Natural hot spring · Nevada
The Needle Rocks Hot Springs
Washoe County, Nevada · 34 miles north of Spanish Springs, NV
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 208°F (98°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Spanish Springs, NV (34 mi / 55 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About The Needle Rocks Hot Springs
The Needle Rocks Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Washoe County, Nevada, about 34 miles north of Spanish Springs, NV. The nearest large city is Sparks, NV, roughly 42 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 208°F (98°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.
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, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Water chemistry
| pH | 8.1 |
|---|---|
| sulfate | 307 mg/l |
| chloride | 1830 mg/l |
| calcium | 152 mg/l |
| magnesium | 16 mg/l |
Laboratory values from public geochemistry records, sampled 1969. Mineral content does not mean the water is safe to drink.
Map and directions
Red marks The Needle Rocks Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 40.14100, -119.68700.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Spanish Springs, NV. The spring is about 34 miles (55 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Sparks, NV, about 42 miles (68 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Reno, NV.
- 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 The Needle Rocks Hot Springs
- The Needle Rocks Hot Spring 208°F
- Amedee Hot Springs 203°F
- Wendel Hot Springs 205°F
- Great Boiling Spring 208°F
- Bradys Hot Springs 208°F
- Marble Hot Springs Not recorded
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 The Needle Rocks Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 208°F (98°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 The Needle Rocks Hot Springs?
The Needle Rocks Hot Springs is in Washoe County, Nevada, about 34 miles north of Spanish Springs, NV. The GPS coordinates are 40.1410, -119.6870.
Can you soak at The Needle Rocks 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 The Needle Rocks Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is The Needle Rocks Hot Spring, about under 1 mile northeast. Amedee Hot Springs is about 29 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 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
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.