The Basin and Range is a hot bed of geothermal activity and hot springs can be found throughout the region. Many hot springs are way too hot to soak in, but a few are really nice or have been altered a bit to allow for soaking. Always use caution around hot springs and keep your pets on a leash until you know the temperature of the water.
We love that the Basin and Range Region of the United States has a plethora of hot water for visitors to enjoy and we want to share this love with world so that people will fall in love with the Basin and Range too and will want to keep it a wonderful place to visit and play. So please, we ask that you use the resources that this amazing region offers with respect and caution. We ask that all users follow Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles, which mostly means clean-up after yourselves; respect other users and wildlife; and don't damage the area--keep it clean for future users and wildlife and leave it cleaner than you found it.
Thanks so much!
Some hot springs are perfect for soaking
Some are not, know the difference!
Caution: There are many dangers in visiting hot springs, enjoy at your own risk. Below are just a few examples.
If you intend to soak, make sure the temperature and pH is safe before entering (even if you've been to the spring before and even if they are set up for soaking as temps can change).
Keep pets on a leash when around hot springs, at least until you know the temperature for all springs is safe--many dogs have died in hot springs that are too hot and many people have died while trying to rescue them.
Wildlife depend on springs, so wildlife encounters are possible.
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM or PAME) is rare, but is life threatening--Don't allow the spring water up your nose - avoiding being submerged or standing under a hot spring waterfall such that the water pressure goes up your nose. Avoid inhaling spray when possible.
Be very cautious mixing hot springs and alcohol or other drugs, they don't mix well.