149°F5,990 ftOpenRoadsideBureau of Land ManagementCamping nearby (7.0 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 149°F, the source water at Smith Ranch Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Smith Ranch Springs discharges at 149 degrees on BLM land in Elko County, Nevada, maintaining temperatures 101.1 degrees above ambient air. Recent USGS readings confirm 35.4°C at this federal thermal feature just 62.9 meters from the nearest road. The springs flow on public land managed by the Wells Field Office.
At 5,990 feet elevation near Spring Creek, the springs occupy high desert terrain in northeastern Nevada's basin and range country. The roadside location provides immediate access from established routes. The surrounding landscape experiences average annual temperatures of 47.9 degrees with 13 inches of precipitation and 50.7 inches of snow, creating a semi-arid environment where sagebrush and scattered juniper dominate the vegetation. South Ruby Campground sits 11.3 kilometers away at the base of the Ruby Mountains above Ruby Lake.
History of Smith Ranch Springs
The name Smith Ranch Springs references the ranch property where these thermal features were first documented. The springs appear in the 1980 NOAA thermal springs inventory as a significant geothermal discharge point in Elko County's network of thermal features.
Visit during spring through fall when roads remain passable and temperatures moderate. Winter access may be complicated by snow accumulation. The roadside location eliminates hiking requirements. South Ruby Campground offers a reservable base camp for exploring the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Extreme temperatures preclude direct contact with source water.
Is Smith Ranch Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Smith Ranch Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
23°Jan
26°Feb
35°Mar
43°Apr
53°May
67°Jun
76°Jul
75°Aug
64°Sep
50°Oct
36°Nov
24°Dec
Annual Precip: 13.0 inAnnual Snow: 50.7 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 23°F · Water 149°F · +126° contrast
DecemberAir 24°F · Water 149°F · +125° contrast
FebruaryAir 26°F · Water 149°F · +123° contrast
January offers 53°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
95.7°F
(35.4°C)Measured Mar 22, 2000
Nearby Camping
South Ruby Campground7.0 mi away
Overview
South Ruby Campground is situated above Ruby Lake at the base of the beautiful Ruby Mountains at 6,000 feet in elevation, near the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ruby Valley, Nevada. Ruby Valley is a surprising wildlife oasis. An expansive marsh is laced with riparian corridors coursing with cool, spring-fed waters. Together with lush meadow and shrub-steppe uplands, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife seldom found in the high desert and is one of the most important...
What is the water temperature at Smith Ranch Springs?
Smith Ranch Springs has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Smith Ranch Springs located?
Smith Ranch Springs is located in Elko County, Nevada at 5,990 feet elevation, near Spring Creek. Coordinates: 40.2490°N, 115.4090°W.
How do I get to Smith Ranch Springs?
Smith Ranch Springs has Roadside road access (206 ft from the road).
Is Smith Ranch Springs free to visit?
Smith Ranch Springs has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Smith Ranch Springs?
Yes, South Ruby Campground is located nearby (7.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Smith Ranch Springs?
The water at Smith Ranch Springs reaches 149°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Smith Ranch Springs crowded?
Smith Ranch Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Smith Ranch Springs?
Essentials for Smith Ranch Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
149°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp149°F (65°C)
Avg Air Temp48°F
Above Ambient+101°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Distance to Road206 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyBureau of Land Management
DesignationPUB
UnitWells Field Office
ManagerBureau of Land Management
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use