Twelvemile Spring
Twelvemile Spring emerges at 102°F near Wells in Elko County, running 55 degrees above the local ambient temperature of 47°F. Positioned just 74 meters from the roadside at 5,901 feet elevation, the spring offers convenient access to geothermal water in northeastern Nevada's high country.
The spring occupies grassy foothills terrain at 5,901 feet in Elko County, where the East Humboldt Range rises to the south and sagebrush-grassland extends across the valleys. Annual precipitation reaches 11.2 inches with substantial snowfall averaging 35.7 inches, supporting richer vegetation than lower Nevada basins. The elevation and moisture regime create conditions typical of the Great Basin's northern tier, where winter cold and summer warmth mark distinct seasons.
Access the spring year-round from the roadside pullout, though winter snowpack may close approach roads from December through March. Angel Creek Campground lies 25 kilometers southwest, offering a developed base for exploring the area. Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms to this elevation zone, while spring and fall provide stable weather windows.
The spring's name derives from its location twelve miles from a reference point, likely Wells or another settlement that served as a waypoint during wagon travel and early ranching development. The thermal feature provided reliable water for livestock operations that spread across Elko County's grasslands in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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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...
Twelvemile Spring sits at 5,901 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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Twelvemile Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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