Springs (Hot)
Emerging at 127°F from BLM public lands at 4,337 feet elevation, these hot springs flow 74 degrees warmer than ambient air in northwestern Nevada terrain managed by the Black Rock Field Office. Recent USGS measurements confirmed water temperature at 52.5°C, placing these among genuinely hot thermal features requiring caution for bathing, located 267 meters from the nearest road with open public access.
The springs rise from high desert terrain in the Black Rock Desert geothermal region, where annual precipitation totals under 10 inches and winter brings 27 inches of snow. Sagebrush and greasewood dominate the sparse vegetation across this arid landscape shaped by Cenozoic volcanic activity and ongoing Basin and Range extension. The Black Rock playa extends northwest, defining one of North America's most active geothermal provinces with numerous thermal manifestations.
Visit spring or fall when daytime temperatures are moderate; summer heat exceeds 100°F while winter can bring subfreezing nights and difficult road access. The 875-foot walk crosses open desert requiring sturdy footwear. Water at 127°F demands careful testing before entering; let pools cool or mix with cold water. No facilities exist. Check with BLM Black Rock Field Office for current access status and geothermal development activity that may affect visitation.
No records clarify the generic "Springs (Hot)" designation or historical use patterns. Despite Wikipedia references to Crystal Springs near Ash Springs in southern Nevada, no documented connection exists to these northwestern Nevada springs. The area remained largely unsettled except for sporadic ranching and prospecting until modern geothermal exploration identified the broader Black Rock system's energy potential. BLM maintains standard multiple-use management allowing mineral development and recreation.
The water at Springs (Hot) contains 237 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Springs (Hot) is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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