Resting Spring
Resting Spring flows at 80°F in the remote high desert near the California-Nevada border, providing modest thermal relief in one of North America's most extreme heat environments where annual temperatures exceed 70°F.
The spring emerges at 1,805 feet elevation on Bureau of Land Management property near Pahrump, surrounded by creosote scrub and sparse desert vegetation. A short 1,260-foot walk through open desert terrain leads visitors to the thermal waters. The setting reflects the harsh, arid conditions of the Basin and Range province where water sources hold particular value.
Resting Spring sits on BLM land managed by the Barstow Field Office for sustainable multiple-use purposes. The desert location experiences extreme aridity receiving only 3.6 inches of annual precipitation with minimal snow. The thermal waters represent one of the dataset's smallest temperature anomalies at just 10 degrees above ambient, reflecting the already-hot desert baseline temperature.
The spring offers open BLM access year-round in this remote desert location. Visitors should prepare for intense heat during summer months and expect minimal shade. Annual temperatures average 70°F with extreme dryness requiring adequate water supplies. Best visits occur October through April when daytime temperatures remain manageable. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended.
Is Resting Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking