Wedell Hot Springs
Wedell Hot Springs produces 144-degree water from 4,150 feet elevation in Mineral County, flowing 85.8 degrees above ambient temperature on Bureau of Land Management public lands near Hawthorne. The spring requires a 369-meter walk from the nearest road across terrain managed by the Stillwater Field Office, where open access policies permit visitation to this feature on federal land subject to extractive uses.
The spring emerges in the high desert environment of western Nevada at relatively low elevation for the region, positioned in terrain that receives only 5.8 inches of annual precipitation and 10.7 inches of snow. The sparse moisture creates a landscape dominated by salt-tolerant shrubs and scattered vegetation, with the surrounding basins showing evidence of ancient lake beds from Pleistocene Lake Lahontan. Average annual temperatures of 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit reflect the lower elevation and southern position within Nevada's thermal spring distribution.
Visit from October through May when summer heat moderates in this low-elevation desert environment, as temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit become common June through September. The 369-meter walk requires sturdy footwear and sun protection across exposed terrain. At 144 degrees, the source water poses scalding risk and requires extreme caution. Bring all water and supplies, as the arid setting provides no potable sources. Check with Stillwater Field Office regarding any temporary access restrictions related to military operations in the broader Hawthorne area.
The spring's name likely derives from early 20th-century landowner or prospector activity in the Hawthorne area, though specific historical documentation remains elusive. The region served as traditional Northern Paiute territory, where thermal springs held cultural and practical significance for Indigenous populations traveling between Walker Lake and other seasonal resources. Hawthorne's establishment as a naval ammunition depot in 1930 transformed the surrounding area, though the spring itself appears to have remained undeveloped. Current BLM management maintains public access without recreational infrastructure.
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Wedell Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.