Bishop Creek Hot Springs (12 Mile Hot Springs)

What to expect

Bishop Creek Hot Springs is a single, long soaking pool in a dry canyon north of Wells, in Elko County. Most locals call it 12 Mile Hot Springs, because that is roughly how far it is from town. The water comes out of the ground at around 105°F41°C and runs into a man-made concrete pool about 40 feet long and 3 feet deep. The bottom is gravel, not slime or sharp rock, so you can walk the length of it comfortably.

The pool is warm rather than hot. Reported temperatures run from the mid 90s up to about 104°F40°C, shifting with the season and the time of day. That range suits a long, slow soak. On a cold morning the water feels hotter and steam hangs over the canyon. On a summer afternoon it can feel closer to a warm bath.

A concrete wall separates the pool from Bishop Creek. When you get too warm, you can climb over and sit in the creek, which is the main reason people love this spot. The canyon is open sagebrush country with willows along the water. There are no buildings, toilets, trash cans or signs at the pool.

The site is on private land. The road in and the pool both cross ranch property, and the owner has allowed the public to use it for years. That is a privilege, not a right, so how visitors behave matters.

Getting there

The springs are north of Wells, a small town on I-80 about 50 miles east of Elko. From the center of Wells:

1. Head north out of town on 8th Street, which becomes Metropolis Road.
2. Follow Metropolis Road north for about 4 miles. It continues as Upper Metropolis Road (a county road) for roughly another 4 miles.
3. Turn right onto an unsigned dirt road and follow it east for about 2 miles into Bishop Creek Canyon to the pool.

The full drive is about 12 miles and takes roughly 40 minutes, most of it on the last few slow miles. There are no signs for the turnoff or the pool, so load an offline map with the pin before you leave Wells. Cell coverage fades quickly.

The first miles out of Wells are easy. The final dirt road is rough, rutted and rocky in places, and a high-clearance vehicle is the sensible choice. Many visitors park short of the pool and walk the last stretch. After rain or snowmelt the road can become impassable even for trucks. In those conditions people leave their cars near the cattle guard and walk about 2 miles through the canyon, which takes about an hour each way. Do not drive around wet sections or onto the grass, because new ruts on private land are the fastest way to lose public access.

When to go

The pool is usable year-round, but the road decides your day. Late spring through fall is the easiest time, when the dirt road is usually dry. Summer afternoons are hot in the open canyon, so mornings and evenings are more comfortable, and the creek is a welcome cool-off at any hour.

Winter brings snow to this part of northeast Nevada. The water is at its most pleasant then, but expect to walk in from wherever the road stops, and plan for short daylight and freezing temperatures on the way back to the car.

Foot traffic is light by hot spring standards. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and on a weekday you may have the pool to yourself.

Rules and etiquette

There is no fee and no staff. Because the pool sits on private land, a few rules matter more than usual:

• Respect the landowner. Stay on the road, close any gates you open, and leave livestock alone. Obey any new signs, including a closure.
• Clothing is optional. Nudity is common here. Bring a suit if you prefer one, and keep a towel handy when others arrive.
• No glass. Broken glass in a gravel-bottomed pool is a real hazard for everyone who comes after you.
• No soap or shampoo in the pool or the creek.
• Dogs should be leashed and kept out of the pool.
• Pack out everything, including toilet paper. There are no toilets or bins.

Where to stay nearby

There is no lodging at the springs, and the land around the pool is private with no posted camping permission. Some guides mention pull-offs along the road where people have camped, but check with the landowner before you rely on that.

Wells, about 12 miles south, is the practical base. It sits on I-80 and US-93 and has motels, fuel and places to eat. Larger towns with more choice are Elko, about 50 miles west on I-80, and West Wendover, about 60 miles east.

For public camping, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in the East Humboldt Range south of Wells has developed campgrounds, including the one at Angel Lake. Those sites sit at higher elevation and usually open only in summer, so check the forest’s current status before you go.

Safety notes

• Road conditions: The dirt road is the main risk. Do not try it after heavy rain, and carry a spare tire, water and food. Help is a long walk away if you get stuck.
• No signal: Tell someone where you are going, and download a map that shows the turnoff.
• Water: Keep your head above the water, as with any natural hot spring. The creek may look clean, but do not drink from it without treating it first.
• Footing: Climbing over the wall into the creek is easy in daylight and awkward in the dark. Wear sandals and take a headlamp if you plan to stay late.
• Heat: Even warm water adds up over a long soak on a hot day. Drink water and take breaks in the shade or the creek.

Nearby stops worth adding

Wells sits at the junction of I-80 and US-93, which makes the springs an easy detour on a drive between Boise, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. If you have more time, the road up to Angel Lake in the East Humboldt Range climbs into alpine country above town, and the Ruby Mountains to the southwest have some of the best mountain scenery in Nevada.