Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, Nevada

What it is

Soldier Meadows is a whole hot spring landscape rather than a single pool, a hot creek, warm ponds, and small soaking spots spread across a remote high-desert meadow. It is one of Nevada’s most memorable backcountry soaks, mainly because getting there forces you to slow down and commit.

The feel

Think wide horizons, sharp night skies, and a strong sense of distance from towns. Even when other groups are around, the area tends to feel quiet. Conditions are not curated, pools can be shallow, silty, or reshaped by weather and human impact.

Facilities

Plan for minimal infrastructure. Treat it like remote public land travel: no reliable water, no guaranteed toilets, and no easy rescue if you get stuck. The reward is soaking in a place that still feels like Nevada.

Where it is

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is in the Black Rock Desert region, north of Gerlach, Nevada, in very remote country. Travel Nevada describes it as about 60 miles north of Gerlach on a sometimes-rough road.

Getting there

Approaches vary depending on where you start, but all routes involve long stretches of gravel or dirt and a real chance of washboard, ruts, and sharp rocks. If you are considering driving on playa surfaces, get current conditions first, the playa can become impassable with even light precipitation.

Seasonality

Dry weather windows are best. After storms, roads can deteriorate fast, and recovery can take days. Summer heat adds another layer of risk, there is little shade and distances are long.

What to bring

Bring extra water, food, and a full spare tire setup. Offline maps are essential. If you are camping, bring a solid waste system and pack out everything. This is not the place to discover you forgot a headlamp or warm layers.

Who this suits

This is for experienced desert travelers who are comfortable being far from services and who enjoy the process of getting there as much as the soaking. It also suits photographers and stargazers who want a real dark-sky night without a campground full of RV generators.

Families

Because of the long, rough approach and limited help nearby, this is not a great family stop for most groups. If you do bring kids, it needs to be a well-prepared trip with conservative driving, constant supervision near hot water, and a clear plan for weather changes.

Mobility and access

Wheelchair access is not realistic. The ground is uneven and often soft, and the soaking features are informal with no ramps or stable entries.

Expectations vs reality

Do not expect a single perfect pool. Water temps and pool shapes vary, and the best soaking spot can shift. Arrive flexible and willing to scout on foot.

Road risk and rescue reality

The biggest hazard is the drive. Sharp rocks, washboard, and mud can damage tires and strand vehicles. Travel with recovery basics, keep plenty of fuel, and avoid solo travel if possible. If rain is in the forecast, do not gamble on the playa or clay-based roads drying quickly.

Hot water and footing

Check temperatures before committing, especially in shallow pools where heat concentrates. Watch for slick algae, soft silt, and unstable edges. Keep kids away from any fast-moving hot inflow, and do not soak alone in very remote settings.

Water protection and etiquette

Soldier Meadows is a sensitive spring ecosystem. Avoid soaps, shampoos, and heavy lotions. Keep food and trash controlled, and pack out everything, including micro-trash. Do not build new dams or rock walls, it changes flow and can damage habitat.

Sharing the space

Keep noise low, give other groups distance, and leave the pools as you found them. A swimsuit keeps expectations clear when strangers arrive.

How remote is it?

Very. It is well north of Gerlach with long dirt-road stretches and limited services. Plan to be self-reliant and do not assume you will have cell signal.

Is playa driving safe?

Only when it is truly dry. With any precipitation, playa surfaces can turn impassable. Check current conditions before you commit.

Can I camp nearby?

Camping rules depend on land status and season. If you camp, use durable existing sites, minimize fire impacts, and pack out all trash and waste.

What is the most common mistake?

Underestimating the drive and road conditions. A minor issue near a city becomes a major problem out here, bring supplies and a conservative plan.