Best hot springs in Nevada, ranked
Steaming natural hot spring pool in Nevada desert
Nevada has over 300 geothermal springs — here are the 7 you can actually soak in, ranked on scenery, cleanliness and drive.
The developed picks
David Walley's Resort in Genoa is the classiest — six pools ranging 98°F to 104°F, day pass $50, hotel rooms from $220. Carson Hot Springs in Carson City is functional and cheap ($15 day pass), an old-school Nevada plunge. Steamboat Hot Springs south of Reno was closed then reopened — currently $35 day pass, worth checking status. These three are your soft-adventure options with towels, changing rooms and food.
The wild ones
Spencer Hot Springs east of Austin is my favourite — cattle-trough tubs, 360-degree Toiyabe views, free, and completely undeveloped. Two-mile dirt road, high-clearance recommended, no facilities. Diana's Punchbowl (Monitor Valley) is a scalding pool inside a limestone crater — don’t get in, it's genuinely dangerous, but stunning to visit. Trego Hot Springs on the Black Rock Playa is remote and shallow, best when the playa's wet. Skip: Gerlach's Fly Ranch (private, permit only) and any spring near a road pullout that's obviously trashed.
Before you book
What people ask before booking Reno.
Legally yes on public land, though it's often ignored at remote springs. At developed resorts, suits are mandatory.
The named developed ones and Spencer are safe. Avoid unfamiliar springs — some exceed 140°F (life-threatening) and some have amoebas that cause serious infections. If in doubt, dip a hand for 10 seconds first.
