Steamboat Hot Springs in the State of Nevada was once known as one of the largest geyser fields in the world.
I visited the only spa remaining in the forgotten destination after the earthquake and fatal fire.
Disappeared spa town
It is located close to the highway between the city of Reno and Carson City, the capital of Nevada.
Some people say that Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer named the place Steamboat in the 1860s.
Most geysers stopped activities due to the earthquake in 1900; and most buildings of gorgeous spa hotels were collapsed in the next year due to the fatal fire.
In 1925, a female doctor Dr. Carver established a hospital, digging a new hot well.
The building was burned twice; and the one in Spanish architecture build in the 1940s remains as a walk-in facility.
Suddenly I heard rumbling sound.
Looking back, I found white smoke across the street.
A hot well is in the concrete structure, which blasts steam every five minutes.
It looks like that geysers are barely working.
The gushing point is extremely hot; 205 degrees F.
It is easy to understand that there are geothermal plants nearby.
The hot water spilled from the structure travels down the slope.
It flows past at the edge of street.
Steamboat Hot Springs & Healing Center is doing business for healing, detox, and relaxation.
The basic concept has not changed from the beginning, owing to Dr. Carver’s foresight.
They serve several workshops varying from yoga to Ayurveda.
30-minute soaking is $20.00 per person; $35.00 per couple (as of this writing).
At the reception I was asked my favorite flavor.
Do not half-listen to the question!
It should be the only choice for hot spring enthusiasts to enjoy natural mineral flavor without adding any aroma.
Extremely hot water
The soaking area consists of seven indoor private pools and an outdoor pool.
The outdoor pool is located in the beautiful green garden.
Cool water is added so that water temp is moderately maintained.
I was told that I could use the pool freely while I chose a 30-minute plan for a private indoor bath.
It was nice option, but a little bit busy for the short time.
All indoor bathrooms have similar structures.
Each room has each symbol color, decorated with stained glasses and colored lights.
The thin and long tub was fed by hot mineral water.
Opening the valve in the left, I got surprised at the extremely hot water.
I could not even touch it; the bathroom was quickly filled with dense steam.
I had to add cold water, due to the time constraint.
The slight volcanic smell was only the characteristic.
I imagined the prosperity of the missing spa town in the old days, feeling massive geothermal energy.
Summary
Steamboat Hot Springs & Healing Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in
Rule: Private pool, Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 205 degrees F
