12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

From the highway the hot spring is 1.9 miles. It took us 20 minutes to drive 2 miles.

1/3 of the road is passable but more than half of the road you need 4 wheel drive.

I can’t tell what is BLM land vs private. However bordering the fire road is a private owner cattle grazing so be respectful.

When we started down the unmaintained dirt road, after 150 yards we had to back up the whole way because a regular car tried to make it, but the craters were to deep. There are basically 3 places in 2 miles to turn around, so if you meet another vehicle, someone is backing up.

Most of the craters are 7 to 16 inches deep. (We measured them) Our clearance was 18 inches and twice one of our wheels was spinning free in the air.

There are a couple new paths being developed, but they are about 20 feet high and a 30% slope. Translated, you need a 4 wheel drive and your vehicle has got to have the torque to get up the hill and slow you down coming down on the other side.

Before getting to the spring, there is a creek to cross. In August it was about 25 ft across and 10 inches deep. The other side was a bit tricky because it has an 8 inch bump to get over or a slope with mini craters to drive thru. Take your pick. Either way any contents in your vehicle will get thrown around.

At the spring, there is 1 place to turn around.

It you have an extended length sprinter or extended cab truck with an 8 foot bed or a full length suburban, good luck. If others are there, be prepared to back up. If you’re by yourself it’s doable.

On the way to the spring there are 2 places you could camp. At the spring there are about 3 spots to camp. Tents make it easier.

There was a Chevy 4 wheel drive PU across the creek. We parked before the creek.

There wasn’t any space for us to have a fire or set up our outdoor kitchen if we allowed space for a car to go by. Good thing we arrived late (8:30PM) and left early (8:00 AM).

As for the hot spring. It’s is nicely kept. No garbage. (Thx all). The water has a light sulphuric smell. The temperature was about 99 - 101 depending on where you sat. The entrance point for the hot water is in the shallow area. The deeper area was cooler.

It is a cool place. I don’t know if I’d do it again unless I was staying for 3-4 days but then there is the people thing. Glad I did it. Glad not to do it again.

My husband, myself and our 5 week old son stopped here on our way home from las vegas. It was an amazing experience and wish we could have stayed longer. The water was a little hot for myself and the weather was around 88° so I was just a little over heated. I will be comin back in the fall and will be stopping here to soak! The last 2 miles of the trip is very rocky, washed out, huge ruts and holes and very narrow. So I suggest taking a 4x4 or atv. I have a jeep and it was no problem. Definitely worth the trip. Located just off interstate in a little town called wells nv, 15 minute drive from the love's in wells. I can't wait to show our daughters when we go back in October!