Hot Springs in Nevada
Nevada is full of natural wonders, and its hot springs are some of the most unique and relaxing spots to explore. Scattered across deserts, valleys, and mountain landscapes, these springs offer the perfect mix of adventure and rejuvenation. Having explored Nevada’s outdoors, I’ve found that its hot springs are a memorable way to experience the state’s rugged beauty.
I’ve enjoyed peaceful soaks surrounded by desert views, hidden springs tucked into remote backroads, and warm pools near scenic hiking trails. From well-known spots to secluded gems, Nevada’s hot springs offer something for every kind of traveler. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Solitude Under the Stars at Spencer Hot Springs
We drove about 3 hours 45 minutes east (190 miles) from Reno along U.S. 50 — “The Loneliest Road in America” — to Spencer Hot Springs, a rustic cluster of natural pools outside Austin (population about 200).
Spencer Hot Springs in Nevada has to be one of the coolest hidden gems I’ve ever come across, tucked away near Austin right in the heart of the Big Smoky Valley.
What makes it so special to me is how raw and natural it feels—you’re soaking in warm, mineral-rich pools while gazing out at wide-open desert landscapes that seem to stretch on forever.
I honestly think it’s one of the best underrated hot springs in Nevada, because unlike more developed spots, this one keeps that wild, free-spirited vibe alive.
We found a few different pools here, and the coolest part was how each had its own personality—one was shallow and steamy, another deeper and cooler, giving us choices depending on the mood of the moment.
What I loved most was watching the sun dip behind the Toiyabe Range while steam rose from the water—it was pure magic and definitely my favorite memory of the trip.
This spot felt like the perfect affordable weekend getaway, whether for a romantic escape under the stars or a joyful family adventure discovering Nevada’s unique desert beauty.
I met fellow travelers who called it their dream hot spring, and I completely understood why—it’s free, open year-round, and gives you a sense of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Seeing wild burros wander nearby while we soaked was such an unusual and exciting moment, adding to the feeling that this is not just a hot spring, but an exceptional Nevada experience.
If you’re looking for the absolute best hidden desert retreat, Spencer Hot Springs is an amazing choice that combines natural beauty, cool vibes, and a truly unique sense of adventure.
2. Rustic Refuge at Kyle Hot Springs
I drove about 2 hours 30 minutes northeast (125 miles) from Reno along I-80 toward Winnemucca, then a short dirt road turnoff led me to Kyle Hot Springs, a cluster of primitive pools set in the desert foothills.
Kyle Hot Springs is another one of Nevada’s unusual and underrated desert gems, located near the tiny town of Mill City in Pershing County.
When we first arrived, I couldn’t believe how quiet and remote it felt—it’s the kind of spot where you instantly feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the middle of nowhere.
The springs themselves sit in a wide-open valley, surrounded by rolling desert hills, giving you spectacular views that make the soak even more magical.
I found the pools rustic and natural, with old concrete tubs and a raw charm that made me appreciate the history of this place—it once had a small resort back in the early 1900s!
What I love most about Kyle Hot Springs is that it feels like a journey back in time, a unique and affordable getaway where the desert silence and starry skies steal the show.
We visited at sunset, and the golden light shimmering off the water created the coolest atmosphere—it was one of my favorite hot spring memories in Nevada.
I think this is one of the best spots for those who want an off-the-beaten-path adventure, because you won’t find crowds here, just peace and the simple joy of soaking in mineral-rich water.
Seeing the remnants of the old bathhouse nearby was fascinating and added an interesting historical twist to the experience.
If you’re chasing unique, romantic, or even family-friendly Nevada hot springs, Kyle Hot Springs offers a dreamy and exciting way to connect with both nature and history.
3. Steam and Solitude at Alkali Hot Springs
We drove about 4 hours southeast (220 miles) from Reno down U.S. 95 to Alkali Hot Springs, just a couple of miles off the highway near Tonopah (population about 2,200).
Alkali Hot Springs near Goldfield, Nevada, felt like one of those hidden desert gems that only the lucky few ever stumble upon.
When we pulled up, I was instantly charmed by the rustic, concrete soaking tubs fed by natural hot mineral water—it had that unusual and unique vibe that made me feel like I’d discovered something secret.
The best part for me was how peaceful it was, tucked into the quiet desert landscape with wide-open skies and not a soul around.
I loved slipping into the warm pools and just gazing out across the sagebrush, feeling that joyful mix of solitude and magic that only Nevada’s underrated hot springs can deliver.
This spot has history too—the old Goldfield Hotel isn’t far away, and soaking here almost felt like a romantic nod to Nevada’s wild past.
What I found most exciting was that it’s free and open year-round, making it one of the coolest affordable weekend getaways for anyone chasing an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
At night, the starry desert sky turned the soak into an absolute dream, and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite Nevada hot spring experiences.
We even noticed some quirky remnants of old bathhouse structures nearby, which gave the place a fascinating, unusual touch of history.
If you’re looking for the best hidden spot where relaxation meets rustic charm, Alkali Hot Springs is an amazing and truly underrated Nevada hot spring you won’t forget.
4. Burning Sky at Trego Hot Springs
We drove about 2.5 hours northeast (150 miles) from Reno into the Black Rock Desert to Trego Hot Springs, a long, shallow pool fed by geothermal water right along the historic Applegate–Lassen emigrant trail.
Trego Hot Springs is one of the most exciting hidden gems I’ve explored in Nevada, set right along the Black Rock Desert not far from Gerlach.
What struck me immediately was how unusual and unique the setting felt—you’re soaking in a long, shallow hot spring trench while staring out across miles of vibrant desert playa.
I loved that it felt both raw and wild, yet welcoming at the same time, a joyful reminder that some of the best adventures come from the simplest places.
The water was soothing and warm, and since the spring stretches out, we could spread out and find our own quiet corner, which made the experience feel even more like a dream.
My favorite moment was sinking into the water at sunset, when the sky lit up in spectacular shades of orange and pink—it was pure desert magic.
What makes this spot so cool is how close it is to the famous Burning Man playa; it’s like stumbling upon an underrated secret that regular festival-goers often miss.
I thought it was one of the absolute best affordable Nevada getaways, whether you’re after a romantic evening under the stars or an adventurous family soak in the desert.
Seeing steam rise from the water while wild silence surrounded us was an unforgettable and truly peaceful experience.
If you’re chasing Nevada’s most unusual and awesome hot springs, Trego definitely deserves a spot on your list—it’s a brilliant idea for anyone who loves the raw beauty of the desert.
5. Warm Waters and Wild Horses at Virgin Valley Hot Springs
We drove about 4.5 hours north (225 miles) from Reno to Virgin Valley Hot Springs, tucked deep inside Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. This free, BLM-maintained pool sits at the edge of wide sagebrush basins where settlers once passed through in the early 1900s.
Virgin Valley Hot Springs in northern Nevada has to be one of the most unique and underrated desert escapes I’ve ever experienced, tucked inside the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge near Denio.
What amazed me most was how big the main pool is—it’s more like a small pond than a tub, and slipping into the warm, clear water felt absolutely dreamy.
I loved that this place is completely free, making it one of the best affordable getaways for both romantic weekends and joyful family adventures.
The water stayed at a perfect soaking temperature, and I could see little fish swimming around me, which was such an unusual and cool touch you don’t often find in hot springs.
My favorite moment was floating peacefully while looking out over the wide-open desert valley, feeling a deep sense of magic and solitude.
We also found a small rustic bathhouse nearby with individual soaking tubs, which was an awesome bonus after exploring the wildlife refuge trails.
I thought it was one of the absolute best hot springs in Nevada for its combination of natural beauty, unusual wildlife, and spectacular scenery.
At night, the star-filled sky was so vibrant that soaking there felt like stepping straight into a desert dream—it was pure joy from start to finish.
If you’re searching for a hidden gem that blends raw desert charm with a truly unforgettable soaking experience, Virgin Valley Hot Springs is the coolest choice you could make.
6. Quiet Wonder at Ruby Valley Hot Springs
I drove about 1 hour 15 minutes south (65 miles) from Elko to Ruby Valley Hot Springs, tucked in a wide basin at the base of the Ruby Mountains. Also called “South Fork Hot Springs,” this cluster of primitive pools sits in marshy meadows on BLM land, free to the public.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs in northeastern Nevada instantly won me over as one of the most magical and underrated hot springs I’ve ever visited.
Set in the heart of the Ruby Valley National Wildlife Refuge, this hidden gem feels like soaking in a dream, with spectacular mountain views surrounding the pools.
I loved that the springs are spread across several natural pools, each offering a different temperature and vibe, so we could choose our favorite spot to settle in.
What made it extra special for me was the unusual boardwalk path leading out to the water, creating a sense of anticipation before stepping into the warm mineral-rich pools.
My favorite moment was gazing at the vibrant Ruby Mountains while relaxing in the water—it was pure desert magic that felt both peaceful and exciting at the same time.
We even spotted wildlife nearby, which made the experience feel like an exceptional blend of adventure and serenity.
I thought it was one of the absolute best affordable weekend getaways in Nevada, perfect for a romantic escape or a joyful family outing.
The clear blue water, open skies, and wide horizons made it one of the coolest hot springs I’ve ever photographed—every shot looked like a postcard.
If you’re chasing a unique and unforgettable Nevada hot spring, Ruby Valley is truly a hidden treasure that captures the wild beauty and magic of the desert.
Conclusion
After exploring Spencer, Kyle, Alkali, Trego, and Virgin Valley Hot Springs, I can honestly say Nevada is home to some of the most magical and underrated soaking spots in the West.
Each one has its own unique personality—whether it’s the romantic desert sunsets at Spencer, the rustic history of Kyle, the quirky charm of Alkali, the unusual playa setting at Trego, or the spectacular wildlife refuge setting at Virgin Valley.
What ties them all together is that joyful sense of discovery—these hidden gems are affordable, wild, and unforgettable, offering everything from family-friendly adventures to dreamy romantic getaways under the stars.
For me, Nevada’s hot springs are more than just warm water; they’re vibrant experiences that connect you to the desert’s soul in the coolest and most exciting way possible.
If you’re chasing the absolute best hidden hot springs in the U.S., these desert treasures are an amazing choice—you’ll find peace, history, adventure, and a touch of magic with every soak.
Booking Checklist
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