12 Mile Hot Springs – Nevada
Also known as Bishop Creek Hot Springs, this primitive natural pool is roughly 12 miles away from the city of Wells, which is where it’s name derived from. It’s a beautiful drive through the backdrop of Nevada and even a pleasant hike if you prefer to make the trek by foot instead of by car. Whichever you prefer, 12 mile hot springs is a great way to spend a few hours soaking in Nevada’s mineral waters.
Details about 12 Mile Hot Springs
Located near the small town of Lovelock, it offers visitors an opportunity to soak in hot mineral water surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. The springs are part of a series of natural thermal pools located along the Humboldt River. The waters come from deep underground where they are heated by geothermal activity before being forced up through vents in the surrounding soil. This makes them hotter than most other hot springs, at temperatures reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius).
As well as providing visitors with a relaxing soak, 12 Mile Hot Springs also has some great recreational activities available too. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking or horseback riding on nearby trails while taking in views of majestic mountains and lush valleys that stretch out into the horizon. For those wanting something more adventurous there’s even rock climbing available here! What really sets this hot spring apart though is its healing properties; minerals such as calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfide and sodium chloride help soothe muscle aches and pains while aiding relaxation due to their anti-inflammatory qualities.
It’s said that soaking here can have similar effects on your body as going for massage therapy or acupuncture treatments – yet another reason why 12 Mile Hot Springs is so popular among travelers seeking restorative vacation experiences! Additonally, the area around 12 miles has much archaeological significance; evidence suggests that Native American tribes used these waters for medicinal purposes thousands of years ago which means you could be bathing in history when you visit today!
Although it may not be one of Nevada’s best-known attractions just yet, this hidden gem should definitely be added to your list if you’re looking for something special during your next trip away from home. Overall then there’s no doubt about it -12 Mile Hot Springs is an amazing place offering visitors both physical relaxation and spiritual renewal alike – all within easy reach of many other exciting things to do around Lovelock itself. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags now and head off on an unforgettable journey into nature where peace awaits.
There is a 40 foot long man made pool for you to relax in. The source of the mineral waters comes out of the ground at roughly 105 degrees and cools just a bit to a 100 degrees for the hot springs. There are also several hot springs pockets all along the creek so you may find one warmer or cooler than the others. Plunge into the cold water afterwards to refresh the body, before heading right back in to continue soaking in the mineral waters. Clothing is optional and for the most part you will see taking advantage of soaking nude. However, it isn’t an extremely popular destination due to it’s location at the far north east of the state so there is a great chance it will just be you and mother nature.
12 Mile Hot Springs has some great hiking trails for you to explore when you aren’t soaking. If you want to make the hike to the hot springs themselves it is only two miles long and takes about an hour as you cross a rundown bridge. Be careful those as many locals will recommend to cross through the creek instead of the bridge due to it’s age.
Directions to 12 Mile Hot Springs
From Wells, Nevada
1. Start on Highway 93 North
2. Merge onto Metropolis Road North for 6 miles
3. This becomes Upper Metropolis Road which you will continue on for an additional 3 miles.
4. Make a right and the springs will be roughly 2 miles ahead
The dirt road isn’t too bad, unless it’s raining in which we recommend being mindful that the road will turn to mud and make the drive back much more difficult. As far as overnight, there are several dispersed camping areas not too far from 12 miles hot springs along Bishop Creek Canyon. Happy Soaking!
Sespe Hot Springs