At 194°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:Black Rock Desert, Near Gerlach, Nevada (11128563876).jpg — cc by-sa 2.0
Flowing at 194°F just 9.5 meters from Old State Route 34, this unnamed Pershing County spring registers 138.8 degrees above ambient air temperature with USGS-documented chemistry showing 2,000 mg/L chloride and 1,400 mg/L sodium in mildly alkaline water at pH 8.1.
The 4,000-foot elevation roadside site sits in basin topography receiving 8.8 inches of precipitation and 18.3 inches of snow annually, with a 55.2-degree average temperature. The spring's extremely high chloride and sodium concentrations, combined with elevated sulfate at 370 mg/L and moderate calcium at 56 mg/L, indicate deep thermal water rising rapidly to the surface. Recent USGS measurements confirmed 90°C temperatures.
History of This Spring
Available records contain no documented name or historical information about this spring's discovery or use. The proximity to Old State Route 34 suggests it may have been noted by early travelers, though no specific accounts survive in accessible sources.
The roadside location allows immediate access from Old State Route 34, though parking is informal. Exercise extreme caution around the 194°F water. The exposed location offers no shade or facilities. Road conditions on this older highway can deteriorate during winter storms or summer flash floods.
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
34°Jan
38°Feb
45°Mar
52°Apr
61°May
72°Jun
81°Jul
79°Aug
70°Sep
55°Oct
42°Nov
33°Dec
Annual Precip: 8.8 inAnnual Snow: 18.3 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 33°F · Water 194°F · +161° contrast
JanuaryAir 34°F · Water 194°F · +160° contrast
FebruaryAir 38°F · Water 194°F · +156° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
194.0°F
(90.0°C)Measured Nov 28, 1979
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-11-28
The water at This spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.1). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
has a water temperature of 194°F (90°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is located?
is located in Pershing County, Nevada at 4,000 feet elevation, near Lovelock. Coordinates: 40.6740°N, 119.3640°W.
How do I get to ?
has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Old State Route 34 (31 ft from the road).
What minerals are in the water at ?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.1 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at ?
The water at reaches 194°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. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. 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.
