Hobo Hot Springs

Douglas County, Nevada · Near Indian Hills
39.0590°N, 119.8150°W · 4,760 ft
114°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 4,760 ft Unknown Roadside DESG Camping nearby (8.0 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Hobo Hot Springs LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Hobo Hot Springs
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Hobo Hot Springs sits on the Stewart Community, tribal land in Douglas County a couple of miles from Indian Hills. The water is hot, above what most people soak in without cooling. Public access is unknown, and because the ground is tribal, that matters more than usual. Snow is heavy here in winter.

Location

Roadside, with the nearest road about 250 feet away, in upland country where winters bring heavy snow, close to six feet a season; the year is on the wet side. The land designation is tribal. No chemistry is on record and the road is nameless in the record. A USGS site number is attached.

The listed months are December through February, when snow is a given. At this temperature skin needs only moments to burn, so test before you touch. Ask the Stewart Community before visiting, since access is unknown and the land is tribal. No fee listed. Camping is available at Zephyr Cove RV & Campground about eight miles out.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Hobo Hot Springs.

Setting
Gentle slope
The ground tilts gently up to the northwest.
Highest ground nearby
65 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from north to south, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
111 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about 1½ times the US average of 65. It's higher than at 62% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
35°
Jan
36°
Feb
40°
Mar
47°
Apr
55°
May
67°
Jun
74°
Jul
74°
Aug
67°
Sep
54°
Oct
42°
Nov
33°
Dec
Annual Precip: 19.7 in Annual Snow: 70.8 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 33°F · Water 114°F · +81° contrast
January Air 35°F · Water 114°F · +79° contrast
February Air 36°F · Water 114°F · +79° contrast
December offers 41°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
46°F
N 0.0 mph 48% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 82° Low 48° Sunny
Spring is +32° warmer
Wednesday 77° Low 48° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +37° warmer
Thursday 75° Low 47° Sunny
Spring is +39° warmer
Friday 78° Low 48° Sunny
Spring is +36° warmer
Saturday 82° Low 50° Sunny
Spring is +32° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Zephyr Cove Rv & Campground 8.0 mi away

Overview Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning destinations on the planet, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy RV cruising and camping. Zephyr Cove Resort's award-winning RV Park & Campground provides the perfect balance of modern amenities and the peaceful charm of a beautiful wooded setting. A major advantage of staying at Zephyr Cove Resort's RV Park & Campground is its prime location on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, just a short stroll from the Zephyr Cove Resta...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
114°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 114°F (46°C)
Avg Air Temp 52°F
Above Ambient +62°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Unknown
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 252 ft
Land
Ownership DESG
Agency DESG
Designation Tribal Land
Unit Stewart Community
Manager TRIB
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hobo Hot Springs?
Hobo Hot Springs has a water temperature of 114°F (46°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hobo Hot Springs located?
Hobo Hot Springs is located in Douglas County, Nevada at 4,760 feet elevation, near Indian Hills. Coordinates: 39.0590°N, 119.8150°W.
How do I get to Hobo Hot Springs?
Hobo Hot Springs has Roadside road access (252 ft from the road).
Is Hobo Hot Springs free to visit?
Hobo Hot Springs has Unknown access. It is managed by DESG.
Can I camp near Hobo Hot Springs?
Yes, Zephyr Cove Rv & Campground is located nearby (8.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hobo Hot Springs?
With care. At 114°F Hobo Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS