Devil’s Cauldron Hot Springs

## Overview Devil's Cauldron Hot Springs is a remote, free-access natural hot spring located in northeastern Nevada, near the border with Utah. Situated at approximately 41.049°N, 115.717°W, this geothermal feature sits in the high desert landscape of Elko County, a region known for its abundance of natural hot springs fed by deep geothermal activity along the Basin and Range fault systems. The name "Devil's Cauldron" evokes the dramatic, bubbling nature of geothermally heated water rising to the surface — a common naming convention for hot springs across the American West that were encountered by early settlers and prospectors. Northeastern Nevada's geothermal resources are among the most significant in the United States, driven by thinning of the Earth's crust and deep fracture systems that allow groundwater to circulate to great depths, absorb heat, and return to the surface as hot springs. As with all wild hot springs, water temperatures can vary and may be extremely hot near the source. Visitors should exercise caution and test the water carefully before entering. ## Directions 1. Devil's Cauldron Hot Springs is located in a remote area of northeastern Nevada, roughly between the towns of Wells and Montello in Elko County. 2. From the GPS coordinates (41.0490, -115.7172), the spring appears to be accessible via unpaved desert roads. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and 4WD may be necessary depending on recent weather conditions. 3. Use the GPS coordinates — **41.0490, -115.7172** — with a reliable offline navigation app, as cell service in this part of Nevada is extremely limited. 4. Be sure to carry plenty of water, fuel, and supplies, as services are sparse in this region. *Note: Specific turn-by-turn directions from a paved road have not yet been confirmed. If you have visited Devil's Cauldron Hot Springs and can share detailed route information, your contribution would be invaluable to future visitors.* ## What to Expect Devil's Cauldron Hot Springs is a true backcountry hot spring experience in the wide-open high desert of Nevada. The surrounding terrain is typical of the Great Basin — sagebrush flats, distant mountain ranges, and expansive skies with very little light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. As a wild, undeveloped hot spring, there are no facilities, signage, or maintained trails. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient outing. The water temperature at the source may be scalding, so always test carefully before soaking. Some wild hot springs in this region feature natural pools where the water cools to comfortable soaking temperatures, but conditions can change seasonally. The area is extremely remote. Cell phone service is unlikely, and the nearest towns with services (Wells or Wendover) may be an hour or more away. Road conditions can deteriorate significantly after rain or snow, so check weather forecasts before heading out. Spring through fall generally offers the best access, though soaking under a winter sky can be a memorable experience for those properly prepared. Practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out all trash and respect the natural environment so this hidden gem remains pristine for future visitors.