Saulsbury Warm Spring

Nye County, Nevada · Near Tonopah
38.2550°N, 116.8290°W · 6,523 ft
86°F 6,523 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service

Saulsbury Warm Spring flows at 86°F within the Toiyabe National Forest, maintaining a temperature 35.5°F above ambient air at 6,523 feet elevation. Recent USGS measurements confirm 30°C water with alkaline pH of 8.1 and notably low mineral content at 229 mg/L TDS. The spring sits 1,392 meters from the nearest road, requiring a short walk to access.

Location

Located in Nye County's high desert mountains, the spring occupies terrain managed by the US Forest Service near Tonopah, a historic mining hub. At 6,523 feet elevation, the site experiences typical central Nevada basin-and-range topography with sagebrush-covered slopes and scattered pinyon-juniper woodland. Annual precipitation averages 8.3 inches with 28.7 inches of snow, supporting sparse vegetation adapted to the cold-winter, dry-summer climate. The spring emerges in open terrain characteristic of National Forest lands subject to multiple-use management including grazing and mineral extraction.

Visit May through October when snow has melted and unpaved Forest Service roads become passable. A short walk from parking requires sturdy footwear for uneven ground. The spring's remote location and 6,500-foot elevation mean rapid weather changes and limited cell service. Combine with exploration of Tonopah's mining history or visits to other central Nevada hot springs accessible via dirt roads.

History of Saulsbury Warm Spring

The spring takes its name from early settlers or prospectors in the Tonopah district, which boomed after silver discoveries in 1900. The National Forest designation dates to the early 20th century consolidation of Nevada's scattered mountain ranges under federal management. Records of Indigenous use are limited in available documentation. Current status remains as an undeveloped thermal seep on public land.

Monthly Climate
29°
Jan
31°
Feb
39°
Mar
47°
Apr
55°
May
69°
Jun
75°
Jul
74°
Aug
65°
Sep
52°
Oct
40°
Nov
29°
Dec
Annual Precip: 8.3 in Annual Snow: 28.7 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 29°F · Water 86°F · +57° contrast
December Air 29°F · Water 86°F · +57° contrast
February Air 31°F · Water 86°F · +55° contrast
January offers 46°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
48°F
Clear NNW 41.4 mph 46% Good soaking weather
Thursday 73° Low 44° Sunny
Spring is +13° warmer
Friday 76° Low 47° Sunny
Spring is +10° warmer
Saturday 77° Low 48° Sunny
Spring is +9° warmer
Sunday 81° Low 50° Sunny
Spring is +5° warmer
Monday 82° Low 53° Sunny
Spring is +4° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1967-07-30

The water at Saulsbury Warm Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.1) with 229 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 8.1 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 2 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 65 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 26 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 10 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 10 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Mile-High Advisory 6,523 ft

Saulsbury Warm Spring sits at 6,523 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 26% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
86°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 86°F (30°C)
Avg Air Temp 51°F
Above Ambient +36°F
Good soaking conditions May
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.9 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Toiyabe National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use

Hike 1 waterfall near Saulsbury Warm Spring

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Saulsbury Warm Spring, Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Saulsbury Warm Spring?
Saulsbury Warm Spring has a water temperature of 86°F (30°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Saulsbury Warm Spring located?
Saulsbury Warm Spring is located in Nye County, Nevada at 6,523 feet elevation, near Tonopah. Coordinates: 38.2550°N, 116.8290°W.
How do I get to Saulsbury Warm Spring?
Saulsbury Warm Spring has Short Walk road access (0.9 mi from the road).
Is Saulsbury Warm Spring free to visit?
Saulsbury Warm Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
What minerals are in the water at Saulsbury Warm Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.1 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 229 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Saulsbury Warm Spring?
Saulsbury Warm Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Saulsbury Warm Spring crowded?
Saulsbury Warm Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Saulsbury Warm Spring?
Essentials for Saulsbury Warm Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Sources: USGS NWIS