.
The water at Preston Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8).
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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...
Preston Springs sits at 5,722 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 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Preston Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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