• Diana's Punchbowl is a volcanic crater filled with extremely hot mineral water
• This place has become popular as geological phenomenon
Located 72 miles southeast of the mountain town of Austin in the isolated Monitor Valley of Central Nevada, Diana's Punchbowl is a volcanic crater filled with natural mineral water. The water has an abnormally high temperature that hits as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Also known as the Devil's Cauldron, the opening is a big cavern, about 50-foot-wide, made up of vertical walls that span 30 feet down. The dark blue-green pond of the scalding water on the crater bottom is emanating steam, gases, and hot vapor.
This geothermal anomaly has become popular as geological phenomenon rather than the place to soak. Native Americans knew about this impressive natural gem for thousands of years.
Perhaps you're wondering why this site is called Devil’s. True to your speculations, Native Americans viewed Diana's Punchbowl as an abode for lost souls, mysterious creatures, and gigantic spirits. Early residents were reported to hang-out and picnic on the slopes of the travertine hill overlooking the mound and enjoy the fascinating views.
Soaking might be possible in smaller ponds along the hot creek which is formed by overflow from the Diana's Punch Bowl. Further from the cauldron, the hot water cools down to a temperature bearable for bathing. A few dams were built along the creek.
Cautions: Be careful near the crater edge. Keep your children a safe distance away. If you have dogs with you, keep them on a leash.
Driving onto the hill isn't advisable for safety reasons. The cavern opening might not be visible from the car especially during nights, rainy and foggy conditions. Leave your car near the cattle gate, open and close the gate behind you, and walk up 30 feet to the cauldron hole. Elevation gain is just 60 feet.
This odd geothermal spot is set in a small fault in a remote section of Monitor Valley. There are no freshwater, restrooms, or amenities. All services are in Eureka, 68 miles away or in Austin, 72 miles away from the cauldron.
Please pack out all trash and leave no trace.
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Places to Stay Near Diana's Punchbowl - Camping & Lodging
No posted restrictions for overnight camping. There are campgrounds operated by Forest Service such as Toquima Cave Campground, 17 miles away, and Pine Creek Campground, 21 miles away.
The closest accommodations can be found in Austin, 68 miles northwest and in Eureka, 69 miles northeast.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Austin
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Eureka
Diana's Punchbowl | Facts
Location: 46 miles southeast of Austin • Central Nevada • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Undeveloped
Amenities: None
Distance from the parking: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle when the roads are dry
Day-use fees: Free
Elevation: 6,750 ft (2,057 m)
Water T° (source): 190°F (88°C)
Water T° (hot creek): Vary
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Directions to Diana's Punchbowl
From Austin,
- Travel southeast on US-50 for about 12 miles to NV-376 S
- Turn right onto NV-376 S and after 0.3 miles turn left onto the first graded forest road NF-001
- Follow southeast on NF-001 for about 24 miles to Monitor Valley Road NV-82
- Turn right onto NV-82 and continue south 8.4 miles to a dirt road on the left
- Turn left (east) and travel 1.2 miles to the fence and cattle gate.