Paradise Valley Hot Springs

## Overview Paradise Valley Hot Springs is a remote, free-access natural hot spring located in the high desert of northern Nevada, approximately 50 miles north of Winnemucca in Humboldt County. Situated at GPS coordinates 41.4219, -117.3873, this geothermal spring sits within the Paradise Valley area — a region long known for its volcanic geology and numerous thermal features along the Basin and Range fault lines. Northern Nevada's hot springs owe their existence to the region's thin crust and active tectonic stretching, which allows groundwater to circulate deep underground, absorb geothermal heat, and rise back to the surface along fractures and faults. Paradise Valley Hot Springs is one of many such thermal features scattered across Humboldt County, a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and ongoing geothermal processes. The area around Paradise Valley has a rich history tied to ranching, mining, and the Northern Paiute people who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The town of Paradise Valley itself, founded in the 1860s during Nevada's mining boom, is one of the oldest settlements in the northern part of the state. ## Directions 1. From Winnemucca, Nevada, head north on US-93 N toward Paradise Valley. 2. Continue approximately 45–50 miles north through the Santa Rosa Range foothills. 3. The hot spring is located in a remote area at approximately 41.4219°N, -117.3873°W. A GPS device or offline maps application is strongly recommended, as cell service in this part of Humboldt County is extremely limited. 4. High-clearance vehicles are advisable, as the final approach may involve unpaved desert roads that can become impassable in wet conditions. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Visitors are encouraged to scout current road conditions before heading out, especially during winter and spring months.* ## What to Expect Paradise Valley Hot Springs is a true backcountry soaking experience in the remote Nevada desert. Visitors should expect a rugged, undeveloped setting with no facilities, signage, or maintained infrastructure. The surrounding landscape is classic Great Basin high desert — wide open sagebrush flats framed by distant mountain ranges, offering expansive views and a profound sense of solitude. As a free, natural hot spring, the soaking conditions can vary with the seasons. Water temperatures at Nevada's desert hot springs can range widely, and source pools may be quite hot near the vent. It is always wise to test the water temperature carefully before entering. Given the remote location, visitors should come fully prepared with plenty of water, food, sun protection, and a full tank of fuel. There are no services for many miles in any direction. The nearest town, Paradise Valley, is a very small community with limited amenities. Winnemucca, about 50 miles to the south, is the closest town with gas stations, restaurants, and lodging. The area is best visited during the cooler months of fall and spring, when the contrast between the warm water and crisp desert air makes for an especially enjoyable soak. Summer temperatures in this part of Nevada can exceed 100°F, which may make hot spring soaking less appealing. Winter access may be limited by snow or muddy roads. As with all wild hot springs, visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out all trash, respect the natural surroundings, and leave the site as you found it for the next visitor to enjoy.