Borax Spring
Borax Spring erupts at 180°F on Bureau of Land Management public lands in Churchill County, producing one of the hottest accessible thermal features in western Nevada. The spring emerges 122 degrees above ambient temperature at 3,955 feet elevation, located 626 feet from the nearest road and managed by the Stillwater Field Office.
The spring sits in playa margin terrain east of Fallon, where basin-floor saltbush scrub meets alluvial fans descending from the Stillwater Range. At 3,955 feet in a climate receiving just 6.8 inches of annual precipitation and 11.7 inches of snow, vegetation remains sparse across the surrounding BLM public lands. Alkali flats and seasonal wetlands of the Lahontan Basin characterize the broader landscape.
The name Borax Spring references historical borax mining operations common across Nevada's desert basins in the late 19th century, when such minerals were extracted from playa deposits. Beyond this toponymic connection, documented history remains limited. The spring continues to flow on unrestricted public lands.
Access year-round via graded dirt roads; avoid during wet weather when clay surfaces become impassable. The spring water is scalding and unsuitable for bathing—approach with extreme caution. Bring sun protection and ample water for the desert environment; no shade or facilities exist. Combine with visits to nearby Stillwater Wildlife Refuge.
Is Borax Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking