Tom Spring
Tom Spring flows at 72°F in White Pine County, reaching just 16 degrees above the 56°F ambient temperature at its 4,760-foot elevation. Located 158 meters from the nearest road near Ely, the spring requires a short walk to access this mildly thermal feature in Nevada's arid basin environment.
The spring sits in White Pine County's high desert at 4,760 feet elevation, where annual precipitation totals just 6.3 inches and snowfall averages 15.6 inches. The surrounding landscape reflects eastern Nevada's characteristic basin topography, with sparse vegetation adapted to the minimal moisture. Proximity to Ely places the spring in a transition zone between mountain ranges and valley floors, where seasonal temperature swings are pronounced and surface water is scarce.
The spring's name references either an early settler or prospector named Tom, though specific documentation of this attribution has not been preserved in available records. The thermal feature likely served as a water source during the mining era that defined White Pine County's development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visit during spring or fall when daytime temperatures are moderate, as summer heat intensifies in this low-precipitation zone. The 158-meter walk from the road crosses open terrain with minimal shade. Carry water for the hike, as the spring's 72-degree temperature and limited flow make it unsuitable for drinking without treatment.