• Virgin Valley Hot Springs is a warm-water pond surrounded by Nevada wilderness
Hidden in the remote high desert of northern Nevada, Virgin Valley Hot Springs, also known as Virgin Valley Warm Springs, is a beautiful warm-water swimming pond surrounded by wild desert wilderness.
The hot springs are located near the Oregon-Nevada border at the northeastern edge of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, an area well-known for its wild mustangs, American pronghorn, greater sage-grouse, California bighorn sheep, pygmy rabbits, and a wide variety of migratory birds.
The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is located just north across the Oregon border.
The clear emerald-colored pond is approximately 30 by 35 feet across and reaches about 5 feet deep, with a sandy gravel bottom. Nearby hot spring sources supply the mineral-rich water, which enters the pool at around 90°F. Warm water also naturally bubbles up from the bottom of the pond.
The temperature in the pool usually ranges from 80°F to 90°F depending on the season, air temperature, and wind conditions. Because of the strong flow of fresh spring water, the pool is naturally replenished quickly.
A concrete pad and a metal ladder make access to the pond easier. Small fish living in the warm water may occasionally nibble at your skin, creating a natural exfoliation experience.
Built during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era of the Great Depression, the historic Virgin Valley bathhouse sits next to the pool.
It serves as a changing room and offers another way to enjoy the mineral-rich water. A nearby hot spring source feeds two warm mineral showers inside the bathhouse and runs continuously throughout the year.
🟡 Desert weather can be extreme. During summer, daytime temperatures can become extremely high. Bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. At night, temperatures can drop below freezing even during warmer months, so be prepared for changing conditions.
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Things to Do and See near Virgin Valley Hot Springs
Sheldon and Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuges were established in the 1930s to protect and restore populations of pronghorn, sage-grouse, bighorn sheep, and other native wildlife species. Managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 900 square miles in the northwestern corner of Nevada.
Fishing and Boating
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent opportunities for fishing. Several ponds and reservoirs are stocked with rainbow trout.
Big Springs and Catnip Reservoir are popular places to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout.
The Dufurrena complex, which consists of nine ponds, offers fishing for warm-water species such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.
Fishing in the pond at Virgin Valley Campground is allowed for children under 12, adults over 65, and people with qualifying disabilities. A Nevada fishing license is required for other anglers. Check current regulations for seasons, catch limits, and other guidelines with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Boats may be used on Big Springs, Catnip Reservoir, and Dufurrena Ponds. Electric motors are allowed.
Hunting
A limited number of hunting tags are issued for seasonal hunts in late summer and fall for mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. Check current regulations with the Nevada Department of Wildlife
Hiking
The open terrain of the refuge provides excellent hiking opportunities, although established trails are limited and often not clearly defined. Exploring remote areas offers better chances to spot wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vast and rugged desert landscape.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Wildlife watching in its natural environment is a rewarding experience and one of the best activities in the refuge. Animals commonly seen include deer, wild horses (mustangs), pronghorn, wild burros, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, waterfowl, and many other desert species.
The best time to encounter wildlife is early morning and late evening when animals are most active. A good-quality spotting scope or binoculars are extremely useful for observing wildlife from a distance across the wide-open desert.
Rockhounding
Virgin Valley is famous worldwide for its exceptional opals, including rare black fire opals and highly valued black opals.
Several mines offer fee-based opal hunting opportunities. One of the most popular fee sites is the Royal Peacock Opal Mine, located about eight miles from Virgin Valley Hot Springs.
Virgin Valley Hot Springs Camping and Lodging
If you stay overnight at Virgin Valley Campground, you can enjoy a peaceful desert atmosphere with a dark sky filled with bright stars, coyotes calling in the distance, birds singing, bullfrogs croaking, and the sounds of surrounding wildlife.
The Virgin Valley Campground is free and open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days. The campground has pit toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water, but there are no garbage or septic dumping facilities. Please pack out everything you bring.
The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge has several primitive campgrounds. Some campsites near Big Springs and Catnip Reservoir offer excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
For more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Lakeview or Winnemucca.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Lakeview
Virgin Valley Hot Springs | Facts
Best time: From late spring through early fall
Managed by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Development: Primitive
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, drinking water
Clothing: Required
Distance from the parking: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle, the road can be blocked by snow
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,100 ft (1,554 m)
Virgin Valley Hot Springs is located:
- 92 miles southeast of Lakeview
- 124 miles northwest of Winnemucca, NV
- 417 miles southeast of Portland.
Water T° (source): 90°F (32°C)
Water T° (pool): 80°F (27°C) - 95°F (35°C)
Chemical used: None
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Virgin Valley Hot Springs
From the Denio Junction,
- Travel 25 miles west on NV-140 to Virgin Valley Road (Virgin Valley and Royal Peacock Mine sign)
- Turn left onto Virgin Valley Road (graded dirt road) and continue about 2.5 miles to the campground.
From Lakeview,
- Head east on Highway OR-140 for 65 miles to the Oregon-Nevada border
- Continue 19.2 miles onto Highway NV-140 to Virgin Valley Road (Virgin Valley and Royal Peacock Mine sign)
- Turn right onto Virgin Valley Road (graded dirt road) and continue about 2.5 miles to the campground.
Phone: 775-941-0199
GPS: N 41°51.168', W 119°0.116' | 41.852800, -119.001930