Twelve Mile Hot Springs, also known as Bishop Creek Hot Springs, is a remote geothermal oasis nestled in a scenic canyon along Bishop Creek, about 12 miles north of Wells.

Start your trip in Wells and drive to the parking area at the cattle guard (see directions below). There are no signs marking the parking area or the springs. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, park at the cattle guard and hike about two miles to the hot springs.

High-clearance 4WD vehicles may be able to drive the final couple of miles during dry conditions. However, the road can become impassable after rain, during snow, or when the water level in the creek is high.

The 2-mile route takes you through the spectacular narrow canyon of Bishop Creek. Soon after passing the cattle guard, you will reach the first creek crossing. In September, the first ford was shallow, and the water in Bishop Creek was warm due to several geothermal springs emerging along the creek bank.

Continue driving or hiking about 0.3 miles to the next creek crossing. This section can be challenging even for high-clearance vehicles during periods of high water. At the beginning of September, the creek was approximately three feet deep. If you are unsure whether you can safely cross, park your vehicle here and hike the remaining 0.3 miles to the hot springs.

Along the way, you will pass an old dam and an abandoned footbridge that is no longer passable. After another 0.2 miles, before the third creek crossing, you will find a small soaking pool on the right side of the creek.

Twelve Mile Hot Springs Geothermal Experience

A large pool of Twelve Mile Hot Springs, with its gravel bottom and crystal-clear water, stretches along the mountain wall beside Bishop Creek.

The pool measures approximately 80 feet long by 9 feet wide and reaches a depth of about 3 feet.

A concrete wall separates the hot springs pool from the creek.

Geothermal water at 104°F (40°C) flows directly from the rocks into the pool and cools slightly. Depending on seasonal conditions and water flow, the pool temperature generally ranges between 99°F and 103°F (37–39°C).

The access road and hot springs are located on private property, and visitors should treat access as a privilege. Please respect the land, stay on established routes, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this unique location.

From Wells in Nevada,

On Highway I-80, take exit 351 toward West Wells and drive 0.7 miles on Humboldt Avenue to Sixth Street
Turn right onto Sixth Street and go 0.3 miles to Lake Avenue
Turn left onto Lake Avenue and continue 0.1 miles
After you cross a railroad, turn left onto Eights Street
Drive 9.4 miles via Eights Street that becomes Metropolis Road and then Country Road 754 to a dirt road on the right
On the right you will see the cattle guard, the rough dirt road to the hot springs begins here.

If the last part of the road is impassable for your vehicle, park your car and hike for 2 miles.

GPS: N 41°14.554' W 114°56.882' | 41.2426, -114.948