Nevada might be famous for the bright lights of Vegas and the vintage vibe of Reno, but there’s another steamy side to the Silver State worth exploring: its abundance of natural hot springs. From backcountry pools in the Black Rock Desert to luxe mineral spas near Lake Tahoe, Nevada’s geothermal hotspots offer the perfect excuse to relax and recharge on your road trip.
This guide highlights 10 must-visit hot springs in Nevada, grouped by region and conveniently aligned with popular Nevada road trip routes. Whether you’re looking for a soak-and-sip afternoon or a remote wilderness soak under the stars, you’ll find it here.
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Lake Tahoe Loop: Hot Springs with Food, Brews & History
Steamboat Hot Springs Spa Adventure (Reno)
Located just outside Reno, this historic hot spring spa has been soothing soakers since 1857. Steamboat’s geothermal mineral waters once hosted Mark Twain himself. Book a soak in an outdoor tub or private room and consider adding a detox mud wrap or reflexology session.
After your soak, head to Reno for some gambling, history and great eats! From planetariums and museums to parks and art walks you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. Reno has a wide assortment of restaurants. Two highly rated are Stone House Café and Wild River Grill. The “Biggest Little City in the World” is worth the visit. Carson City Triathlon: Hot Springs, Food & Local Brews
Start the next day with a detour to Virginia City, a living legend of Nevada mining lore. Virginia City is north of Carson City and part of the Lake Tahoe Loop Road Trip. Stroll boardwalk-lined streets with saloons, museums, ghost tours, and the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada’s oldest hotel. Don’t miss a bite at Virginia City Jerky Co.
Carson City Hot Springs (Carson City)
Once you get to Carson City, start your adventure at Carson Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters bubble up from 35,000 feet underground. Choose from outdoor tubs (98–104°F) or private soaking rooms. After your soak, walk over to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint for wild menu mashups like peanut butter & bacon burgers or black and blue shrimp fondue. Cap it off with a cold brew from Shoe Tree Brewing, offering everything from creative sours to award-winning stouts. Root beer lovers, you’re not left out, they’ve got a killer non-alcoholic version, too.
While in Carson City, take advantage of our capital city with the many adventures to be found here. History abounds and walking the Kit Carson trail is a great start and throw in some of the museums. Outdoor activity includes a small jaunt to Washoe Lake State Park. We always enjoy visiting new casinos and you will find close to a dozen casinos here.
David Walley’s Resort & Soaking Experience (Genoa)
Tucked into the Sierra foothills, this resort features five geothermally heated tubs, including one for families. You must be an overnight guest to soak, but you’ll also enjoy pool tables, birdwatching, and on-site dining. Nearby Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, offers Genoa Bar & Saloon, billed as “Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor”, where you can enjoy a drink or brew. Grab a bite to eat at The Pink House which offers unique menu items like the Baa Baa Basque Burger (lamb and basque chorizo) or Smoked Coffee Pulled Pork and enjoy this classic Nevada town.
Burner Byway: Remote Desert Hot Springs Off the Grid
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs (Black Rock Desert)
This remote gem requires off-road experience, but the soak is worth it. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is situated 60 miles north of Gerlach (about 2.5 hours on a sometimes-rough road) in some of the most ruggedly remote stretches of Nevada. Venturing this far north into the Black Rock Desert is an accomplishment for off-grid adventurers today. Getting to Soldier Meadows will take you through one of the most remote slices of the Silver State. It’s vital to check on terrain and weather conditions before leaving the pavement and driving on the Black Rock playa. Needless to say, this is not an easy hot spring to visit. On your way there, stop in Gerlach and visit Friends of Black Rock High Rock to learn important tips. Near the playa, you’ll find a main pool and a few smaller ones further down the creek. Temps vary from 90°F to over 100°F. Stay at the BLM campground or rustic cabin.
*Pro Tip: Test the water before getting in—some pools run hot. Wear sturdy shoes due to broken glass in the water that has been reported and never dunk your head to avoid waterborne illness.
Gerlach is an unique town and should be on your list of places to stop as you explore Black Rock Desert. Their slogan is “Attitude Good. Population Wanted.” Their welcome sign reads “Center of the Known Universe.” The town doesn’t lack character. Known as the gateway to “Burning Man”, it has lots to offer even when the festival isn’t happening. Country Club is the main business in town. It has a casino, restaurant and is also a motel. “Guru Road” is located just a couple miles outside of town. The stretch of road contains dozens of bizarre sculptures from local artists. The town has even been nationally recognized as one of the darkest towns in the country, meaning the night skies here are absolutely breathtaking. With little artificial light to disturb the dark skies, Gerlach is a paradise for stargazers and astronomers.
Black Rock Hot Springs (Black Rock Playa)
You will definitely need a GPS system for this off-road adventure. As you drive across the roadless playa there won’t be any directional signage. Be sure to only travel on the playa when it’s absolutely dry. Any moisture at all turns the ancient lakebed into almost quicksand and you will get stuck! Not good since it is pretty deserted out here. Black Rock Hot Springs has two overlapping pools and usually two other pools. One is dangerously hot (the smaller one) so do not enter. You will get scalded! The others vary, so test before soaking.
For a bonus, book a Saturday Fly Geyser nature walk (April–October) through Friends of Black Rock. The multicolored geyser is a must-see natural oddity. Gerlach is the closest town to Black Rock Hot Springs.
*Pro Tip: Always be prepared for emergencies and know dirt road etiquette. Read our Guide for Dirt Road Travel.
The Loneliest Road: Soaking in Solitude
Spencer Hot Springs (Austin)
There’s a reason Spencer Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in Nevada. This cluster of pools, one natural and two man-made from metal cattle troughs (also known as cowboy tubs), is on public land managed by Nevada’s BLM. Pipes deliver the natural spring-fed hot water into the tubs, allowing you to control the temperature by moving the water source in and out. You’ll be surrounded by sweeping Big Smoky Valley vistas any time you visit and the towering Toiyabe Range bringing real serenity.
After you soak, head to Kingston and the Lucky Spur Saloon. This Sagebrush Saloon was once honored as “Best Bar in the Middle of Nowhere,” and you’ll find it a short drive southwest of Spencer Hot Springs. There is one hotel in Kingston but not much else besides the saloon. If you’re looking for more civilization, head to Austin after meeting the locals at Lucky Spur.
Austin is a great town to stay in if you want to visit more outdoor areas in the area. A few of the best known are Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area and Stokes Castle. There are few restaurants in town and an assortment of lodging.
Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area (Lund)
Located in White River Valley, these warm springs offer easy access, great wildlife spotting, and scenic serenity. This wildlife management area also offers hiking, fishing, and camping.
Pair your soak with a night in Ely, ride the Sunset, Stars & Champagne train at Nevada Northern Railway. They have many other daily options if you want to ride the train during the day. If you have some extra time, there’s an abundance of things to do in the Ely area, from museums to Great Basin National Park, this town on the Loneliest Road in America offers plenty. See our blog for more information about the Loneliest Road In America road trip.
Free-Range Art Highway: Soaking Meets Scenic Art
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs (Dyer)
This below-ground concrete pool sits in view of Nevada’s tallest peak, Boundary Mountain. Temps hover around 105°F, and the surrounding ponds draw wildlife year-round. This beautiful marsh also promises excellent birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for large schools of goldfish found within the warm ponds year-round. Because this natural oasis is found in the middle of high-desert landscape without other water sources for miles, an abundance of wildlife is drawn to the spring as a watering hole.
Keep your art adventure going and head to Tonopah for the Clown Motel and Mizpah Hotel, both big tourist attractions. For a bite to eat stop at Tonopah Brewing Company for great eats and cold brews. This is the closest town for lodging.
Cowboy Corridor: Wild Nevada Soaking
Ruby Valley Hot Springs (Jiggs)
With aquamarine waters and views of the Ruby Mountains, this hot spring is worth the rugged 4WD journey. Be sure to check the weather as once you get there, you need to walk through a marsh to get to the spring. Rain will not only make the drive quite dangerous, but the marsh would be hard to transverse. The main pool is about 30 feet wide and comfortably warm but surrounding pools can be dangerously hot, test before entry.
On your way out, stop at quirky Jiggs Bar for drinks and tall tales from the locals. Then head to Elko for more fun on your Cowboy Corridor trip. Some highlights in Elko are museums and stores highlighting cowboy lore in this area. If you want to do a little gambling, you can choose from six casinos. Be sure to enjoy some traditional Basque food at the Star Hotel. Read more about Elko and other stops on the Cowboy Corridor on our blog.
Neon to Nature Route: Hike to Soak
Gold Strike Hot Springs (Boulder City)
This hike-in hot spring isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s a 3–4 hour round-trip where you will scramble through canyon country with fixed rope climbs. But the reward? Hot pools, epic Colorado River views, and wildlife.
Pair it with a visit to Hoover Dam, where you can’t help but be amazed at the architecture. Next head to Boulder City and tour downtown where you will find antique and unique stores. While you are there, grab a bite at Boulder Dam Brewing Company or Southwest Diner. Finish your day with a sweet treat at Grandma Daisy’s Candy & Ice Cream Parlor.
Final Thoughts: Nevada’s Best Hot Springs Await
Nevada’s hot springs aren’t just places to relax; they’re gateways to adventure. From rustic cowboy tubs on public lands to luxe spa resorts, you’ll find a soak to match every travel style. Whether you’re road tripping on the Loneliest Road, venturing into Burning Man territory, or hunting down hidden saloons, Nevada’s hot springs are the perfect pit stop. Please follow the Hot Tub Etiquette tips so that everyone can enjoy these fabulous soaks!
We love to travel and want to give you information and tips we learn along the way. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of happy memories. So go ahead: take the plunge. The Silver State’s steamy side is waiting for you.