Spring
This thermal spring classified as warm (temperature recorded only as "W") emerges 728 meters from the nearest road at 5,892 feet elevation near Wells in Elko County's high-elevation terrain. The short walk accesses a spring in landscape receiving 11.6 inches of precipitation and substantial 38.1 inches of annual snowfall, with average annual air temperatures of just 46.8°F.
The spring sits in northeastern Nevada's mountainous terrain where the Basin and Range province meets the higher elevations of the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range. At nearly 6,000 feet, the site experiences true alpine influences with vegetation transitioning from sagebrush to mountain shrub and aspen communities. Angel Creek Campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lies 6.5 kilometers away, providing access to the East Humboldt Wilderness. Snow persists into late spring at this elevation.
Best visited June through September after snowmelt but before winter returns. The 2,400-foot walk crosses terrain that can hold snow well into spring given the 38-inch annual total. Angel Creek Campground provides a base for exploring the area, though advance reservations are recommended for summer weekends. Altitude of nearly 6,000 feet can affect visitors from lower elevations. Bring layers as temperatures drop sharply after sunset even in summer.
Historical information specific to this spring remains sparse in available documentation. The generic "SPRING" designation offers no clues to Indigenous or settler naming traditions. The Wells area developed as a railroad town on the Central Pacific line, with surrounding mountains supporting ranching and mining. The spring's relatively remote location suggests limited historical development compared to more accessible thermal features.
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Overview Angel Creek Campground is located on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Mountain Range, just eight miles southwest of Wells, Nev. It sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors enjoy making the short drive to Angel Lake for canoeing and fishing.Recreation Beautiful Angel Lake is just four miles from the campground, offering great canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout.Smith Lake Trail begins at the entrance to Angel Lake Campground, with a designated day use parking...
Spring sits at 5,892 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 24% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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