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21 Best Hot Springs in Nevada – MAPPED!

Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate soak.

Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate soak.

Find this post helpful? Learn how you can support Bearfoot Theory’s work here. You can also shop for gear through the affiliate links in this blog post where we get a small commission at no cost to you. It helps keep our team running and the lights on. THANK YOU! -Kristen

Nevada is one of the best-kept secrets in the US when it comes to outdoor adventure. It has the most mountain ranges out of any state (more than 300), some with peaks over 13,000ft and it’s also home to the driest area in the US, the Mojave Desert. Sprinkled throughout these peaks and deserts are dozens of natural hot springs. Many of them are set beneath snow-capped mountains with incredible views out over the plains and thanks to their remote locations, many of the hot springs are secluded and private.

If you’re itching for a road trip, grab your (birthday) suit and hit the road.

Here are 21 of the best hot springs to visit in Nevada

Important note: If you visit any of these hot springs, be sure to follow local guidelines, Leave No Trace by packing out your trash and belongings, and practice good hot springs etiquette. Thanks!

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Map of the Best Hot Springs in Nevada

Use this map to get driving directions to the best hot springs in Nevada. Make sure to check with local land managers when you plan your visit to find out the current status of roads and the hot springs themselves.


1) Arizona Hot Springs

Take a break from the Las Vegas nightlife and head to this three-tiered hot spring pool nestled in a dark slot canyon near Hoover Dam reached by hiking one of the best trails in Las Vegas. These popular pools do get busy, so for your best chance at solitude, pack your headlamp and a GPS and go for a late-night soak.

Previously these Nevada hot springs could also be reached via an overnight kayaking trip on the Colorado River’s Black Canyon, which I’ve done twice. Unfortunately the ladder leading to these hot springs was damaged by a flood in 2020, so today hiking is definitely your best bet.

Important Note: Due to extreme heat, the National Park Service actually closes these hot springs from May 15-September 30 every year. So make sure to plan your visit outside of this time frame when the air temperatures are cooler.

The hike itself is rather exposed, so wear sun protection and brush up your desert hiking safety skills.

Arizona Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

2) Gold Strike Hot Springs

If you want to reach Gold Strike Hot Springs, you’ll have to work for it. Like Arizona Hot Springs above, Gold Strike is located along the Colorado River about 45 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. But the 4-mile hike through a narrow vertical canyon is slightly more technical and requires some scrambling and a few careful maneuvers.

Once you get to the Gold Strike Hot Springs, though, the scrambling will be worth it. Sit back and relax in the natural spa where water seeps right out of fissures in the rocky canyon walls.

Gold Strike Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

3) Alkali Hot Springs – CLOSED

2021 Update: Alkali Hot Springs is closed to the public

Goldfield, a semi-abandoned ghost town with a current population of 260, is the closest civilization to Alkali Hot Springs. While you might run into a few locals at the pools, there’s a good chance you will have these two pleasant in-ground cement-lined soaking tubs all to yourself.

Even though they are technically located on private land, camping is allowed. Just make sure to clean up after yourself and pack out all your trash, as with any of the hot springs mentioned here.


4) Twelve-Mile (Bishop Creek) Hot Springs

Hot, cold, hot, cold. That’s the name of the game at this huge steamy pool located along the Humboldt River in Northeastern Nevada. For that all-over tingly body sensation, get nice and toasty in the hot springs and then awaken those senses by diving into the chilly river. Or you can just sit back and soak and enjoy the view of the surrounding Humboldt Mountains.

Getting here is a little tricky since you won’t find these springs marked on the map: From the town of Wells in Northeastern Nevada, make a left on 8th street and drive 9.1 miles. Look for a dirt road on the right just past a series of old ranch houses. Head down this road for 2 miles until you reach the springs. Note that this road can get pretty hairy and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. If your car can’t make it to the end, go as far as you can and walk the rest of the way.

Twelve-Mile Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

5) Spencer Hot Springs

Envision the vast Nevada desert backed by the jagged peaks of the Toiyabe Range – that’s the view you’ll get soaking in these improved primitive pools. Located just off “America’s Loneliest Highway,” these springs are easily accessible and consist of a steamy metal tub and an in-ground spring.

After you are done soaking, spend a night camping here for free or head to nearby Austin, a small historical town with a few cute cafes, antique shops, and hotels where you can shack up for the night.

Spencer Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

6) Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs

Popular among ATVers and RV campers, Fish Lake Valley is one of the few hot springs in Nevada that offers amenities such as fire pits and BBQs. If you go here, embrace the company or try to hit it mid-week when the crowds are few.

Surrounded by two mountain ranges in the middle of Nevada’s Great Basin, Fish Lake Valley has a large concrete hot pool and two natural warm ponds that are ideal for lazing around on a floating pool mattress.

Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

7) Trego Hot Springs

While the Black Rock Desert is most famous for the 8-day spectacle of Burning Man, this Northern Nevada expanse is also home to a number of quaint hot springs that provide an entirely different playa experience.

The silty Trego Hot Springs is one of them where soakers can enjoy a peaceful mineral-dense mud bath. Temperature varies at the site, so make sure to do a touch test before jumping in.

Important Note: the Trego hot springs have recently tested positive for harmful bacteria including E. Coli and Vibrio Cholera. Call the BLM office for updates before you bathe

Trego Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

8) Ruby Hot Springs

Limestone ledges and a metal ladder provide easy entry at this series of hot pools on the border of the Ruby Wildlife Refuge, one of the most remote wildlife refuges in the lower 48.

Located in the middle of a large marsh, this region is prime habitat for migrating birds, mule deer, antelope, and other species. The main soaking pool is very large, deep and a nice comfortable temperature for swimming, particularly in the late spring and early fall.

Ruby Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

9) Kyle Hot Springs

Just 20 miles off of 1-80, Kyle Hot Springs are super easy to get to. Known for epic sunsets, the two plastic soaking tubs have gorgeous views of the mountains and with average water temperatures in the low-90s, these springs are best enjoyed in the warmer months.

The site has a historical feel with the abandoned remnants of an old hot springs resort including an original concrete tub.

Kyle Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

10) Carson Hot Springs Resort

No hot tub at your Tahoe accommodations? Carson Hot Springs Resort is your ticket. Recently remodeled and smack in the middle of Carson City on the east side of Lake Tahoe, this family-friendly hot spring resort has a large outdoor pool and deck area, private soaking rooms, fire pits, and a powerful massage fountain known as “the hammer.”

Carson Hot Spring Resort // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

11) Paradise Valley Hot Springs

A well-maintained large cattle trough next to the meandering Little Humboldt River provides soakers a private and quiet place to relax in the midst of the Great Basin and its surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The water here is typically clear and locals have even built a solid wooden entry platform where you can stash your stuff while you soak. To some, this is considered one of the best hot springs in Nevada.

Important Tip: The source pool near the parking area is a scalding 130 degrees. Do not mistake this for the springs. Just follow the stream from here down to the river to find the tub.


12) Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

The multiple natural pools at Soldier Meadows sits adjacent to dozens of trails and creeks and is a great place to spend a night or two. The Soldier Meadows Ranch is a working cattle ranch right next to the springs that offers lodging and home-cooked meals, or if you prefer to rough it, there is plenty of free BLM camping in the area.

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada

13) Dyke Hot Springs

Another set of springs at the northern edge of the Black Rock Desert, Dyke Hot Springs consists of two single (or cozy two-person) bathtubs along the edge of a frog pond.

When you arrive, find the piping that leads from the 150-degree source pond at the top of the hill down into the tubs. Fill em up, wait until the water is comfortable, and then get your soak on. Once you are done, you should drain the tubs to help keep them clean and algae free.


14) Rogers and Blue Point Hot Springs

More of warm springs rather than hot, Roger’s Hot Springs is located not too far from Las Vegas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area between Echo Bay and Overton.

Best visited from September through May, Roger’s and the nearby Blue Point Spring help support a lush desert ecosystem that includes vibrant desert palms and other greenery.

If you are making a day trip out from Vegas, drive along the shore of Lake Mead on the way out and then for an added bonus, swing through the stunning Valley of Fire on your way back to town.


15) Black Rock Hot Springs

Named after the recognizable rock in the distance that gave the Black Rock Desert its name, this large sandy-bottomed pool is awfully inviting. Just be careful getting in and always check the temp before fully submerging yourself.

Use the wooden plank that leads to the pool to find the most common entry point and avoid the other end of the pool where the source water can be burning hot.

Black Rock Valley Hot Springs // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 
Photo: Travel Nevada 

16) Diana’s Punch Bowl

The scalding temps at Diana’s Punch Bowl make this the only unsoakable spring on this list. But this geologic wonder is still worth a quick side trip for those visiting the ghost town of Pott’s Ranch in central Nevada, which is only 6 miles away.

In the middle of a large travertine hill, you’ll find a sunken crater that measures 50 feet across by 30 feet deep and is full of 200-degree dark blue water, not unlike some of the hot pools found in Yellowstone.

Use care when approaching the cauldron. Trust me. This is not something you want to fall into.

Diana's Punch Bowl // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

17) Bog Hot Springs

Bog Hot Springs are unlike any other hot springs in Nevada. Rather than being a single stagnant pool, hot springin’ here involves sitting right in the middle of a warm flowing river. Pools are terraced and temperatures vary, allowing you to find your ideal resting place.

Be aware that the surrounding grasses can harbor microscopic red spider mites which can leave you with red itchy bumps on your skin. So dip at your own risk!


18) Steamboat Hot Springs

Need to rest those muscles after shredding the trails or slopes around Lake Tahoe? Steamboat Hot Springs is a commercial hot springs resort just south of downtown Reno that offers an outdoor tub, private baths, a steam room, massage, and aromatherapy.

Water comes from a geothermal source and contains the same healing minerals you would find in a natural hot spring. Drop-ins are welcome for the outdoor tub, but appointments, which can be made online, are recommended for any of the spa’s other services.

Steamboat Hot Springs Resort // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak.
Photo: Travel Nevada

19) Virgin Valley Warm Springs

Virgin Valley Warm Springs is located in northern Nevada on the western edge of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts to view pronghorn antelope and enjoy the sweeping wide-open desert landscapes.

The pool at Virgin Valley Warm Springs is large, about 35ft across, and is typically held at a lukewarm 90 degrees, making it a perfect place to soak on a cool fall day.

There’s also free first-come-first-serve camping at the nearby Virgin Valley Campground. The sites are outfitted with fire rings, tables, pit toilets, and drinking water.


20) Kirch Hot Springs

Also known as Sunnyside, these hot springs are situated within the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area and they are stunning. The crystal clear waters rival that of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding views of the majestic high desert oasis of the White River Valley are unbeatable.

This area is an important wildlife sanctuary for many species of birds, large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, so be on the lookout for wildlife and be sure to keep the area as pristine as you find it.

Photo: Travel Nevada

21) Caliente Hot Springs Motel

Currently closed, anticipated reopening in fall 2021

Located in the small (and aptly named) town of Caliente, this historic resort is right off route 93, making it easily accessible and a fun treat for any Nevada road trip.

Several of the recently renovated motel rooms feature their own private soaking tubs, but if you aren’t able to book one of those, there are also four private soaking rooms with large tiled tubs.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the mountain biking and hiking trails at nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park.

Caliente Hot Springs Motel // Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak.
Photo: Travel Nevada

What are your favorite hot springs in Nevada? Have you visited any of these recently? Leave a comment below! 

*This article was originally sponsored by Travel Nevada and first appeared on the Matador Network*

Check the map, grab your (birthday) suit, and head to one of these best hot springs in Nevada for the ultimate natural soak. 

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47 Comments

  1. Trego Hot Springs is a decent enough place for a soak, but do be aware that –– before Burning Man, and especially after –– the springs get a lot of use, and have pretty much a “communal bath” feel and atmosphere. Though I make semi-regular visits to the playa when The Man gets ready for his burn, I now pretty much avoid Trego during festival time.

    1. The Nevada Tourism board paid me to write this post for a much bigger outlet. So you can start your complaining with them. Second, my blog post is not why these places are off limits or destroyed. It’s because PEOPLE are jerks and don’t have any respect. If they didn’t find the hot spring on my blog, they’d find it in a book or some other website, just like I did. Unlike big media companies that also share these places, I make a big effort to educate people on Leave No Trace practices. I talk about it in this post and I’ve shared a number of other articles about Leave No Trace on my website.

      1. Hi I am a 55 yo guy – my husband and i are moving to Reno. I am out of shape but plan on seeing the volcanoes, hot springs and other places of natural beauty . Any advice on some easy hikes to start my new journey in life.?
        BTW I appreciate this post , you are absolutely right the jerks ruin these natural wonders. Even here in eastern North Carolina in the beautiful bogs people are stealing all the Carnivorous plants. thank you

      2. Why does the link to this page say “MAPPED!”? I don’t see a map here… Am I missing something?

        1. Unfortunately, we’ve had to remove the map to this Nevada hot springs post due to concerns about overuse and disrespect of these sensitive areas. The hot springs can still be located on GPS maps, though.

  2. Which hot spring is featured in the cover photo? The photo with legs in clear water in a shallow creek bed (or river?) in the forest?

    Fantastic post! Though reading through I am still not sure which hot spring is the one in the cover photo and that one is calling me:)

  3. Kristen, so weird to see someone write about Ruby Valley Hot Springs. I had not seen any writeups and cruised out there maybe 15 years ago. There was no one around, but when I got there the spring was trashed – looked like 30 teenageers had a giant beer party some time before. I spent about an hour cleaning the litter up and put it in giant trash bags on my Jeep.

    After a soak/swim, I climbed up on the hill to the south to chill. After awhile a pickup truck showed up with three young men. They took what appeared to be a red gas can and inverted it and emptied the contents into the round spring pool. After awhile they jumped in and went swimming.

    Later I went down and talked to them and asked what was in the can. “Gasoline”. Why would you pour gasoline into a pool and then swim in it? They replied that the gasoline spreads out in a thin layer over the surface of the water and kills all the insects so you can swim. Apparently, this is what the locals have been doing for time immemorial at this site.

    I left, to return to the current century.

    1. Hi, Alan!
      Wow, thanks for your comment. I’m glad you stumbled upon us here and have explored Ruby Valley Hot Springs. I’m pretty shocked that the locals pour gasoline into the spring. I’ve never heard of that “method” to remove insects… I can’t help but wonder what long-term health effects those same young men are seeing today. Not to mention the harmful effect on the water source.

  4. I’ve been to Bog and Trego this past weekend, thanks to this blog ! We had a great time camping and visiting as newbies. This was definitely a different experience than what we are used to up in NY. But I look forward to checking out more from your list, thank you!

  5. Good response!

    I’ve seen so many great spots get roped or fenced off, and one even got bulldozed and filled due to disrespectable and disrespectful people.

    It’s why I always travel with a trash bag hiking or hot springing, so I can clean up after others as well as myself, in the hopes that these spots last forever.

    This info is all over the Internet. You are not the problem, entitled people are.

    1. Glad to hear that you’re helping to keep these spots nice for everyone for years to come. I think the best thing we can all do is set a good example, and whenever we share information about spots like this, make the importance of being respectful and leaving no trace very clear.

  6. Spencer Hot Springs , At night you couldn’t hear a thing, dead silence. It was kind of spooky. But my favorite memory, was midnight I am at the Hot spring on the top of the hill. Was enjoying the water when all of a sudden I hear and see 4 burros making loud noises and started rushing the Hot Spring. I had to move quick , butt naked jumping back in my truck before they bite my ass. I guess I was in there water hole. Scared the poop out of me. But would of made a good You Tube video. Was a great adventure to northern Nevada.

  7. Just visited Smith Creek hot springs (5/28/20). I do not suggest going out there. The tubs were all dismantled, filled with trash, and surrounded by super stinky green algae. Dead frogs everywhere with no soakable springs, all 170+ degrees. There were a few campers around, but there was broken glass all over the place as well as shotgun shells. Not worth the drive out to the middle of nowhere. Save yourself the time.

  8. Made it out to 12 Mile a few weeks ago and it was SO worth the trek! The dirt road was pretty terrible once you turn off the paved road and was washed out in a few places. Plenty of room to park your car and walk the rest of the way. Can’t wait to visit again, this time in the winter!

  9. Howdy,

    Nice web site, Thanks for some new possibilities of adventure.

    I will add an FYI, the mites at bog hot springs spend most of their time on the surface of the water. And they congregate along the edges of the creek where the current is slowest. So stay in the middle in the swifter water and you will encounter less mites. But you’ll generally end up with a few itchy spots.

    My wife and I once put in a 300 gal stock tank on the edge of the creek and it filled with water from a pipe that was below the surface of the creek. Hence the hot tank didn’t have any mites because they cant go below the surface of the water. Before that there was once a 24″ pipe that created a small water fall and Jacuzzi like pool that the mites could not congregate in.

    1. Hi Jordan, thanks for reading! All of the hot springs listed are on the Google map at the top of the post. You can click on each hot spring on the map and get directions. Happy soaking!

        1. Unfortunately, we’ve had to remove the map to this Nevada hot springs post due to concerns about overuse and disrespect of these sensitive areas. The hot springs can still be located on GPS maps, though.

  10. Thanks for your insight. I’m looking for a hot spring in the desert about 50 south of reno or Carson city, just off 395. I visited as a kid around the late 70’s. There was a green old church building or house by the highway that indicated where to exit. Just off 395 in the middle of the desert. Any clues on name and location? It was one good size pool from what I remember. Thanks, -juan-

    1. This sounds like the hot springs just south of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Wild Willy’s is one of the more popular ones in that area.

  11. Alkali is no longer open to public. It’s private land and the owner wants the springs preserved for wild life. Too many people trashed the place.

  12. I’ve heard of a hot spring in NV (guessing black rock area??) where there are 4 tubs painted with turtle themes…have you heard of this hot spring and if so, where is it located?

    1. I’ve been searching for the 4 turtle tub themed hot spring tubs for a very long time also. Have you had any luck in locating the location yet?

  13. Hello, as a 4th Generation Nevadan, I want to do all I can to keep my beloved state clean and pristine. I’ve been all over the state but have not visited all the hot springs you have shown here. It is heartbreaking to see the damage done to anything of significance or beauty in our state, whether it be petroglyphs, hot springs, shoe trees (I still can’t believe some idiot chopped that down a few years ago!) or natural forest and desert areas, The lack of respect for nature and history is rampant not just in our major cities (pulling down statues that could teach them something) but here in the desert too. I even know of a guy who was even shot at by a group of drunks who were partying on HIS property and he had to hide behind a fallen tree for several hours until it was dark enough to leave without being seen.

    We must do something to have respect again in our country. I know this is not a political post or blog site, but people visit here and look for places to go. I’m hoping they will read this note and it will instill in them a measure of respect. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cleaned up after somebody who has left a pile of junk thinking no one will ever know. We all know. We all see it. It makes us all worse off as a nation.

    We are better than this! Please leave the places you visit better than what you found them. Take an extra trash bag with you and take out anything that doesn’t belong there while leaving the stuff that does. Thanks!

    1. Hi Kelly, thank you for your comment and we are on the same page with respecting the outdoors and keeping places clean and accessible for everyone to enjoy. I put a lot of emphasis on my blog about respecting the outdoors, following Leave No Trace principles, and I even have a dedicated post about hot spring etiquette (that is shared on this post as well). I think the best thing we can all do is set a good example, and whenever we share information about spots like this, make the importance of being respectful and leaving no trace very clear.

  14. My hubby and I are coming in from WI…yes we will pickup after ourselves as we do in WI…and we will probably pickup others’ messes as well…but trying to find a hot spring that isn’t a hard or long hike but good to soak in (obviously staying in Vegas) so close would be great…I have a bad hip and my hubby has bad shoulders…any recommendations?

    1. Hi Sandy – Unfortunately, the two hot springs closest to Vegas (#1 and #2 on this list) are both strenuous hikes that require climbing up/down ladders and scrambling over rocks.

  15. I am a disabled vet and new to Reno, thinking of visiting some of your hot springs. Your write up made them sound wonderful but some of the comments about trash pissed me off while causing me to do something I’ve never done before – putting a bunch of heavy-duty trash bags in my Subaru in case I encounter the mentioned trash. What a crime!!!
    Thank you for your information. It is VERY useful. With my 81 years I am a bit limited and your information lets me know where not to go. JDM

    1. Hi Doug, I’m glad you found our post useful & are inspired to take trash bags on your hot springs adventure! It is definitely a bummer to come across trash at these beautiful spots, but we can all do our part to try to leave it clean for the next visitors. We hope you enjoy your soak.