Quick FactsOverview
About the Hot Springs
Ruby Valley Hot Springs, Nevada is a free primitive geothermal spring on state land in Ruby Valley, Elko County, approximately 60 miles south of Elko near Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The main pool is roughly 30 to 50 feet wide with vivid emerald-colored water and sits at around 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Several smaller pools lie within a quarter mile, ranging from comfortable soaking temperatures to scalding. The ground is marshy and soft year-round, and visitors should stay on the established track and avoid driving near the pools.
The springs sit at the edge of the Ruby Valley wetlands, between Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Lake Wildlife Management Area. The Ruby Mountains rise to the west providing a dramatic backdrop, and the open valley means unobstructed views in all directions. A wooden platform sits by the main pool and some pools have a steel ladder for entry. The site also appears on Google Maps as Smith Ranch Hot Springs.
For visitors searching for natural hot springs near Elko Nevada, this is one of the most visually striking primitive options in northeastern Nevada, with vivid pool color, open mountain scenery, and birdlife from the nearby refuge.
Location & Access
Directions to the Springs
The springs are approximately 60 miles south of Elko via a route that starts on paved highway and transitions to rough unpaved forest road. From Elko, head east on NV-227 for about 5.4 miles, turn right onto NV-228 south for 29.8 miles, then continue onto Harrison Pass Road for 1.9 miles, Old Harrison Pass Road for 1.5 miles, NF-113 for 3.5 miles, NF-357 for 1.2 miles, and back onto NF-113 for approximately 5.8 miles. Turn left onto Ruby Valley Road, go 0.1 miles, then right onto the road signed Ruby Wash or CCC Road. Follow for approximately 3.2 miles and take the right fork. GPS coordinates 40.252395, -115.407699 match the pool location.
The final miles are bumpy and sometimes washed out. High-clearance or 4WD is strongly recommended and required in wet conditions. GPS may try to route through the fenced wildlife refuge; follow the fence and turn at the end of it. The ground becomes very marshy near the pools; do not drive off the established track as vehicles have become stuck. There is no cell service in Ruby Valley, and all supplies must be obtained in Elko before departure.
The springs are accessible year-round as weather permits, but winter access is not advised and road conditions can change quickly after precipitation. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons. For visitors planning a trip to natural hot springs near Elko Nevada, allow extra time for the rough road and check current conditions before departure.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit
The springs suit self-sufficient visitors comfortable with rough dirt road driving and a remote setting with no facilities. The main pool is one of the most visually striking primitive hot springs in Nevada, and the combination of vivid water color, open valley scenery, and Ruby Mountain views makes it a compelling destination for photographers, road trippers, and anyone seeking undeveloped hot spring experiences in the Great Basin. The site tends to be very quiet and visitors often have the pools entirely to themselves for the duration of their stay.
Families can visit, though the main pool is notably deep with unknown depth in some areas and young children should be supervised closely in and around the water. Some surrounding pools are scalding and must not be entered without testing first. The marshy ground requires appropriate footwear; bare feet on soft saturated earth can be difficult. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and must not enter the pools.
There is no wheelchair accessibility at this site. For those seeking natural hot springs near Elko Nevada on a northeastern Nevada road trip, this site pairs well with a visit to the Ruby Mountains Wilderness, Lamoille Canyon, or the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge auto-tour route, all within a short distance of the springs and well worth the additional time.
Safety & Etiquette
Ruby Valley Hot Springs Safety Tips
Temperature testing is essential at this site. The main soaking pool typically sits at around 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for most healthy adults, but surrounding pools reach 115 to 122 degrees and are hot enough to cause scalding. Always test any pool before entering by placing a hand or foot in from the edge. There are no signs or markers indicating which pools are safe, so cautious edge-testing before stepping in is the only reliable approach.
The ground is marshy and soft across the entire area near the springs. Do not drive off the established track as vehicles have become stuck in the saturated ground. Walking on soft boggy terrain around the pool edges can be tricky, particularly where the bank is slippery. Use the wooden platform and any boards to move around the pool edge. The main pool has unknown depth in places and the vivid color makes depth difficult to judge by sight.
There is no cell service in Ruby Valley and emergency response would take many hours. Do not visit alone. Carry more water than expected, as the drive is long and summer temperatures in the valley can be very warm in July and August. A spare tire, tow strap, and recovery equipment are strongly recommended given the remote location and road conditions. The springs are on state land and open to public access. Pack out all waste and leave the site exactly as found, respecting the surrounding wildlife refuge and management area boundaries throughout the duration of your visit.
