Buffalo Springs
Buffalo Springs emerges at 162°F on Bureau of Land Management public lands in Lander County at 4,642 feet elevation, producing water 108 degrees above ambient temperature near Battle Mountain. Managed by the Humboldt River Field Office, this roadside thermal system flows just 26 meters from the nearest road on openly accessible federal land.
The spring occupies high desert basin terrain receiving 10.4 inches of precipitation and 27.7 inches of snow annually, where big sagebrush and shadscale communities cover alluvial slopes descending from distant mountain ranges. At mid-elevation in the Humboldt drainage, the landscape reflects typical Great Basin vegetation patterns. Cattle grazing and mineral exploration activities occur across the surrounding BLM lands.
Buffalo Springs likely takes its name from historical bison presence in northern Nevada or from later cattle ranching operations. The spring appears in federal land inventories by the mid-20th century but lacks detailed recorded history. BLM management continues under multiple-use guidelines allowing extractive activities.
Access year-round via graded roads; high-clearance vehicles recommended. The 162°F temperature is too hot for bathing without substantial cooling—approach with caution. No developed facilities exist; bring all water and supplies. Be aware of livestock and occasional mining traffic on public lands. Combine with exploration of other thermal features in the Battle Mountain geothermal district.
Is Buffalo Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking