At 145°F, the source water at Warm 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.
File:2014-07-17 13 53 14 View east along U.S. Route 6 about 50.6 miles east of the Esmeralda County Line near Warm Springs, Nevada.JPG — cc by-sa 4.0
Warm Springs flows at exceptional 145 degrees Fahrenheit, standing 90.6 degrees above ambient air temperature near Tonopah in Nye County. Recent USGS analysis documented 53.3 degrees Celsius water temperature with pH 6.4 and 834 milligrams per liter total dissolved solids. The spring sits 186 meters from Grand Army of the Republic Highway requiring a short walk.
The springs emerge in high desert terrain where annual precipitation totals just 6.6 inches with 17.6 inches of snowfall creating deeply arid conditions typical of southern Nevada ranges. Temperatures average 54.4 degrees Fahrenheit at this location where Great Basin geology provides the deep circulation needed to heat water to 145 degrees before surface emergence. The Grand Army of the Republic Highway traces historic routes through Nye County mining districts where scattered ranges separate broad, dry valleys. Chemical analysis reveals water enriched with dissolved minerals including 187 milligrams per liter sodium, 77.2 milligrams per liter calcium, and 94 milligrams per liter sulfate.
History of Warm Springs
The 'Warm Springs' name appears throughout Nye County surveys from mining era forward, when prospectors and freighters cataloged water sources by temperature and reliability. The Grand Army of the Republic Highway name commemorates Civil War veterans who participated in western settlement following 1865. The spring's position along this route suggests historical use as a watering point during Tonopah's mining boom beginning in 1900.
Extreme 145-degree temperature prohibits bathing but provides impressive thermal viewing. Visit spring or fall when air temperatures moderate between winter cold and summer extremes. The 186-meter walk from Grand Army of the Republic Highway crosses open desert; bring water and sun protection. Recent USGS sampling confirms active thermal output. No facilities exist. Coordinate visits with Tonopah mining heritage tours or central Nevada hot spring surveys.
Is Warm Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Warm Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs.
Monthly Climate
32°Jan
35°Feb
44°Mar
52°Apr
60°May
73°Jun
79°Jul
78°Aug
69°Sep
56°Oct
43°Nov
32°Dec
Annual Precip: 6.6 inAnnual Snow: 17.6 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 32°F · Water 145°F · +113° contrast
DecemberAir 32°F · Water 145°F · +113° contrast
FebruaryAir 35°F · Water 145°F · +110° contrast
January offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
127.9°F
(53.3°C)Measured Jul 31, 2003
Water ChemistrySampled 2003-07-31
The water at Warm Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.4) with 834 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Warm Springs has a water temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Warm Springs located?
Warm Springs is located in Nye County, Nevada, near Tonopah. Coordinates: 38.1880°N, 116.3730°W.
How do I get to Warm Springs?
Warm Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Grand Army of the Republic Highway (0.1 mi from the road).
What minerals are in the water at Warm Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 6.4 (slightly acidic). Total dissolved solids measure 834 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Warm Springs?
The water at Warm Springs reaches 145°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 Warm Springs crowded?
Warm Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Warm Springs?
Essentials for Warm Springs: 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.
