Alvord Hot Springs

## Overview Alvord Hot Springs is a privately owned, commercially operated hot spring situated at the base of Steens Mountain on the edge of the vast Alvord Desert in remote southeastern Oregon. At an elevation of approximately 4,080 feet in Harney County, this roadside hot spring offers a striking contrast between the rugged high desert landscape and the soothing warmth of its geothermally heated waters. The springs are owned and managed by the Davis Family, who have invested significantly in improving the site. The original soaking structure was torn down and replaced with a new facility that includes a designated parking lot, bathrooms, pay camping, a sandbox area, a small store, showers, and an on-site caretaker. Access to the hot springs is $5 per hour. The water emerges with a noticeable sulfur odor and has a semiclear appearance. Soaking temperatures are adjustable via wooden plugs that control the flow of hot and cool water into the pools. The springs see high usage, particularly during warmer months and weekends, thanks to their relatively easy roadside access and the dramatic surrounding scenery of Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert playa. ## Directions Alvord Hot Springs can be reached from either the north or the south via the Fields-Denio Road, a remote but well-traveled route through Oregon's high desert. **From the north (via Highway 78):** 1. From Burns, Oregon, head southeast on Highway 78. 2. Turn south onto the dirt Fields-Denio Road. 3. Drive approximately 41 miles south along the Fields-Denio Road. The hot springs will be on the roadside. **From the south (via Fields):** 1. Head north on the Fields-Denio Road from the small community of Fields, Oregon. 2. Drive approximately 23 miles north (the first 12 miles are paved, then the road turns to gravel/dirt). 3. Alvord Hot Springs will appear on the roadside. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.544, -118.533 *Note: This is a remote area with very limited services. The closest food and gas are in Fields (to the south) or along Highway 78 (to the north). Make sure your vehicle is fueled up and you carry supplies before heading out.* ## What to Expect Alvord Hot Springs is a roadside hot spring with moderate visibility from the road. The soaking pools are enclosed in a structure built by the Davis Family, providing some shelter and privacy. Clothing is optional at the springs. The water has a semiclear appearance and carries a mild sulfur odor typical of geothermal springs. Temperature in the pools is adjustable — wooden plugs control the mix of hot spring water and cooler water, so you can find a comfortable soaking temperature. On-site amenities include: - **Parking lot** with designated spaces - **Bathrooms** (pit toilets) - **Showers** - **Small store** for basic supplies - **Pay camping** available on-site - **Sandbox** play area - **On-site caretaker** for assistance and security The springs are open year-round, though winter travel on the Fields-Denio Road can be challenging due to snow and ice. Trash levels at the site are generally low, and bugs are minimal to nonexistent. Wildlife sightings in the surrounding desert and mountain terrain are moderate — keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope, raptors, and other high desert species. The real draw beyond the hot water is the setting. Steens Mountain rises dramatically to the west, while the Alvord Desert — a massive dry lakebed playa — stretches out to the east. Sunrises and sunsets here are extraordinary, and on clear nights the stargazing is world-class thanks to the extreme remoteness and lack of light pollution. Many visitors combine a soak at Alvord Hot Springs with exploring the Alvord Desert playa or driving the Steens Mountain Loop Road.