Mcgill Spring
This 84°F spring flows roadside at 6,100 feet elevation in White Pine County, producing water 34 degrees warmer than the 50°F annual average air temperature. Located 32 feet from McGill Pool Road near the historic copper mining town of McGill, the spring provides immediate access. Bird Creek Campground sits 12 kilometers away in the Schell Creek Range.
The spring emerges in the transition zone between high desert valleys and mountain slopes, where pinyon pine and juniper begin to appear among sagebrush at this elevation. Annual precipitation exceeds 11 inches with over 41 inches of snow, supporting more diverse vegetation than lower elevations. The Duck Valley Basin to the east and Steptoe Valley to the west frame the local topography.
McGill developed as a company town in 1908 when Nevada Consolidated Copper built a mill to process ore from the massive Ruth Mine in nearby Ely. The spring likely provided supplemental water for the mill operations and town, which at its peak housed 5,000 workers. The town's population declined after the mill closed in 1983, though historic structures remain standing.
Visit June through September when roads clear of snow; winter conditions make access difficult with subfreezing temperatures and heavy snowpack. The high elevation means cool summer nights dropping to 45°F. Combine with exploration of McGill's historic downtown or camping at Bird Creek for access to the Schell Creek Range trail systems. Bring warm layers year-round.
Is Mcgill Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Bird Creek Recreation Area is located in the Duck Creek Basin, high on the Schell Creek Range. It sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet, approximately 25 miles from the small city of Ely. Hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. Recreation The Ranger Trail can be accessed from this campground. The Ranger Trail is a designated OHV trail that also accommodates hiking and mountain biking use as well. The 30-mile Success Loo...