Fivemile Spring
Fivemile Spring flows at 81°F in remote Humboldt County terrain at 4,490 feet elevation, emerging 28.4°F above ambient air temperature in high desert landscape north of Winnemucca. The spring requires a 2,752-meter hike from the nearest road, classified as a backcountry destination accessed through sagebrush steppe terrain. Annual precipitation totals 10.3 inches with 26 inches of winter snow, supporting sparse vegetation typical of the northern Great Basin.
The spring occupies valley terrain between mountain ranges in Nevada's expansive northwestern quadrant, where sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and native bunchgrasses cover rolling hills and alluvial fans. At this mid-elevation position, temperatures average 52.6°F annually with pronounced seasonal swings from summer highs exceeding 90°F to winter lows well below freezing. The surrounding landscape shows minimal human modification, consisting primarily of open range used for livestock grazing. Visibility extends for miles across uninhabited basins toward distant mountain ridges defining the Great Basin's characteristic basin-and-range topography.
Available documentation provides no specific historical narrative for Fivemile Spring. The name suggests distance measurement from a historic reference point, possibly Winnemucca or a stage road, though exact origin is undocumented. The region supported Northern Paiute seasonal occupation for millennia before Euro-American settlement began with emigrant trails in the 1840s and ranching expansion following the Central Pacific Railroad's 1868 arrival in Winnemucca. Current conditions reflect ongoing rangeland use with minimal spring development or modification documented in federal records.
This hike-in destination requires substantial preparation for desert travel. Carry adequate water, as the nearly 3-kilometer approach offers no shade or facilities. Spring and early summer provide moderate temperatures before extreme heat; fall offers pleasant conditions after summer peaks. Winter access depends on snow depth and road conditions. Navigation skills and GPS recommended given lack of maintained trails. High-clearance vehicle may be necessary for approach roads. The significant distance and exposure make this suitable primarily for experienced hikers seeking remote thermal features in untrammeled high desert.
Is Fivemile Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking