Quick FactsOverview
About the Resort
David Walley's Hot Springs Resort, Nevada is a full-service geothermal resort in Genoa, Douglas County, at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, operating continuously since 1862 and recognized as Nevada's oldest continually operating hot springs resort. The resort has five outdoor mineral hot spring tubs at temperatures ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a large heated outdoor pool, condo-style overnight accommodation, a full-service spa, eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, and the 1862 Restaurant and Saloon. Day use of the hot springs is available to visitors without an overnight stay for a per-person facilities fee.
The geothermal water is naturally produced and cycled through the tubs every two to three hours. One tub is designated for families with children under 18. The surrounding mountain views of Job's Peak and the Sierra Nevada range give the outdoor soaking area a distinctive setting. The property also includes a fitness center, playground, volleyball court, and business center.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Genoa Nevada, this is the most historically significant option in the Carson Valley, with a documented history connecting the site to the Pony Express, the California Gold Rush, and notable guests including Mark Twain.
Location & Access
Directions and Access
The resort is at 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, Nevada 89411, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada about 1.5 miles from the historic town of Genoa in Douglas County. From Carson City, head south on US-395 for approximately 12 miles, then turn right onto NV-757 west toward Muller Lane and follow NV-206 north to Foothill Road, a drive of around 20 to 25 minutes. From South Lake Tahoe, head east on US-50 into Nevada, then take NV-206 south for around 16 miles to Foothill Road.
Free self-parking is available on the property. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is approximately 60 miles north, around one hour by car. The town of Genoa, Nevada's oldest settlement, is just over a mile away. Minden and Gardnerville, within 5 miles, offer a wider range of restaurants and services. Hot springs access hours are 7 am to 10 pm daily; reservations are not required for day use, though spa treatments should be booked 24 to 48 hours in advance.
The resort is open year-round. The Hot Springs Pool is open year-round while the Canyon Pool operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For visitors seeking hot springs near Genoa Nevada, this is the most accessible and historically significant option in the Carson Valley, with Lake Tahoe skiing at Heavenly Resort approximately 16 miles away.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit
The resort suits families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a full-service hot spring resort experience near Lake Tahoe with the option of overnight accommodation. One of the five mineral tubs is designated specifically for families with children under 18, making it one of the more explicitly family-welcoming hot spring resorts in Nevada. Day visitors can access the hot springs without booking a room by paying a per-person facilities fee, making it a practical stop even without an overnight stay.
The spa, steam rooms, and dry saunas add options beyond pool soaking. The 1862 Restaurant and Saloon serves lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with a bar open daily. The resort has a fitness center, playground, volleyball court, and billiards. For families visiting the South Lake Tahoe region, the resort fills an unusual niche as a dedicated family hot springs near Genoa with dedicated family pool access, an on-site restaurant, and overnight accommodation all in one property.
The resort has documented wheelchair-accessible parking with six designated spaces, ramp access to the property, restaurant, and bar, and accessible self-parking. Guests with specific accessibility questions should contact the resort to confirm which pool areas are step-free. Pets are not permitted. The mountain setting and year-round operations make it a viable destination in any season, with skiing, hiking, and Lake Tahoe recreation all within easy reach.
Safety & Etiquette
David Walley's Hot Springs Resort Safety Tips
The resort is a well-maintained commercial facility with five mineral tubs ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures are generally comfortable for healthy adults in standard soaking sessions. The geothermal water is cycled through the tubs every two to three hours. Standard hot spring precautions apply: take breaks of 10 to 15 minutes between soaks, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged immersion, which can cause overheating or dizziness even in well-managed pools at these temperatures.
Guests with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or serious skin or circulatory conditions should consult a doctor before using the mineral pools. Children must use the designated family tub and must be supervised at all times near any water. The pool and hot spring areas are outdoors and the resort is entirely smoke-free. No glass is permitted in the pool and hot spring areas.
The resort operates under standard commercial facility regulations and is staffed during all hot spring hours from 7 am to 10 pm. Emergency services are quickly accessible given the location near Gardnerville. Some hot spring tubs may be temporarily closed for renovation at any time; contacting the resort before a day visit is advisable if access to all five tubs matters for your plans. Spa treatments require advance booking of 24 to 48 hours. The resort is in a valley setting near a populated area and does not carry the hazards associated with remote or undeveloped hot springs.
