Ruby Valley Hot Springs (Smith Ranch Hot Springs)
- Free
- 100°F
- Roadside
A group of clear spring pools in Ruby Valley, about 60 miles from Elko, between Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Lake Wildlife Management Area. The largest pool is about 30 feet across and sits around 100°F, but some nearby springs are scalding. The last miles are rough dirt roads where four-wheel drive is recommended, and Travel Nevada advises against winter trips.
- Price
- Free
- Water
- 100°F
- Nearest town
- Elko
- Hike (one way)
- Roadside
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Season |
|
|---|
Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
On site
| Lodging | No |
|---|---|
| Camping nearby | Yes |
| Land manager | State |
Not stated by the land manager: swimwear, ages, dogs.
Soak responsibly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use WAG bags where required.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools; rinse away from the water.
- Check permits and closures with state before you go.
- Keep groups small and give others space. Respect posted dog and camping rules.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
656 mg/L
Moderately mineralized
- Temp at source
- 96°F
Lab analysis of the source water at “176 N27 E58 02bd 1 Hot Springs East Side”, sampled 2000 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
The pools
| Pool | Temp |
|---|---|
| Main poolAbout 30 ft in diameter; around 100°F per Travel Nevada. | 100°F |
As published by the venue. Temperatures shift with the seasons and the weather.
What's here
- clear aquamarine pools, largest about 30 ft across
- Ruby Mountains views
- between Ruby Lake NWR and Franklin Lake WMA
- waterfowl viewing
- some nearby springs are scalding hot
Getting there
| Elevation | 6,009 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
| Cell service | Limited / spotty |
Things to do near Elko
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Marsh refuge with birding, fishing and the USFS South Ruby Campground; reached by 13-30 mi of gravel.
Nearby springs
Gandy Warm Springs
A large warm spring, about 81°F, pouring nearly 9,000 gallons a minute out of the base of Spring Mountain in Snake Valley near the Nevada line. Visit Utah describes a lower pool that fits about a dozen people, with a small cave under a waterfall, and a more private upper pool about 50 feet up the hill. The site is on BLM land with no facilities, and the nearest services are about 30 miles away.
Spencer Hot Springs
A cluster of springs on BLM land in the Big Smoky Valley southeast of Austin, where pipes feed spring water into two metal cattle-trough tubs and a soft-bottomed natural pool. The source runs around 130-140°F, and soakers set the tub temperature by moving the inflow pipe. There are no toilets, water or services; free primitive camping is allowed at least 100 yards from the water.
Baker Hot Springs
Three small concrete tubs in Utah's West Desert northwest of Delta, fed by springs at Fumarole Butte that emerge at about 180°F. Visitors mix in cold water through PVC pipes to set the temperature, and each tub fits only a few people. It is free.
Gandy Warm Springs: 91 mi · Spencer Hot Springs: 100 mi · Baker Hot Springs: 149 mi
Sources (5)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.