Outdoors NearbySoldier Meadows Hot Springs
A hot creek with rock-dammed pools in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern at the north end of the Black Rock NCA. The pools are home to the threatened desert dace and a springsnail found only here. You can soak at Soldier Meadows Hot Springs for free.
| Access | Free, public land No fee or permit. The road is about 50 miles of dirt north of Gerlach; a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is needed. Do not use soap or sunscreen in the pools, which hold a threatened native fish. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Gerlach, NV Managed by BLM Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | mid-90s to low 100s °F |
| Season | year-round; the dirt road can be impassable when wet |
| Reservations | not needed |
| Facilities | pit toilet (at cabin) |
| Camping | BLM designated semi-primitive campsites and a free first-come cabin at Soldier Meadows |
| Website | travelnevada.com |
| Phone | (775) 557-2900 |
Best time to soak: Soldier Meadows Hot Springs
Hot water is most welcome on cold days. From November to March average highs around Gerlach stay at 39 to 55 °F, with nights down to 23 °F. Freezing nights from November to February mean icy steps and possible road closures; traction for your shoes helps. From July to August highs reach 88 to 90 °F. In that heat, early mornings and evenings are the most comfortable time to soak.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40 °F | 23 °F | 5 |
| Feb | 46 °F | 26 °F | 3 |
| Mar | 55 °F | 31 °F | 3 |
| Apr | 62 °F | 35 °F | 3 |
| May | 71 °F | 44 °F | 3 |
| Jun | 81 °F | 50 °F | 2 |
| Jul | 90 °F | 58 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 88 °F | 56 °F | 0 |
| Sep | 79 °F | 49 °F | 1 |
| Oct | 64 °F | 38 °F | 2 |
| Nov | 49 °F | 29 °F | 2 |
| Dec | 39 °F | 23 °F | 4 |
Pack for the hot springs
- Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
- Earth Pak roll-top waterproof dry bag Keeps your phone, keys and dry clothes safe on wet rocks next to the pool. View on Amazon
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Hot springs in the area
- Black Rock Hot Springs Free
- Virgin Valley Warm Spring Free
- Alvord Hot Springs Day pass
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Soldier Meadows Hot Springs free?
Yes. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Soldier Meadows Hot Springs?
Mid-90s to low 100s °F.
When is Soldier Meadows Hot Springs open?
year-round; the dirt road can be impassable when wet.
Can you camp near Soldier Meadows Hot Springs?
BLM designated semi-primitive campsites and a free first-come cabin at Soldier Meadows.