Natural hot spring · Nevada

Buffalo Hot Springs

Lander County, Nevada · 28 miles southwest of Battle Mountain, NV

Last updated

Type
Natural Natural hot spring
Water temperature
174°F (79°C) at the source
Cost
Not recorded
Hours or season
Not recorded
Clothing
Not recorded
Nearest town
Battle Mountain, NV (28 mi / 45 km)
Coordinates
Pools or sources
10
Safety notes
  • Undeveloped source: no staff, no facilities, and no maintained access. Conditions change.
  • Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.

About Buffalo Hot Springs

Buffalo Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Lander County, Nevada, about 28 miles southwest of Battle Mountain, NV. The nearest large city is Sparks, NV, roughly 141 miles away as the crow flies.

The recorded temperature has been recorded at 174°F (79°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.

It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.

The site has 10 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.

Water temperature

174°F79°C recorded temperature
60°F98°F104°F140°F180°F

Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.

Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.

Map and directions

Red marks Buffalo Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 40.36765, -117.32788.

Location of Buffalo Hot Springs in Nevada

Getting there

  • Nearest town: Battle Mountain, NV. The spring is about 28 miles (45 km) southwest of town in a straight line.
  • Nearest large city: Sparks, NV, about 141 miles (227 km) in a straight line.
  • Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.

Weather forecast

Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.

Hot springs near Buffalo Hot Springs

Before you go

  • Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
  • Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
  • Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
  • Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
  • Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Buffalo Hot Springs?

The recorded temperature has been recorded at 174°F (79°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.

Where is Buffalo Hot Springs?

Buffalo Hot Springs is in Lander County, Nevada, about 28 miles southwest of Battle Mountain, NV. The GPS coordinates are 40.3676, -117.3279.

Can you soak at Buffalo Hot Springs?

The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.

What hot springs are near Buffalo Hot Springs?

The closest listed spring is Home Station Ranch Hot Spring, about 16 miles southwest. Reese River Valley Hot Springs is about 17 miles away.

What should I bring to a hot spring?

Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.

Sources and corrections

This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4

Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.