Spring (Hot)
This 122-degree hot spring, known locally as Soldier Meadows Hot Spring, flows 269 meters from the nearest road at 4,566 feet elevation on open-access BLM public lands in remote northwestern Nevada. Recent USGS measurements confirmed 40.5°C water temperature in a spring running 70.2 degrees above ambient, managed by the Black Rock Field Office.
The spring emerges in the high desert country near the Nevada-California border where the Black Rock Desert's playa margins transition to higher terrain. At 4,566 feet elevation, the landscape consists of sagebrush communities on volcanic and sedimentary substrates with annual precipitation of 10 inches and snow totaling 27.8 inches. The area sits within the vast public lands of northwestern Nevada characterized by minimal development and long distances between services. Geothermal activity here reflects deep fault systems tapping heat at depth.
Visit April through October when roads remain passable. The remote location requires self-sufficiency with fuel, water, and emergency supplies. High-clearance vehicles are typically necessary for the final approach roads. At 122°F, the water requires careful entry and limited exposure. The area's remoteness provides solitude but also means no services for 60+ miles. Check BLM Black Rock Field Office for current road conditions and fire restrictions.
Soldier Meadows takes its name from military use during conflicts between Euro-American settlers and Northern Paiute peoples in the 1860s. The meadow complex provided critical water and forage in otherwise harsh desert terrain, making it strategically valuable for both Indigenous residents and cavalry units. The hot springs at Soldier Meadows have served travelers for millennia, with archaeological evidence indicating long-term Indigenous presence. Modern management as public land preserves access while recognizing extractive uses.
The water at Spring (Hot) contains 224 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Spring (Hot) is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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