Natural hot spring · Nevada
Spencer Hot Springs
Lander County, Nevada · 89 miles north of Tonopah, NV
Also searched as:Spencer Hot Springs Coordinates
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 162°F (72°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Tonopah, NV (89 mi / 144 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 2
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
- Undeveloped source: no staff, no facilities, and no maintained access. Conditions change.
About Spencer Hot Springs
Editor's note. Spencer Hot Springs is a primitive spot on public land east of Austin, Nevada, with a metal stock tank and small pools fed by hot water pipes. It is remote, so bring everything you need.
Spencer Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Lander County, Nevada, about 89 miles north of Tonopah, NV. The nearest large city is Sparks, NV, roughly 155 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 162°F (72°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 2 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
Water temperature
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.
Water chemistry
| chloride | 22 mg/l |
|---|---|
| sodium | 201 mg/l |
| potassium | 35 mg/l |
| silica | 80 mg/l |
| iron | 5 mg/l |
Laboratory values from public geochemistry records, sampled 1962. Mineral content does not mean the water is safe to drink.
Map and directions
Red marks Spencer Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 39.32800, -116.85800.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Tonopah, NV. The spring is about 89 miles (144 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Sparks, NV, about 155 miles (249 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 Spencer Hot Springs
- Dianas Punch Bowl 138°F
- McLeod Ranch Hot Spring 180°F
- Big Blue (a) Spring 90°F
- Klobe (bartholomae) Hot Spring 156°F
- Bartine Hot Springs 108°F
- South Mosquito Creek Ranch Springs 95°F
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 Spencer Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 162°F (72°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 Spencer Hot Springs?
Spencer Hot Springs is in Lander County, Nevada, about 89 miles north of Tonopah, NV. The GPS coordinates are 39.3280, -116.8580.
Can you soak at Spencer 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 Spencer Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Dianas Punch Bowl, about 23 miles southeast. McLeod Ranch Hot Spring is about 26 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 the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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.