Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs is a steaming geothermal area with colorful mineral crusts
On the way to Twelve Mile Hot Springs at the Bishop Creek, you can stop at Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs.
This site is located 6 miles north of Wells and 4.3 miles before the turnoff to Twelve Mile Hot Springs.
Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs is an interesting geological feature.
A series of hot springs seeps and bubbles up from several sources on the hillside at temperatures ranging from 140 to 150°F (60-66°C), creating a mineral-rich environment for orange-green thermophilic microbial mats (cyanobacteria). Dense white salt deposits have formed around the springs.
Water flowing from the hillside sources runs into a small stream, allowing grasses to grow along its banks. A nearby ranch also uses the water.
The hot springs have a strong sulfur (“rotten egg”) odor.
If you want to soak at Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs, there is a pipe and bathtub that can be filled for bathing while enjoying views of the northeastern Nevada hills.
The last 0.2 miles to the hot springs follow a rough and bumpy dirt road. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is needed to drive uphill to the site.
Camping & Lodging near Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs
Springs are located on the private property. Make sure to obey signs that have been posted here. There is no camping available at the hot springs. The nearest lodging is in Wells, 6 miles away.
Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 6 miles north of Wells • Northeastern Nevada • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Undeveloped
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required for the final 0.2 miles when the weather is favorable
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Springs are located on the private property; Make sure to obey signs that have been posted here.
Elevation: 5,800 ft (1,295 m)
Water T° (source): 140-150°F (60-66°C)
More Adventures
Directions to Lower Oxley Peak Hot Springs
From Wells in Nevada,
- On Highway I-80, take exit 351 toward W Wells, drive 0.7 miles on Humboldt Avenue to Sixth Street
- Turn right onto Sixth Street and continue 0.3 miles to Lake Avenue
- Turn left onto Lake Avenue and go 0.1 miles
- After crossing a railroad, turn left onto Eights Street
- Drive 5.3 miles Eights Street that becomes Metropolis Road and then Country Road 754 to a fork of three roads, take a left small dirt road uphill
- Drive 0.2 miles to the hot springs.
If you have a low clearance car or the last part of the road is impassable to drive, park your car on Country Road and hike for 0.2 miles.