Nevada

Duckwater Hot Springs - Hot Springs in Nevada

09/30/2020

I visited an Indian reservation in Nevada.

In this isolated wilderness, there was a hot spring that was as beautiful as a jewel.

Caution

Some say it is currently unavailable. Please consider visiting based on the latest local information.

Duckwater Shoshone Tribe of the Duckwater Reservation

Even if you've lived in the U.S. for a long time, it's not every day that you get the chance to visit an area that is owned by an indigenous tribe.

However, if you are a hot spring enthusiast, it's a different story.

Road

I'm not sure what the truth is, but I feel that there is a connection between hot springs and the distribution of Indian reservations.

Most natural hot springs in the United States have a history of use by Native Americans, and if such places were worthless to whites, they would have been assigned directly to reservations, where they remain today.

Dirt Road

The Duckwater Reservation was also in the middle of nowhere, reached after a four-hour drive through the wilderness from Las Vegas.

Big Warm Spring

The area around the hot springs was unpaved, but the road surface was in good condition

Entrance

At the entrance, there was a sign stating that the hot spring was sacred and may be used freely.

Some of the hot springs on the reservations are off-limits to non-tribal visitors, so I appreciated this place for that.

Railroad Valley Springfish

Hot springs that spring up alone in the wilderness often maintain their own unique ecosystems.

The endangered Railroad Valley Spring Fish, a fish found only in this place in the world, was said to live here.

Pavilions 1

There were three picnic tables with BBQ grills.

Pavilions 2

There are three picnic tables with barbecue grills.

Overview 2

There was a wooden deck spread out facing the hot spring.

Deck 1

There were two springs in this area, this is the larger one called Big Warm Spring.

There was a staircase with a handrail leading to the water.

Overview 1

The depth of the water was about the chest level of an adult.

Water Hole 2

At one point, there was a deep hole in the bottom from which warm water was gushing out.

The amount of the water gushing out of the hole was so large that it created ripples on the surface of the water, which kept the pond clean.

Water Hole 1

The colorless, clear, tasteless, and odorless water looked divine blue in the light.

Channel 2

The warm water flowed out through a channel between the reeds.

Channel 1

There was another wooden deck in the middle of the waterway.

I wondered if it was a place to observe fish.

Deck 2

The waterway continued close to the village, where it formed a stepped waterfall made of calcareous deposits.

Alpaca
Alpaca
Where's the photo?
I forgot to take it.
Capybara
Capybara
Pond 1

The water temp was a lukewarm 91 degrees F.

It was a chilly day, but I was drawn in by the jewel-like beauty of the scene.

Water temp

The rules for clothing are not certain, but it is wise to refrain from conspicuous behavior, as any action in this place will be judged by tribal law.

Soaking

Little Warm Spring

Another spring, Little Warm Spring, is also within walking distance.

Gate

The gate was closed, but you can freely use it here as well, paying respect to the sacred hot spring.

Nevertheless, it was quite a wild state.

Wilderness

The water temp was about the same, but the algae growth was significant, so for soaking purposes, the Big Warm Spring would be sufficient.

Pond 2

Summary

Duckwater Hot Springs (Big Warm Spring), Duckwater, Nevada, U.S.

My rating

Type: Undeveloped

Rule: Clothing recommended

Chemical use: No

Water temp: Up to 91 degrees F

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

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