Springs

Lander County County, Nevada · Near Battle Mountain
40.1270°N, 116.8840°W
72°F Open Short Walk Bureau of Land Management

These unnamed thermal springs flow at 72°F on BLM lands in Lander County, emerging just 100 meters from Carico Valley Road. Classified as warm rather than hot, the springs run 20 degrees above the ambient air temperature of 52°F in this high desert environment managed by the Mount Lewis Field Office with open public access under multiple-use designation.

The springs emerge from arid Basin and Range terrain in central Nevada near Battle Mountain, where annual precipitation totals only 11 inches and winter brings 34 inches of snow. The surrounding landscape consists of sagebrush-covered valleys and low mountain ranges typical of Nevada's interior basins, with Carico Valley Road providing the primary access corridor through this sparsely vegetated federal rangeland managed for grazing and mineral extraction.

History of Springs

No historical records document the origin of the generic "Springs" designation or early use of this modest thermal feature. The springs sit on lands that have remained under federal ownership since the 19th century, now administered by BLM under standard multiple-use mandates that allow livestock grazing and mineral development alongside public recreation.

Visit during spring or fall when daytime temperatures are moderate; summer heat exceeds 90°F while winter can bring freezing nights. The short 330-foot walk from Carico Valley Road crosses open desert requiring sturdy footwear. No facilities exist on site. Check current BLM access status as mining claims occasionally restrict areas within the Mount Lewis Field Office jurisdiction.

Monthly Climate
28°
Jan
31°
Feb
40°
Mar
48°
Apr
57°
May
70°
Jun
80°
Jul
78°
Aug
68°
Sep
53°
Oct
39°
Nov
27°
Dec
Annual Precip: 10.9 in Annual Snow: 34.3 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 27°F · Water 72°F · +45° contrast
January Air 28°F · Water 72°F · +44° contrast
February Air 31°F · Water 72°F · +41° contrast
December offers 53°F more contrast than July
What to Bring
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Trash bag Pack out what you pack in
References
USGS Quad: CARICO LAKE 15 · NOAA: 18.0 · AMS Map: WINNEMUCCA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Springs?
Springs has a water temperature of 72°F (22°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Springs located?
Springs is located in Lander County, Nevada, near Battle Mountain. Coordinates: 40.1270°N, 116.8840°W.
How do I get to Springs?
Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Carico Valley Road (329 ft from the road).
Is Springs free to visit?
Springs has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Is it safe to soak at Springs?
Springs is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Springs crowded?
Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Springs?
Essentials for Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Temperature
72°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 72°F (22°C)
Avg Air Temp 52°F
Above Ambient +20°F
Good soaking conditions March
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Carico Valley Road
Distance to Road 329 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Mount Lewis Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use