David Walley's Hot Springs Resort

What to expect

David Walley’s sits on Foothill Road (NV 206) at the base of the Carson Range, about 1.5 miles south of Genoa. The steep eastern face of the Sierra rises right behind the tubs, and the Carson Valley’s ranch land stretches out in front. Today it is a timeshare-style resort run as Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort, with villas, cottages and a restaurant around the old springs. The hot springs area is the core of the place, and it is still sold to day visitors.

Do not come expecting rock pools in a creek. This is a developed, landscaped complex. Five outdoor mineral tubs sit near a large heated pool, with steam rooms, dry saunas and locker rooms in the bathhouse. Travel Nevada notes that the geothermal water is filtered and cycled every two to three hours. The resort’s blog lists sulfur, potassium and magnesium in the water. If you wear sterling silver, take it off: Visit Carson Valley warns that the water tarnishes it.

The pools

• Five mineral tubs, 98-104°F37-40°C. Each runs at a slightly different temperature, so you can work your way up. One tub is set aside for families with children under 18, which keeps the others quieter for adults.
• Heated pool. A large pool in the hot springs area, heated with geothermal water and chemically treated. The resort’s blog gives its temperature as about 89°F32°C.
• Seasonal outdoor pool. A second pool in the Canyon area of the resort opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
• Steam rooms and saunas. A eucalyptus steam room and dry saunas are included with hot springs entry.

Getting there

The address is 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV 89411.

• From Carson City: Take US 395 south to Jacks Valley Road, then follow it west and south to Genoa. Continue south through town on Foothill Road for about 1.5 miles. The resort is on the right, roughly 13 miles and 25 minutes from downtown Carson City.
• From South Lake Tahoe: Drive over Kingsbury Grade (NV 207) to the Carson Valley, then turn north on Foothill Road. Travel Nevada puts the resort about 16 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Kingsbury is steep and can need chains in winter storms.
• From Gardnerville and Minden: Head west to Foothill Road and turn north.

All approaches are paved. There is parking at the resort, and the tubs are a short walk from the lot.

When to go

The hot springs are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily according to the resort’s site. Travel Nevada lists a 9 p.m. close, so confirm if you want a late soak.

Winter is the classic time. The Carson Range often holds snow, the valley air is cold and dry, and the tubs steam. Storms can make Kingsbury Grade slow from the Tahoe side, but the valley roads usually stay clear.

Summer brings hot, dry afternoons in the Carson Valley. The seasonal outdoor pool opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which makes summer the better pick for families who want to swim as well as soak. Evenings are pleasant once the sun drops behind the mountains.

Weekend afternoons and holiday periods are the busiest. Resort guests use the same tubs as day visitors.

Prices and booking

Pricing for day visitors is not posted clearly on the resort’s main page, so call (775) 782-8155 before you go.

• Day pass: The resort’s own blog post on Genoa says a day pass costs $55 per person. The post is undated, so treat that figure as a guide.
• What the pass covers: Visit Carson Valley says the entry fee includes all-day access to the steam rooms, dry saunas, locker rooms, mineral tubs and heated pool, with a locker and one towel per person.
• Reservations: Visit Lake Tahoe says they are not needed for hot springs day use.
• Overnight stays: Studios, villas and cottages all have kitchens or kitchenettes. The resort’s blog says hot springs access is not included in nightly rentals for people who are not Club members or owners, so budget for a pass even if you stay.
• Shop: A Marketplace sells snacks, drinks, swimwear and sun gear, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

House rules: swimsuits are required. The family tub is the place for children. Follow posted rules at the bathhouse on showering and conduct.

History

David Walley, a New Yorker, came to Genoa in the gold rush years and bought the springs and the surrounding land, charging 50 cents a bath. Travel Nevada says that by 1862 there was a 40-room hotel, a ballroom, bathhouses and a swimming pool, and the resort predates Nevada statehood. The Pony Express route passed nearby. After David’s death, his wife Harriet ran the resort into old age. A 1910 fire destroyed most of the buildings, though two original rock buildings still stand, along with one original stone soaking tub. The resort has changed hands several times since.

Where to stay nearby

• At the resort: Holiday Inn Club Vacations rents studios, villas and two- and three-bedroom cottages, all with kitchens or kitchenettes. The 1862 Restaurant and Saloon on site serves lunch and dinner.
• Genoa: About 1.5 miles north, with a historic saloon, a small museum and a few inns and B&Bs.
• Minden and Gardnerville: About 15 minutes east, with motels, casino hotels and supermarkets.
• South Lake Tahoe: About 16 miles west over Kingsbury Grade, with a wide range of lodging.

For a second soak on the same trip, Carson Hot Springs in north Carson City is a flow-through pool complex with no chlorine, about 13 miles north.

Safety notes

• Heat: The hottest tubs reach 104°F40°C. Limit soaks to 15 or 20 minutes at a time, drink water, and step out if you feel dizzy.
• Alcohol and heat: The saloon is on site. Do not drink heavily and then soak.
• Children: Use the family tub and keep small children within reach. The heated pool is the safer place for kids to play.
• Health conditions: If you are pregnant or have heart or blood pressure problems, check with a doctor before using hot tubs or steam rooms.
• Jewelry: Remove silver before soaking. The mineral water tarnishes it.