Hot Spring

Elko County County, Nevada · Near Wells
41.1450°N, 114.9940°W · 5,621 ft
Hot 5,621 ft Open Short Walk Bureau of Land Management Camping nearby (8.3 mi)
Hot Spring
File:2014-09-14 15 49 34 View north along Metropolis Road (Elko County Route 754) about 1.4 miles north of the Wells, Nevada city limits.JPG — cc by-sa 4.0

Hot Spring emerges on Bureau of Land Management public land managed by the Wells Field Office at 5,621 feet elevation in Elko County. Temperature recorded as 'H' without numeric specification, the spring sits 655 feet from Metropolis Road with open public access under protection status 3 permitting extractive uses.

The spring occupies sagebrush country where the East Humboldt Range rises to the west of Wells. Elevation places it in a zone receiving 11.2 inches of precipitation and 35.2 inches of snow, with average air temperature of 47.4 degrees creating cool high desert conditions. Metropolis Road crosses federal public lands used for grazing and mineral exploration. Angel Creek Campground lies 13.4 kilometers away in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at 6,200 feet, where grassy foothills give way to mountain terrain.

History of Hot Spring

The generic name 'Hot Spring' reflects minimal documentation in the 1980 NOAA survey. The nearby ghost town of Metropolis, which thrived briefly in the 1910s as a planned agricultural community before drought and economic failure, provided the road name that serves as the spring's geographic reference. Current BLM management continues historical multiple-use policies established in the mid-20th century.

Access from Metropolis Road requires a short walk across open ground. Snow closes higher elevation roads from December through March, though this spring elevation may remain reachable. Wells provides services and lodging 12 miles north. Combine with visits to Angel Lake for fishing and hiking, or explore Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway 25 miles southwest. Verify road conditions in winter and spring mud season.

Is Hot Spring worth visiting?

Best for

  • Overnight camping trips
Hot Spring is well suited for overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
23°
Jan
26°
Feb
35°
Mar
43°
Apr
53°
May
66°
Jun
76°
Jul
74°
Aug
64°
Sep
49°
Oct
35°
Nov
23°
Dec
Annual Precip: 11.2 in Annual Snow: 35.2 in
Nearby Camping
Angel Creek (Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, Nv) 8.3 mi away

Overview Angel Creek Campground is located on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Mountain Range, just eight miles southwest of Wells, Nev. It sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors enjoy making the short drive to Angel Lake for canoeing and fishing.Recreation Beautiful Angel Lake is just four miles from the campground, offering great canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout.Smith Lake Trail begins at the entrance to Angel Lake Campground, with a designated day use parking...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
What to Bring
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Camping gear Nearby camping at Angel Creek (Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, Nv)
Trash bag Pack out what you pack in
References
USGS Quad: OXLEY PEAK 7.5 · NOAA: 14.0 · AMS Map: WELLS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Spring?
Hot Spring is classified as hot. An exact temperature measurement has not been recorded.
Where is Hot Spring located?
Hot Spring is located in Elko County, Nevada at 5,621 feet elevation, near Wells. Coordinates: 41.1450°N, 114.9940°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring?
Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Metropolis Road (0.1 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spring free to visit?
Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Hot Spring?
Yes, Angel Creek (Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, Nv) is located nearby (8.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring?
Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Hot Spring crowded?
Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Hot Spring?
Essentials for Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Temperature
Hot
Warm Hot Boiling
Avg Air Temp 47°F
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Metropolis Road
Distance to Road 0.1 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Wells Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use