Quick FactsOverview
About the Spring
Trego Hot Springs, Nevada is a free primitive geothermal spring on BLM land in the Black Rock Desert, approximately 20 miles northeast of Gerlach in Pershing County. The spring forms a long Y-shaped ditch with a soft mud bottom, roughly 400 feet long and 1 to 3 feet deep, running south from its source near the Western Pacific Railroad tracks. Water temperature ranges from 187 degrees Fahrenheit at the source to 90-100 degrees in the soaking sections further downstream. In 2020, the BLM issued a formal advisory stating the spring water tested positive for E. coli, fecal coliforms, and Vibrio cholerae. The BLM advises the public to avoid bathing or any contact with the water.
The ditch structure dates to the early 1900s railroad construction era, when workers struck geothermal water and the trench formed. The site has been used since the 1850s. BLM warning signs have been posted at the site but are sometimes vandalized or removed. Despite the advisory, the spring continues to appear in travel guides and is still visited. It is within the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area.
For visitors searching for natural hot springs near Gerlach Nevada, this is among the more accessible by road, though the contamination advisory makes it unusual compared to other springs in the region.
Location & Access
Directions to the Spring
The spring is approximately 20 miles northeast of Gerlach via Jungo Road (County Road 49). From Reno, take I-80 East for about 30 miles, turn north onto NV-447 for 71 miles to Jungo Road, then turn right and drive approximately 17 miles to Trego Road. Turn left and continue less than half a mile to the springs beside the railroad tracks. GPS coordinates 40.771667, -119.116944 match the site. Jungo Road is rugged and unmaintained. High-clearance is recommended and the road can become completely impassable after rain.
An alternative approach is to cross the Black Rock Desert playa from County Road 34 to the north, but only under completely dry conditions. Check conditions with the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock in Gerlach before using either route. There is no cell service at or near the springs. Gerlach is the last point with fuel and services. Access is free with no permit required. The walk from parking to the springs is approximately 0.35 miles across flat terrain. Camping is allowed on surrounding BLM land at least 300 feet from the spring.
For visitors combining this stop with other natural hot springs near Gerlach Nevada, Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles northwest via a separate route. There are no facilities of any kind at the site. Pack in and pack out all waste including food scraps, as the desert environment has no waste management infrastructure.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit
The site is best suited to experienced desert travelers who are fully aware of the BLM contamination advisory and approach it with that context. Many visitors come for the experience of the Black Rock Desert setting rather than soaking. The long Y-shaped ditch, the proximity to old railroad tracks, and the wide open playa views make it an unusual and compelling destination even for visitors who choose not to enter the water at all.
Those who do choose to soak do so against the standing BLM advisory and must assess the personal health risk themselves. The BLM has stated that contact is strongly discouraged, not merely cautioned. Individuals with open wounds, compromised immune systems, or any condition that increases susceptibility to waterborne illness should not enter the water under any circumstances. Anyone who does soak should not submerge their head, should avoid ingesting water, and should wash thoroughly afterwards.
There is no wheelchair accessibility. There are no facilities. Families with young children should not visit with the intention of soaking given the contamination advisory. For those seeking natural hot springs near Gerlach Nevada in a safe soaking environment, Soldier Meadows Hot Springs to the northwest offers a documented alternative without a contamination advisory. This site suits desert explorers, history enthusiasts, and photographers interested in the Black Rock Desert landscape.
Safety & Etiquette
Trego Hot Springs Safety Tips
The most critical issue is the water contamination advisory issued by the BLM. Testing confirmed the presence of E. coli, fecal coliforms, and Vibrio cholerae. The BLM formally advises the public to avoid bathing or any contact with the spring water. This advisory remains on the BLM's public record. Warning signs have been posted at the site but have been vandalized or removed on multiple occasions, so the absence of a sign does not mean the advisory has been lifted. Visitors should check current conditions with the BLM Winnemucca District Office before visiting.
The source temperature is approximately 187 degrees Fahrenheit, well above scalding threshold. Water cools progressively as it flows south through the ditch, reaching 90-100 degrees in the lower sections. Do not enter the ditch near the northern source end. Always test any section before entering and move further south if the temperature feels unsafe. The trench is adjacent to active railroad tracks; maintain a safe distance from the rails at all times.
The site is remote with no cell service, no facilities, and no emergency response nearby. Do not visit alone. Carry more water than expected. Jungo Road and the playa approach can become completely impassable in wet conditions. Check road and playa conditions with the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock in Gerlach before departure. Camping must be at least 300 feet from the spring per BLM rules. Pack out all waste. The BLM contamination advisory was issued in 2020 and individuals with any health vulnerabilities should treat contact with the water as a serious risk.
