Painted Hills Mine
Painted Hills Mine thermal feature flows at 131°F on Bureau of Land Management public land in Humboldt County at 4,821 feet elevation, emerging 81 degrees above the 50°F average annual air temperature. The spring sits just 12 feet from the nearest road, offering immediate roadside access. This exceptionally hot discharge indicates rapid ascent of deeply circulated geothermal water with minimal cooling, managed by the Humboldt River Field Office as public land subject to extractive use.
The spring emerges at 4,821 feet elevation in the painted rock country north of Winnemucca, where exposed volcanic and sedimentary formations create colorful badlands topography. The area receives 10.5 inches of annual precipitation and 28.4 inches of snow, supporting sagebrush and scattered grassland vegetation. The Painted Hills area features eroded terrain that exposes the underlying geology, with the thermal feature likely associated with fault structures that allow deep groundwater circulation through heated rock.
The spring takes its name from the Painted Hills mining district, where prospectors explored the colorful volcanic formations for precious metals and industrial minerals. Many northern Nevada hot springs occur in areas that attracted mining activity, as the geothermal systems and mineralization often share common structural controls. The spring's use history beyond potential mining-era water supply remains undocumented. The feature currently exists on BLM-managed public land open to recreational access.
The spring's 131°F temperature makes it dangerously hot for bathing without cooling arrangements or waiting pools. Visitors should exercise extreme caution around water at this temperature. The roadside location on BLM land provides legal public access year-round, though winter snow may complicate vehicle access. No developed facilities exist on site. The spring's value lies primarily in observing active geothermal discharge rather than recreation. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions in this high desert setting.
Is Painted Hills Mine worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips