Ruby Valley Hot Springs
Also known as Smith Ranch Springs
100–103°F
Pool temperatures
4WD road
Moderate access
Free
No fee reported
Smith Ranch Springs is the Ruby Valley Hot Springs, a group of pools near Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Elko County. The main emerald pool is about 30 feet across at roughly 100 to 103 F, with hotter pools around it. It is remote, free and quiet, but the access road is rough and soft ground can trap vehicles.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Dogs allowed
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- Camping nearbyNo camping at the springs; South Ruby Lake Campground is about 17 miles away.
- PoolsMultiple; main pool about 30 feet wide
- QuietDry months, when the access road is firm.
- SeasonWinter access not advised due to poor road conditions; 4WD recommended year-round and needed when wet.
- Closed or out of reach in winterWinter access not advised; poor road conditions. Winter guide
- Free to soakNo charge, no permit or reservation reported.
Best time to go. Dry months, when the access road is firm.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with Nevada state land.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
As of 2026-10-18 no closure, fire or access restriction was found for Ruby Valley Hot Springs. Guides state it is open year-round, with the road often poor in winter and wet periods. Location matches the NOAA record near Ruby Valley in Elko County.
Some side pools reach 115 to 122 F and need testing before entry. Ground is soft and marshy and vehicles can get stuck off established roads. Depth unknown in places. No cell service. Pets reported as allowed on site but not in the water.
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New closures, reopenings and new states, about once a month. No spam.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Elko.
- 1
From Elko take NV-227 toward Lamoille, then turn south on NV-228 toward Jiggs.
- 2
Follow unpaved roads for the last few miles to the springs, which lie between Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Lake.
- 3
About 60 miles from Elko.
40.2490, −115.4090 · nearest town Elko, NV
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Elko, from campgrounds to cabins.
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Checked against 3 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- travelnevada.com (directions, land status, pools, camping)
- hotspringsguides.com (temps, hazards, clothing, crowds)
- hotspringslocator.com (alt name, pets, refuge, camping)
