• Ruby Valley Hot Springs is a geothermal oasis in the isolated high desert
• Features a few pools of different sizes
Ruby Valley Hot Springs, also known as Smith Ranch Springs, is nestled near Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge an hour away from Elko. This picturesque hot spring site allows you to escape from your day-to-day life into the beauty of Nevada's high desert and enjoy the rejuvenating power of hot mineral water.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs features a few pools. The largest one with emerald water is about 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Big pool and smaller pools are generally around 100 degrees F that makes soaking comfortable year-round. However, some pools in the area might be scalding hot, so always check the temperature before getting in.
There is a wooden platform by the main pool for visitors to relax, tan, and keep their belonging. This location is pet-friendly, but pets are not allowed in the water.
This is a primitive location with no services available. There is limited or no cellular service. Also, this is an off-road spot and might be tough to get to during the muddy and rainy seasons without an off-road vehicle. Some roads are impassable in the winter time.
Glass is not permitted around the spring. Please, keep this spot clean and leave no trace behind!
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Located near the Ruby Valley Hot Springs, this is a fantastic place you must visit to enjoy the great outdoors. The refuge takes 39,928 acres of Ruby Valley wetlands and sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet surrounded by the Ruby Mountains and Harrison Pass.
More than 220 species of birds can be seen in the refuge, including 15 species of waterfowl. In addition to wildlife viewing, this place offers hiking, hunting, fishing, and much more. There is an auto-tour route available allowing you to enjoy the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge view to its fullest.
Ruby Valley Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 67 miles northeast of Lakeview • Southeastern Oregon • USA
Open: Year-round as weather conditions are allowed
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Accommodations: South Ruby Lake Campground
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: 4WD vehicle is recommended, some roads are inaccessible in winter
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 6,000 ft (1,829 m)
More Adventures
Directions to Ruby Valley Hot Springs
From Highway I-80,
- Take exit 303 toward Elko and turn left onto Jennings Way and in 0.2 miles onto Idaho Street
- Travel on Idaho Street for 1.1 miles to 12th Street
- Turn left onto 12th Street and follow 0.9 miles to Lamoille Highway (NV-227)
- Turn left onto NV-227 and continue 5.4 miles east to Highway NV-228
- Turn right onto NV-228 and drive 29.8 miles south
- Continue for 3.4 miles on Harrison Pass and Old Harrison Pass Roads
- Continue for 3.5 miles on NF-113, 1.2 miles on NF-357, and then 5.8 miles on NF-113 to Ruby Valley Road
- Turn left onto Ruby Valley Road and go 1.2 miles to Harrison Pass Drive
- Bear right onto Harrison Pass Drive and follow 1.2 miles, then 2.2 miles onto to Ruby Wash Road
- Bear slight right and then in 1.1 miles slight right again
- Continue 2.2 miles and then turn right
- Go 0.3 miles to the destination.