Overview
A hot spring that is mostly a warning label
Double Hot Springs sits out in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert and it is famous for the wrong reason. The two source pools are extremely hot, the kind of heat that can seriously burn you in seconds. Local visitor guidance calls for extreme caution, and this is one of the few Nevada springs where the smartest plan is to treat it as a geology stop, not a soak.
What you actually do here
You park, walk in, look, take a photo, and leave. Some runoff collects away from the source pools and people sometimes talk about a primitive trough, but conditions vary and the safest assumption is that anything connected to the source can be dangerously hot. The setting is stark, flat, windy, and very exposed, which is part of the appeal if you like desert landscapes.
Why it matters
It’s a clear reminder that Nevada geothermal water is not automatically “spa temperature.” This is the Basin and Range doing its thing, heat rising fast, and it deserves distance and respect.
Location & Access
Where it is
Double Hot Springs is in the Black Rock Desert region of northwest Nevada. It is remote, with long stretches between services, and the last miles are typically on unpaved desert roads.
By car
Plan for a slow approach and self-reliance. Roads can be rough, rutted, muddy after storms, or dusty with deep washboard. A high-clearance vehicle is a safer choice, and a spare tire, jack, and a way to reinflate tires are worth having.
Road conditions and seasonality
Wet weather can change everything. Even when the route looks firm, playa-adjacent areas and clay soils can turn into traction traps. If you are visiting during periods of major events in the Black Rock area, check land manager updates and local notices before you commit to the drive.
What to bring
Carry more water than you think you need, plus sun protection and wind layers. There are no facilities. Pack out all trash, and bring a paper map or offline navigation because cell service is unreliable.
Suitability & Accessibility
Double Hot Springs is best for experienced desert travelers who want a quick stop with strong “do not enter” energy. Photographers, geology nerds, and road trippers already set up for Black Rock travel get the most out of it.
Families
Not a great match. The main feature is a serious hazard, and there is little margin for distraction. If you do arrive with kids, treat it like a cliff edge: hand-holding, constant supervision, and no wandering.
Mobility realities
Expect uneven ground, soft sand, and no built paths. If you need stable, step-free surfaces, this is likely frustrating. Even a short walk can feel harder in wind and heat.
Expectations vs reality
If your goal is soaking, skip it. Even if a runoff area looks calmer, the risk profile is still high and conditions can shift. Come for the landscape and the story, leave the swimsuit in the bag.
Safety & Etiquette
Extreme heat and steep banks
Visitor guidance for the Black Rock area warns the pools are around 180°F (about 82°C) and that the banks can be steep and slippery. People have died after falling in. Keep well back from edges, and do not test temperatures with hands or feet.
Pets
Keep dogs leashed and away from the pools and runoff channels. Animals can run toward water fast, and the heat can injure them before you can react.
Desert exposure
Wind, sun, and distance from help are the real risks here. Tell someone your plan, carry extra water, and turn around if the road is getting soft or slick. Getting stuck far out is more common than people admit.
Etiquette
Do not add rocks, dig channels, or try to “improve” a basin. Avoid soap or any products in or near water. Stay on durable ground where you can, keep noise low, and leave the place exactly as you found it.
FAQs
Can you soak at Double Hot Springs?
It is best treated as a viewing stop. The source pools are dangerously hot and the area is known for severe burn risk. If you go, go to look, stay back from edges, and do not plan your trip around soaking.
How hot is it, really?
Local visitor guidance for the Black Rock Desert warns the pools are around 180°F (about 82°C). That is far beyond safe soaking temperature and can cause serious injury fast.
Is it easy to reach?
No. It is remote, with unpaved road travel and no services. Conditions change with weather, and a capable vehicle and conservative decision-making matter more than mileage.
What are the biggest hazards besides the hot water?
Steep, slick banks near the pools, plus typical desert issues: heat, wind, dehydration, and the very real problem of getting stuck far from help.
