Spencer Hot Springs is one of the most popular geothermal pools in the State of Nevada.
Around a hill, there are several pools that RVs can park in the near distance.
Accessible Campsite
Austin, Nevada is said to be “Living Ghost Town,” where the atmosphere of mining town remains well.
The hot springs are only 30 minutes from the small town.
The straight dirt road is safe enough for a normal car to drive.
Actually the pools are located around a hill; drivers need caution for the rough slopes.
Around the top of the hill, there is a wood deck with a wooden bench.
It looks nice even though this place is free, maintained by volunteers.
The geothermal pond is next to the deck.
The hot well is protected with iron bars.
The water is hotter than 140 degrees F, so that it is carefully covered for avoiding accidents.
Part of water is provided to the pool through a ditch.
Another flow is this valve, which enables to adjust the water temperature of the pond.
It was hot: around 111 degrees F.
The water looks opaque, probably due to the mud welling up from the bottom.
The spectacle was super, but I was not satisfied with the cleanliness.
Cow Trough Tubs
Going down the slope, I found a smaller hot well protected with iron bars as well.
Water was piped to a cattle tub.
131 degrees F water was flown from the pipe.
Cars can be parked next to the pools for camping, which is one of the reasons for Spencer Hot Springs to be a popular site.
Overflowed water made shallow pools on the ground.
I used Google Maps in order to know the location of all the hot springs around the hill.
Bushes can be landmarks for finding hot springs.
This tub was found in the remotest place.
The water temperature was tepid; around 104 degrees F.
It was interesting view of a cattle tub sunk in the flooded wilderness.
The other tub was completely sunk in the ground.
The water looked opaque at the hilltop pond was clear and colorless in other tubs, being accompanied with slight metallic smell.
Looking for hours at snow-covered mountains, I enjoyed the relaxing soak.
Summary
Spencer Hot Springs, Austin, Nevada, U.S.
Rating:
Tips
So many cow trough tubs in Nevada's hot springs.
- Walk-in: Yes
- Lodging: Yes (Campsite)