Caliente Hot Springs Motel

## Overview Caliente Hot Springs Motel is located in the small town of Caliente, Nevada, nestled in the Rainbow Canyon area of Lincoln County along the historic Union Pacific Railroad corridor. The GPS coordinates place this site at approximately 37.6209° N, 114.5103° W, in the high desert of southeastern Nevada at an elevation of roughly 4,400 feet. Caliente — whose name means "hot" in Spanish — was named for the natural hot springs that emerge in the area. The town has long been associated with geothermal activity, and the hot springs here have been used for bathing and relaxation since well before the arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s. The geothermal waters in this region are heated by deep underground geological processes associated with the Basin and Range Province, where tectonic stretching of the Earth's crust allows groundwater to circulate to significant depths before rising back to the surface at elevated temperatures. The Caliente Hot Springs Motel offers visitors a chance to soak in naturally heated mineral water that has historically been channeled into pools on the property. The hot springs have been reported to maintain warm-to-hot temperatures year-round, making them a popular stop for travelers passing through on U.S. Route 93 or exploring the nearby Cathedral Gorge State Park and Kershaw-Ryan State Park. ## Directions 1. From Las Vegas, head north on Interstate 15 toward Mesquite. 2. Take Exit 64 onto NV-317 North / U.S. Route 93 North toward Caliente. 3. Continue on U.S. Route 93 North for approximately 100 miles through the desert landscape and Rainbow Canyon. 4. Upon entering the town of Caliente, the hot springs motel is located along the main road through town. Look for signage near the center of Caliente. 5. GPS coordinates: 37.6209, -114.5103. *Note: Caliente is a small, remote town — fuel up and stock supplies before making the drive, as services are limited along the route.* ## What to Expect Visitors to the Caliente Hot Springs Motel can expect a rustic, small-town hot springs experience in the heart of the Nevada desert. The naturally heated geothermal water has historically been piped into soaking pools associated with the motel property. The surrounding landscape is classic Basin and Range high desert — dramatic canyon walls, sagebrush-covered hills, and wide-open skies that make for spectacular stargazing at night. Caliente itself is a quiet railroad town with a beautifully restored Mission-style train depot (built in 1923) that serves as a local landmark. The town offers basic amenities including a few small restaurants and gas stations. Nearby Cathedral Gorge State Park (about 2 miles north) features stunning eroded bentonite clay formations and is well worth a side trip. Summers in this area can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, while winters are cool and occasionally see light snowfall. Spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable seasons for a visit. The hot springs water has been historically enjoyed by locals and travelers alike, though visitors should check with the motel regarding current access, hours, and any fees for use of the soaking facilities.