Soak it in

With frosty temperatures and snow storms quickly rolling in, winter in Northern Nevada is on the way. However, if you’re a Nevada local, you’re in luck. According to the Nevada Division of Tourism, our state is home to most of the natural hot springs found in the United States.

When traveling to naturally forming springs out in remote areas, be sure to travel prepared with a detailed map and know whether or not your adventure requires a high-clearance vehicle. With natural springs, always be sure to test the temperature of the water before jumping in—a food thermometer will do the trick. As a word of precaution, it’s a good idea to keep your head above water in natural springs as the warm water could contain organisms that are harmful to humans. And with any spring, be sure to clean up any trash or debris you bring in so the next person can enjoy the water.

+ Trego Hot Springs

Trego Hot Springs is located on Bureau of Land Management land and is available for all to enjoy for free. This spring is found two and a half hours north of Reno and lies just outside of Black Rock Desert. From the nearby town of Gerlach, continue onto NV-447 South for 2.8 miles before turning left on State Route 48. Take the well-maintained dirt road for 14.4 miles before turning left on Trego Road. For those who don’t have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle I’d caution you to walk the remaining 0.2 miles left to the spring rather than drive as the road is extremely muddy this time of year.

When you arrive at Trego, you’ll find impressive views of the playa and what looks more like a large, blue creek than a pond. Trego is large enough to accommodate multiple groups of people, giving you extra peace and quiet while soaking in the warm water. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the Y-shaped stream with the hottest point at the top of the Y formation. Be aware that this area is too hot to soak in, so stay away from the very top of the spring. Other parts of the spring fluctuate around a relaxing 105 degrees. Overnight camping at Trego is also permitted at no additional cost.

+ David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort

If you’re not interested in trekking through mud or don’t have access to a high-clearance vehicle, David Walley’s Resort is the ideal getaway for locals interested in enjoying the benefits of mineral water without having to get too grimy to experience it.

Nestled below the Sierra Nevada Mountains outside Genoa, David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort is 50 minutes south of Reno and contains five natural mineral spas for visitors to enjoy. All of the springs are filled with water naturally warmed by the Earth’s mantle, and spas range in temperature from 98-105 degrees. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, locals can purchase a day pass for $35 with a valid I.D.

+ Spencer Hot Springs

Spencer is another free-to-visit hot spring located on BLM land. From Reno, the drive takes a little over three hours as you traverse across the state towards its center. As you travel on U.S. Highway 50, make your way east towards Austin, Nevada, and continue on the highway for another 12 miles before turning south onto SR 376. After a quick 0.3 miles on SR 376, take a left on the dirt road marked by a sign for Toquima Cave, and drive for about six miles. You’ll see Spencer Hot Springs on your left.

The baths are made from large tanks filled with hot spring water. They are perfect for soaking during winter as the metal containers keep the water temperature warmer for a longer period of time. Catch views of the snowy Toiyabe Mountains from Nevada’s Big Smokey Valley while you soak, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a herd of wild burros that call the area home. A high-clearance vehicle is also recommended as the roads can quickly become muddy this time of year due to rain and snowmelt.

+ Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

If you’re up by the Black Rock Desert and have already have explored Trego, Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is a series of pools in the Black Rock High Rock Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. When you’ve reached Gerlach, travel north on Country Road 34 for about 13 miles before turning right on Soldier Meadows Road, where you’ll then continue for 47 more miles. Be sure to bring a spare tire on your vehicle for emergencies, as this journey requires several hours of dirt road driving. Once you’ve spotted a cabin on your left, follow a series of dirt roads until you’ve reached the springs that lie directly behind the cabin.

Soldier Meadows is for those who want to be completely off the grid. The vastness and remoteness of this desert area allows you to completely escape from city life under a blanket of stars at night. Visitors can camp at the BLM cabin for free, but only if it’s unoccupied. If not, tent camping on BLM land is also free. Besides the two largest springs that belong to Soldier Meadows Ranch & Lodge, the rest of the warm pools in the area are free for travelers to soak in.