• Monitor Valley Hot Springs is one of series of natural hot springs of Monitor Valley
• No bathing is available
Monitor Valley Hot Springs, also known as Potts Ranch Hot Springs, is one of series of natural hot springs flowing in the high desert of the Monitor Valley, 40 miles southeast of the living ghost town Austin.
On your way to the hot springs, you will pass Potts, an abandoned ranch and ghost town, consisting of two buildings. The ranch is located within a short distance from the hot springs.
Bathing in this hot spring was impossible during our last visit in 2019. There were no soaking tubs or a pool available.
Because this site is located between two interesting geothermal sites, 25 miles southeast of Spencer Hot Springs and 7 miles north of Diana Punchbowl, you can always check if anything changes.
The hot water emerges from the source at 110°F and flows down a ditch and then it is collected by a few pipes. Potentially, it could be transferred into the tub.
There are a bench and wood deck where the soaking tub should be. I truly hope, one day the bathing will be possible at this great hot springs site.
Places to Stay Near Monitor Valley Hot Springs
Camping is not permitted at the hot springs. There are campgrounds operated by Forest Service such as Toquima Cave Campground, 13 miles away, and Pine Creek Campground, 26 miles away.
The closest accommodations can be found in Austin, 64 miles northeast and Eureka, 66 miles northeast.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Austin
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Eureka
Monitor Valley Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 28 miles southeast of Austin • Central Nevada • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Undeveloped, bathing opportunity is limited
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: High-clearance 4WD vehicle is suggested for the final few miles
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 6,620 ft (2,017 m)
Water T° (source): 110°F (43°C)
More Adventures
Directions to Monitor Valley Hot Springs
From Austin,
- Travel about 12 miles east on US-50 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 after a ranch keep left
- Continue for about 3.5 miles to a fork and bear left
- Drive 2.9 miles on FR 25 to a fork ( you will pass abandoned Potts Ranch)
- Bear right on a dirt road and continue 0.5 miles to the hot springs.
We were there Saturday January 8th 2022, the tub and all improvements have been removed.
Were you at the actual Potts hot springs with the large watering tub where you empty and fill it? Near the abandon ranch? Thanks