Hot Springs
This thermal spring erupts at 158°F at 4,329 feet elevation near Winnemucca in Humboldt County, delivering superheated water 104.6 degrees above the 53.4°F ambient temperature. Located 2,844.2 meters from the nearest road, it requires a genuine hike across desert terrain—approximately 1.75 miles one-way. The high temperature precludes direct bathing, but the remote location filters casual visitors, creating solitude for those willing to walk.
The spring emerges in lower-elevation high desert at 4,329 feet, where sagebrush-dominated basins extend between mountain ranges and annual precipitation totals just 10.3 inches with 23.1 inches of snow. The 53.4°F average annual air temperature reflects relatively mild conditions compared to higher Nevada springs. The surrounding public land shows evidence of mineral exploration and grazing use. Visibility extends for miles across the open terrain, and the spring's steam plume likely marks its location from considerable distance when temperature differences between water and air are greatest.
No documentation exists for the spring's name or early use history. Winnemucca developed as a Central Pacific Railroad town after 1868, and ranching operations spread through Humboldt County's grasslands, but whether this remote thermal feature attracted attention from pioneers, railroad workers, or earlier Paiute inhabitants is unrecorded. The substantial walk from modern roads suggests the spring saw limited recreational development even during Nevada's mid-20th-century hot spring resort era.
Attempt this hike only in spring or fall when temperatures moderate—summer desert heat combined with a 3.5-mile round trip carrying adequate water becomes genuinely challenging. Winter cold and potential snow make the trek uncomfortable despite lower elevation. Bring trekking poles, sun protection, and GPS—the desert offers few landmarks. The 158°F temperature means observation only, not bathing. Start early to avoid afternoon heat. This spring rewards hikers seeking solitude and geothermal drama rather than soaking opportunities.
Is Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking