Unnamed Thermal Spring
This 130°F spring sits just 19 feet from the nearest road at 4,463 feet elevation, delivering roadside access to water 78 degrees above ambient temperature. Managed by BLM's Black Rock Field Office, the spring flows on federal public lands with open access for recreation.
Located in high desert terrain near the California-Nevada border south of Alturas, the spring emerges where annual precipitation averages 10.9 inches with 33 inches of snow. Sagebrush and native grasses characterize the landscape at 4,463 feet elevation, where mean air temperatures reach 52°F. The setting lies within the vast Black Rock Field Office management area, federal land designated for extractive uses alongside recreation.
Roadside location allows immediate access from vehicles. Water temperature of 130°F requires caution. Visit during cooler months when ambient temperatures make approaching hot water more pleasant. Verify current BLM access regulations before visiting.
No documented name, Indigenous history, or development record exists for this spring. The cataloging under Nevada's Modoc County (a California county) suggests border-area confusion in the original NOAA survey data.
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this spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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