Hot Hole Spring

## Overview Hot Hole Spring is a free natural hot spring located in the remote high desert of northeastern Nevada, near the coordinates 40.8184°N, 115.7774°W. Situated in Elko County, this geothermal spring is one of many scattered across Nevada's Basin and Range landscape — a region shaped by tectonic stretching and faulting that allows heated groundwater to rise to the surface along fracture zones. The name "Hot Hole" suggests a concentrated thermal source, likely a pool or vent where geothermally heated water emerges from the earth. Nevada is home to more hot springs than nearly any other state in the U.S., and many of its lesser-known springs remain undeveloped and free to visit. Hot Hole Spring appears to be one such primitive, undeveloped site — offering a raw, backcountry soaking experience for those willing to make the journey into this sparsely populated corner of the state. ## Directions 1. From Elko, Nevada, head northeast on State Route 225 (the Mountain City Highway). 2. Continue north through the high desert landscape. The spring is located in a remote area approximately at GPS coordinates **40.8184777956148, -115.777410532476**. 3. Use a reliable GPS device or offline mapping app (such as Gaia GPS or Google Maps with downloaded offline maps) to navigate to the precise coordinates, as cell service in this part of Elko County is extremely limited. 4. The final approach may require a high-clearance vehicle, as access roads in this region are often unpaved, rutted, or seasonally impassable. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general regional geography. Visitors are strongly encouraged to verify road conditions locally before setting out, especially during winter and spring months when mud and snow can make backcountry roads impassable.* ## What to Expect Hot Hole Spring is a remote, undeveloped geothermal site in the high desert of northeastern Nevada. Visitors should expect a primitive experience with no facilities, signage, or maintained trails. The surrounding terrain is typical of Nevada's Basin and Range country — sagebrush flats, open sky, and wide-ranging views. As with many undeveloped Nevada hot springs, water temperatures can vary and may be extremely hot at the source. Exercise caution when approaching and testing the water before entering. The flow may collect in a natural pool or soaking hole, but conditions can change seasonally. Because of its remote location, visitors should come fully prepared with plenty of water, fuel, food, and supplies. There is little to no cell phone reception in the area. Let someone know your plans before heading out. The nearest services are likely in Elko or along the SR-225 corridor. The isolation of Hot Hole Spring is part of its appeal — it offers a chance to soak in natural geothermal water surrounded by vast, quiet desert landscape, far from crowds and development.