Hot Springs
This thermal spring near Wells flows at 142°F on BLM's Wells Field Office land, delivering water 94.8 degrees above the 47.2°F ambient temperature. Recent USGS analysis recorded 55°C water with mildly acidic pH 6.6 and remarkably high sodium (370 mg/L)—more than seven times typical values—alongside moderate calcium (48 mg/L) and low sulfate (12 mg/L). Located 224.5 meters from Upper Metropolis Road, it requires a short walk to reach.
The spring emerges in northeastern Nevada high desert where sagebrush dominates and annual precipitation totals 11.2 inches with 35.2 inches of winter snow. The 47.2°F average annual air temperature reflects cold winters and mild summers. Angel Creek Campground lies 17.5 kilometers southwest at 6,200 feet on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Range, offering developed facilities with easy access to Angel Lake's alpine environment at 8,400 feet. The elevation difference between campground and spring illustrates the region's dramatic topographic relief between basin and range.
Upper Metropolis Road's name references the Metropolis mining district, active intermittently from the early 1900s through mid-century gold and tungsten operations. Whether miners utilized this hot spring during those decades is unrecorded. The area's indigenous Shoshone inhabitants certainly knew the region's thermal features, but specific documentation linking them to this spring is absent. Modern BLM management provides open access, though the spring's history remains largely invisible in available records.
Visit spring through fall when the short walk from Upper Metropolis Road is straightforward and snow has cleared. The 142°F temperature requires cooling before bathing—scout the site to determine if natural mixing zones exist. The exceptionally high sodium content (370 mg/L) will create noticeably slick water with distinct mineral character. Winter brings subfreezing nights and substantial snow at this elevation. Angel Creek Campground 17.5 kilometers away provides reservable developed camping, though its orientation toward Angel Lake recreationists rather than hot spring visitors means it functions better as a regional base than a dedicated thermal springs camp.
Is Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Hot Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.6). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).
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...