Hot Spring
This roadside spring erupts at 186°F—among Nevada's hottest documented thermal features—delivering superheated water 134.6 degrees above the 51.4°F ambient temperature at 5,240 feet elevation. Located just 52.9 meters from the nearest road on BLM's Tuscarora Field Office land in Elko County, it provides immediate access to dramatic geothermal activity far too hot for bathing.
The spring sits in open rangeland north of Carlin, where sagebrush-dominated basins stretch between north-south trending mountain ranges typical of the Basin and Range province. At 5,240 feet elevation, the terrain receives 10.9 inches of annual precipitation with 34.9 inches of snow. Federal grazing allotments and mineral extraction activities characterize surrounding land use. Visible steam plumes rise from the superheated vents, creating a striking visual signature against the muted desert palette.
The simple designation 'Hot Spring' provides no documentation of name origin or early use history. The Tuscarora mining district—established after prospectors discovered silver in 1867—lies east of this thermal feature, suggesting the region saw considerable 19th-century exploration. Whether miners, ranchers, or earlier indigenous inhabitants recognized this particular hot spring remains unrecorded in available sources. Modern BLM administration maintains open public access under extractive-use management protocols.
Visit any season to observe the geothermal spectacle, but do not attempt bathing—186°F water causes severe burns on contact. The roadside location requires minimal effort to reach but offers no soaking opportunity. Bring binoculars for safe observation of vent activity and steam behavior. The site works well as a brief stop during exploration of Elko County's extensive thermal resources, many of which flow at more user-friendly temperatures nearby.
Is Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking