194°F3,950 ftOpenShort WalkBureau of Land Management
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 194°F, the source water at This spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Black Rock Hot Spring — by Mitch Barrie — CC BY-SA 2.0
— Source
This unnamed spring produces 194°F water in Pershing County, ranking among Nevada's hottest thermal features at 139.9 degrees above the 54.1-degree ambient temperature, with USGS analysis confirming 89.2°C water temperature and extremely high sodium-chloride content of 1,500 and 1,700 mg/L respectively.
Emerging at 3,950 feet elevation on BLM Black Rock Field Office lands, the spring sits in basin terrain receiving just 7.2 inches of precipitation and 12.2 inches of snow annually. The location lies 1,298 meters from the nearest road, requiring a walk across open desert where summer heat and winter cold create temperature extremes. The neutral pH of 7.0 and high mineral content indicate deep circulation through fault systems.
History of This Spring
No documented name or development history exists for this spring. The site's position on federal public land subject to extractive use suggests it has remained in natural state, known primarily through government geothermal surveys rather than recreational or commercial development.
The short walk crosses unshaded desert where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Carry adequate water and sun protection. Winter access may be complicated by mud following rare precipitation events. The extremely hot water temperature and high mineral content make this strictly an observation site, not suitable for bathing.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
This spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs.
Monthly Climate
33°Jan
37°Feb
44°Mar
52°Apr
60°May
71°Jun
80°Jul
78°Aug
69°Sep
53°Oct
40°Nov
31°Dec
Annual Precip: 7.2 inAnnual Snow: 12.2 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 31°F · Water 194°F · +163° contrast
JanuaryAir 33°F · Water 194°F · +161° contrast
FebruaryAir 37°F · Water 194°F · +157° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
192.6°F
(89.2°C)Measured Jul 08, 1980
Water ChemistrySampled 1980-07-08
The water at This spring is neutral (pH 7.0). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
has a water temperature of 194°F (90°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is located?
is located in Pershing County, Nevada at 3,950 feet elevation, near Lovelock. Coordinates: 40.9480°N, 119.0020°W.
How do I get to ?
has Short Walk road access (0.8 mi from the road).
Is free to visit?
has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
What minerals are in the water at ?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.0 (neutral).
Is it safe to soak at ?
The water at reaches 194°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is crowded?
sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to ?
Essentials for : swimsuit, towel, water bottle, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
194°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp194°F (90°C)
Avg Air Temp54°F
Above Ambient+140°F
Great soaking conditionsMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.8 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyBureau of Land Management
DesignationPUB
UnitBlack Rock Field Office
ManagerBureau of Land Management
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
