Lockes Big Spring, Hay Corral Spr
This 100°F thermal spring on BLM land flows 44 degrees warmer than ambient air at 4,770 feet elevation. Located 336 feet from the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, it requires a short walk across open federal land managed by the Tonopah Field Office.
The spring emerges in the high desert of central Nevada's Eureka County, where sagebrush and scattered juniper cover the volcanic terrain. At 4,770 feet, the landscape receives less than 6 inches of annual precipitation and about 12 inches of snow. The Grand Army of the Republic Highway crosses this basin-and-range topography where isolated mountain ranges alternate with broad valleys.
The dual name reflects both the Locke family association and the spring's historical use as a livestock watering point. Hay Corral Spring indicates ranchers built an enclosure here to hold animals and feed while they watered. Federal ownership dates to the establishment of the BLM in 1946, consolidating earlier grazing district lands.
Visit October through April when temperatures moderate; summer heat at this elevation can exceed 95°F. The short walk from the highway crosses uneven ground, so wear sturdy footwear. This spring lies 50 miles north of Ely on US Route 50, making it a convenient stop when crossing Nevada's loneliest road.
Is Lockes Big Spring, Hay Corral Spr worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking