Double Hot Springs

## Overview Double Hot Springs is a geothermal hot spring located in the remote high desert of northwestern Nevada, near the Black Rock Desert. Situated at approximately 41.05°N, 119.03°W, this free natural hot spring sits in one of the most starkly beautiful and isolated landscapes in the American West. The area is part of the Great Basin region, which is characterized by extensive volcanic and geothermal activity — the same forces that feed numerous hot springs scattered across northern Nevada. As its name suggests, Double Hot Springs features two primary spring sources that feed pools of naturally heated water. The springs emerge from the earth in an arid, open playa environment with sweeping views of the surrounding desert and distant mountain ranges. The Black Rock Desert region has a long history of human use, from Northern Paiute peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years to 19th-century emigrants traveling the Applegate-Lassen Trail. Today, the area is perhaps best known as the home of the annual Burning Man festival, held on the playa to the south. Double Hot Springs is on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and there is no fee to visit. The springs are a popular stop for overlanders, hot spring enthusiasts, and adventurers exploring the remote reaches of the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. **Important safety note:** The water temperature at Double Hot Springs can be extremely hot — in some cases near or at boiling at the source vents. Visitors should exercise extreme caution and never enter the water near the source pools without first testing the temperature. Scalding injuries have been reported at geothermal springs in this region. ## Directions 1. From **Gerlach, Nevada**, head north on **County Road 34** (also known as the road toward High Rock Canyon / Soldier Meadows). 2. Continue north for approximately **18–20 miles** across the desert. The road is unpaved and can range from graded gravel to rough washboard depending on conditions. 3. Watch for a signed turnoff or visible steam/spring area on the **east (right) side** of the road. The springs are visible from the road as a marshy, steaming area in the otherwise dry landscape. 4. A short dirt spur leads to the springs. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and 4WD may be necessary in wet conditions or if venturing further into the backcountry. *GPS coordinates: 41.0503, -119.0308. Use these to navigate, as signage in the area can be minimal. Cell service is virtually nonexistent in this region — download offline maps before your trip.* ## What to Expect Double Hot Springs consists of two main geothermal pools set in a wide-open desert basin. The source pools can be dangerously hot, but water flowing away from the vents cools as it spreads across the surrounding marsh and channels, and some visitors have reported finding areas with more comfortable soaking temperatures downstream. The landscape is flat, treeless, and exposed — there is essentially no shade. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold and windy, so spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable times to visit. The area is very remote; the nearest services (fuel, food, lodging) are in Gerlach, about 20 miles to the south. Camping is permitted on surrounding BLM land (dispersed camping, no facilities). Visitors should pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Bring all water, food, and supplies you'll need, as there is nothing available nearby. The mineral-rich geothermal water has historically attracted visitors, but it should not be assumed to be safe for drinking without proper treatment. Wildlife in the area can include pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and various desert birds. The night skies here are exceptionally dark and offer outstanding stargazing opportunities.