Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs features a hot pool and two warm ponds set in a scenic high desert
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs sits in a remote high desert valley between the Silver Peak and White Mountains. This remote geothermal oasis offers wide views of rugged desert landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, also known as "Hotbox," was discovered in 1970 by the Fish Lake Power Company. Thirteen wells were drilled to discover oil fields, but hot water was found instead in one of them.
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs Soaking Experience
The geothermal water flows at a rate of 50 gallons per minute and is transferred from a deep artesian well into a concrete pool at about 105°F (41°C).
The 12-by-6-foot, 3-foot-deep pool has a concrete patio and a low cinder-block fence. The pool is furnished with handrails, but there was no sign of a stepladder at the time of our visit.
The hot water from the pools overflows into 2 artificial ponds full of colorful koi fish. The water in the ponds is just right for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.
The mineral water in the tub was 105°F at the time of our visit.
Caution: The temperature of geothermal natural springs can change drastically at any time. Before getting into the water, always check the temperature.
Things to Do at Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs
Esmeralda County has improved the area around Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs. Visitors can enjoy free camping, soaking in hot mineral water, swimming in the ponds, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing in the quiet Nevada high desert.
Increased public use has also led to problems such as vandalism, littering, wildlife harm, and loud parties. Signs warn that continued damage could lead to closure of the site.
Please help keep this place open by respecting the area and packing out all trash.
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
There is ample undeveloped space surrounding the hot springs where camping is allowed.
There is enough space for overnight parking. Facilities include fences, fire rings, grills, a sink with running water (not drinkable), trash cans, and a pit toilet.
The closest lodging is available in Tonopah.
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Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 58 miles southwest of Tonopah • Nevada • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Mandatory
Amenities: Garbage cans, pit toilet, fire rings, grills
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle when the small dirt road is dry. Do not drive in snowy or wet conditions.
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,728 ft (1,441 m)
Water T° (pool): 105°F (41°C)
Water T° (ponds): 85-95°F (29-35°C)
Flow rate: 50 gallon/min
More Adventures
Directions to Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs
From Tonopah in Nevada,
- Travel 46 miles west on Highway US-6 (US-95) to NV-773 south in Coaldale
- Turn left (south) to NV-773 and go 10.7 miles to NV-264
- Turn left onto NV-264 and travel 5.8 miles to the graded dirt road.
- Continue 6.9 miles to the fork, bear left.
- Go 0.2 miles to the hot springs.
Make sure you have the proper directions before you go. Do not rely on your smartphone or GPS navigator, it can show wrong routes.
Elizabeth F.Littlefield, Wendy M.Calvin. Geothermal exploration using imaging spectrometer data over Fish Lake Valley, Nevada. January 2014