Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs offers soaking in heart-shaped tubs with scenic high desert views
Also known as Crescent Valley Hot Springs, Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs is tucked away in the high desert of north-central Nevada, about 14 miles east of Crescent Valley and 62 miles southeast of Battle Mountain.
The site offers hot spring rejuvenation in a scenic desert setting with expansive views of the valley and nearby mountain ranges.
The hot springs are available year-round. However, summer temperatures can be quite hot for soaking and during wet weather, the access road may become impassable.
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final 1.1 miles, and during wet or snowy conditions, a 4WD vehicle is advised.
Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs Soaking
Geothermal water emerges from the hillside at approximately 185°F (85°C) and is diverted into a large plastic tub, where it cools before flowing into a second tub.
The lower tub is heart-shaped and used for soaking.
If the water is too hot in this tub, wait until it cools below 110°F (43°C). If it becomes too cold, add hot water directly from the source to adjust the temperature.
Places to Stay Near Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs
Camping is not technically prohibited, but it may not be ideal due to the site’s proximity to private land.
Visitors are encouraged to use nearby public lands instead and to follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash.
Lodging and vacation rentals are available in Battle Mountain (62 miles northwest) and Elko (74 miles northeast).
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Elko
Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 62 miles southeast of Battle Mountain • Northern Nevada • USA
Best time: Late spring and fall
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final 1.1 miles; a 4WD vehicle is suggested during wet and snow seasons
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Elevation: 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Water T° (source): 185°F (85°C)
Water T° (tubs): Varies
More Adventures
Directions to Hand-Me-Down Creek Hot Springs
From Battle Mountain,
- Follow 27 miles east on I-80 to NV-306
- Take exit 261 toward Crescent Valley and merge onto NV-306
- Travel 19 miles south onto NV-306 to McDaniel Ave
- Turn left onto McDaniel Ave and drive for about 4 miles
- Bear right onto Spa Road and continue 1.4 miles to Danna Road
- Turn left onto Danna Road, go 1.3 miles to a small dirt road
- Turn right (before the ranch) onto a small dirt road and continue 1.1 miles to the destination.