163°F4,318 ftOpenRoadsideBureau of Land Management
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 163°F, the source water at This spring 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.
File:M 4111820 ne 11 060 20190814.tif — public domain
Emerging at 163°F just 13.2 meters from the nearest road at 4,318 feet elevation, this unnamed spring flows 110 degrees above the 52.7-degree ambient temperature near Winnemucca where USGS documented 73°C water with low mineralization at 344 mg/L total dissolved solids and minimal calcium at 3.2 mg/L.
The roadside spring sits on BLM Humboldt River Field Office land in terrain receiving 10.7 inches of precipitation and 31.4 inches of snow annually. Water chemistry shows moderate sodium at 90 mg/L with sulfate at 46 mg/L and chloride at 12 mg/L, indicating relatively dilute thermal water despite the high temperature. The landscape consists of open high desert rangeland where federal public access policies allow visitation alongside extractive uses.
History of This Spring
Available records contain no documented name or historical information about this spring's discovery or use. The extremely accessible roadside location suggests early travelers may have noted it, though no specific accounts survive in accessible sources.
The roadside location allows immediate access, though exercise extreme caution around the scalding 163°F water. This is strictly an observation site, not suitable for bathing. Summer heat and winter snow affect visiting conditions. The exposed location offers no shade or facilities.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
This spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
31°Jan
34°Feb
42°Mar
49°Apr
58°May
69°Jun
79°Jul
78°Aug
68°Sep
54°Oct
41°Nov
30°Dec
Annual Precip: 10.7 inAnnual Snow: 31.4 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 30°F · Water 163°F · +133° contrast
JanuaryAir 31°F · Water 163°F · +132° contrast
FebruaryAir 34°F · Water 163°F · +129° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
163.4°F
(73.0°C)Measured Oct 07, 1960
Water ChemistrySampled 1960-10-07
The water at This spring contains 344 mg/L total dissolved solids.
has a water temperature of 163°F (73°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is located?
is located in Humboldt County, Nevada at 4,318 feet elevation, near Winnemucca. Coordinates: 41.7220°N, 118.5230°W.
How do I get to ?
has Roadside road access (43 ft from the road).
Is free to visit?
has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
What minerals are in the water at ?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. Total dissolved solids measure 344 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at ?
The water at reaches 163°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 crowded?
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 ?
Essentials for : swimsuit, towel, water bottle, 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
163°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp163°F (73°C)
Avg Air Temp53°F
Above Ambient+110°F
Great soaking conditionsMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Distance to Road43 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyBureau of Land Management
DesignationPUB
UnitHumboldt River Field Office
ManagerBureau of Land Management
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use