By:
Submission
What can I say about this place other than that it was simply amazing. I have never experienced a place with such natural beauty. It is very difficult to get to, I went as part of a group with people familiar with the area otherwise I don't think it would have been possible to find.
Beautiful desert oasis. Coy pond, several shareable pools, and a few more intimate or private pools. Clean standards to adhere to here. The bathroom was by far the cleanest one I have ever been to in a national park. As well as there was soap, shampoo, and conditioner for getting clean before entering the pools... make sure you have 4 wheel drive and high clearance to make it to the springs and to make it out of them. If you have extra cleaning supplies or toiletries, bring them to contribute to help keep the space clean.
Went there in May of 2023. Good history to them but these springs are busted. Better ones up on 395. Blew out my bilstein shocks on the road getting there, which is actually quite common. I guess the tubs are warm but they're tiny and totally exposed to the wind. There are better things to see in the area!
Lovely. Wonderful. Clean. Drive in for any vehicle is possible as long as the driver is alert and aware. If you are a lazy driver who enjoys cruise control stay away. A 4X4 with good shocks and excellent tires is better off but any vehicle can arrive here safely with good driving skills.
The worst part of our visit was govt jets buzzing the area FIVE times Nov 7 2022. They flew 200-300 feet from the ground. The noise broke my ear drum and the pain inside my inner ear is great. The first pass we hit the dirt. The flying was illegal and uncalled for. We have attended a handful of events at Offut Airforce base and the demonstrations of Blue Angels NEVER flew this low. These pilots were clearly breaking rules and show boating. I am a Navy veteran my husband a Army veteran and this fly by was totally illegal. Then for them to do this terrifying stunt FIVE freaking times was beyond uncalled for. It ruined our trip. With our senior dogs terrified, myself terrified and shaking for a couple hours I hope these pilots see this and know that they injured myself and our dogs. There were 30 to 50 campers in this valley that these two jet aircrafts blasted at extreme close range. The pain in our ear drums was real. I hope our ear drums are not permanently damaged. Shame on the pilots that performed this stunt. We filed complaints. Attaching screen shots from the fourth fly by.
Let's start with what this is not:
It's not easy to reach! All roads leading to this gem present difficulties and long slow miles on rough roads with little to no signage. Do not start this journey without research and preparation.
It's not family friendly, nude bathing is allowed and is prevalent.
There are clean and well stocked vault toilets, but no drinking water.
Now what it is:
An absolute GEM in a desolate and starkly beautiful landscape.
Plenty of free camping and lots of wildlife to watch (we saw burros, coyotes and rabbits in abundance).
The pools are phenomenal and all different. There are 3 spring areas spread over a couple miles.
If you have a 4x4 vehicle and are willing to take the time to find the route, this is an absolute must visit!
