Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs

## Overview Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring located in the remote Fish Lake Valley of western Nevada, near the California border. Situated at approximately 37.86°N, 117.98°W, these geothermal springs lie in the high desert landscape between the White Mountains to the west and the Silver Peak Range to the east. The area is sparsely populated and strikingly scenic, offering wide-open views of the surrounding basin-and-range terrain that characterizes this part of the Great Basin. Fish Lake Valley sits along a geologically active zone where deep faulting allows geothermally heated water to rise to the surface. The region has long been known for its geothermal activity, and the hot springs here are a product of that underground heat. Historically, hot springs throughout Fish Lake Valley have been used by travelers, ranchers, and recreationists drawn to the warm, mineral-rich water in an otherwise arid environment. As a free and undeveloped hot spring, Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs offers a rustic soaking experience. Visitors have historically reported warm-to-hot water temperatures, though conditions can vary seasonally and depending on recent weather. The water has not been officially tested for potability, so it is best enjoyed for soaking rather than drinking. ## Directions 1. From the small community of Dyer, Nevada, head north on Nevada State Route 264 (Fish Lake Valley Road). 2. Continue north through the open desert of Fish Lake Valley, watching for dirt roads or turnoffs on the west side of the highway. 3. The hot springs are located in the general vicinity of GPS coordinates 37.8601, -117.9834. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, as access may require traveling on unpaved desert roads. 4. Look for signs of previous visitors, such as informal soaking pools or cleared areas near the springs. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. The area is remote with limited signage, so downloading offline maps or using a GPS device is strongly recommended.* ## What to Expect Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped soaking spot in the Nevada high desert. Expect a remote, off-grid experience with no facilities, restrooms, or services nearby. The nearest towns — Dyer and Fish Lake Valley — are very small and offer limited amenities, so visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, food, and fuel. The springs are surrounded by open desert terrain with sagebrush and sweeping mountain views. Soaking pools, if present, are typically informal and visitor-maintained. Water temperatures can vary, so test the water carefully before entering. The area can be extremely hot in summer and cold in winter, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in warmer months. Cell phone service is unreliable to nonexistent in this part of Nevada, so plan accordingly. The remote setting makes Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs an appealing destination for those seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry hot spring experience far from crowds.