Spring
This 86-degree spring flows on Bureau of Land Management public lands 1,065 meters from the nearest road at 5,635 feet elevation near Tonopah, running 32 degrees above ambient air temperature. Recent USGS analysis documented pH of 7.8 and total dissolved solids of 945 mg/L, with sodium (276 mg/L) and sulfate (222 mg/L) as dominant ions. Open public access requires a short walk across BLM multiple-use terrain.
The spring emerges in the high desert basin country of central Nye County, where fault-block mountains rise from broad valleys floored with alluvial sediments. At 5,635 feet, the site sits in shadscale-winterfat scrub transitioning to sagebrush at higher elevations. Annual precipitation of just 6.3 inches creates one of Nevada's driest environments, with snow accounting for roughly 40% of the moisture total. The Tonopah Field Office manages extensive public lands here characterized by mineral potential and historic mining activity.
Best visited April through October when road access remains reliable. The area's extreme aridity means carrying adequate water for the 3,500-foot round-trip walk. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F despite the elevation. Check BLM Tonopah Field Office for current road conditions and any temporary closures related to mining operations or restoration work. The spring's 86-degree temperature makes it warm but not suitable for extended soaking.
Documentation does not reveal specific historical names or events associated with this spring. The generic "SPRING" designation suggests it served utilitarian rather than ceremonial purposes, possibly providing water for livestock or mining operations during Tonopah's silver boom era beginning in 1900. Current status as public land reflects the federal government's retention of title following the mining district's establishment rather than homestead patent.
The water at Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 945 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
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Spring sits at 5,635 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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Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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