Trego Hot Springs

## Overview Trego Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring located in the remote Black Rock Desert region of northwestern Nevada, at approximately 40.7708° N, 119.1143° W. Situated in one of the most starkly beautiful and desolate landscapes in the American West, Trego Hot Springs offers a rugged, off-grid soaking experience surrounded by wide-open desert terrain and distant mountain ranges. The Black Rock Desert area has a long history of geothermal activity, and Trego Hot Springs is one of several thermal features scattered across this vast playa and its margins. The springs are named after the nearby Trego area along the historic Central Pacific Railroad corridor, which played a role in the westward expansion of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s. The geothermal waters here rise through faults in the basin-and-range geology that defines much of northern Nevada, heated deep underground by the region's volcanic and tectonic activity. As a free, undeveloped hot spring, Trego has no facilities, no admission fees, and no formal management — it is a true backcountry soaking destination. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 80 in northern Nevada, take the Jungo Road / Exit 46 near Imlay, or approach via the town of Gerlach to the north. 2. Head north on unpaved roads into the Black Rock Desert region. The springs are located off remote desert tracks, and a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. 3. Use the GPS coordinates **40.7708, -119.1143** to navigate to the springs, as signage is minimal to nonexistent in this area. 4. Be aware that desert roads can become impassable when wet, especially during and after rain. Check conditions before heading out. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Road conditions in the Black Rock Desert can change rapidly, and it is advisable to carry detailed maps, extra water, fuel, and supplies.* ## What to Expect Trego Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped soaking spot in the open desert. Visitors should expect a remote, minimalist experience — there are no bathrooms, changing areas, or other amenities. The hot spring water pools in natural depressions or user-dug soaking pools near the source. Water temperatures at desert hot springs in this region can vary significantly, sometimes reaching scalding levels near the source vent. Always test the water carefully before entering. Temperatures tend to be more comfortable in pools that are farther from the main source, where the water has had a chance to cool. The surrounding landscape is flat, arid, and expansive, with sweeping views of the Black Rock Desert playa and distant mountain ranges. Nighttime skies here are exceptionally dark, making this a memorable spot for stargazing. Because of the extreme remoteness, visitors should come fully prepared with plenty of water, food, fuel, sun protection, and navigation tools. Cell phone service is unreliable to nonexistent in this area. The best seasons to visit are spring and fall, when daytime temperatures are more moderate; summer heat in the Black Rock Desert can be extreme, and winter conditions can bring cold temperatures and muddy roads.