Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr

Elko County, Nevada · Near Wells
41.1590°N, 114.9860°W
122°F 39°F air · Good soaking weather Short Walk Camping nearby (9.4 mi)

The record gives this one two names, Threemile Spring and Sulphur Hot Spring, and puts it a few miles out of Wells in Elko County. The water is hot, above a comfortable soak and in need of cooling before anyone sat in it. Owner and access status are both missing. Chemistry sampled in 1974 includes iron. There is a photo.

Location

Reaching it means about four hundred feet of walking from a road that carries no name on record. Elevation is not recorded. Three feet of snow is the winter average, and the annual total of precipitation is low. Angel Creek campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is listed about nine miles away, the only camping known.

The flagged season is midwinter. Hot enough to burn, this water needs testing before you touch it. Short walk in. Ownership is blank, so assume nothing about access until you see signs or ask in Wells. Angel Creek is the nearest camping on record. The sample is fifty years old; treat its figures as history.

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 Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr.

Aerial view of the ground around Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr
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.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the east.
Highest ground nearby
164 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the east
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Heat Below
126 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 76% 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
22°
Jan
25°
Feb
35°
Mar
43°
Apr
53°
May
66°
Jun
76°
Jul
74°
Aug
63°
Sep
49°
Oct
35°
Nov
23°
Dec
Annual Precip: 11.2 in Annual Snow: 35.2 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 22°F · Water 122°F · +100° contrast
December Air 23°F · Water 122°F · +100° contrast
February Air 25°F · Water 122°F · +97° contrast
January offers 54°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
39°F
Clear E 16.6 mph 52% Good soaking weather
Today 80° Low 45° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +42° warmer
Wednesday 81° Low 49° Sunny 2% precip
Spring is +41° warmer
Thursday 77° Low 43° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +45° warmer
Friday 76° Low 43° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +46° warmer
Saturday 78° Low 45° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +44° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1974-01-01

The water at Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr is neutral (pH 7.0). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).

pH 7.0 Neutral
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 49 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 13 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 390 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 18 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 40 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 20 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Angel Creek (Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, Nv) 9.4 mi away

Overview Angel Creek Campground is located on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Mountain Range, just eight miles southwest of Wells, Nev. It sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors enjoy making the short drive to Angel Lake for canoeing and fishing.Recreation Beautiful Angel Lake is just four miles from the campground, offering great canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout.Smith Lake Trail begins at the entrance to Angel Lake Campground, with a designated day use parking...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
122°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 122°F (50°C)
Avg Air Temp 47°F
Above Ambient +75°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 429 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr?
Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr has a water temperature of 122°F (50°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr located?
Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr is located in Elko County, Nevada, near Wells. Coordinates: 41.1590°N, 114.9860°W.
How do I get to Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr?
Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr has Short Walk road access (429 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr?
Yes, Angel Creek (Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, Nv) is located nearby (9.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.0 (neutral).
Is it safe to soak at Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr?
With care. At 122°F Threemile Spring, Sulphur Hot Spr 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