12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

From the highway the hot spring is 1.9 miles. It took us 20 minutes to drive 2 miles. 1/3 of the road is passable but more than half of the road you need 4 wheel drive.

I can’t tell what is BLM land vs private. However bordering the fire road is a private owner cattle grazing so be respectful.

When we started down the unmaintained dirt road, after 150 yards we had to back up the whole way because a regular car tried to make it, but the craters were to deep. There are basically 3 places in 2 miles to turn around, so if you meet another vehicle, someone is backing up.

Most of the craters are 7 to 16 inches deep. (We measured them) Our clearance was 18 inches and twice one of our wheels was spinning free in the air.

There is a new paths being developed, but it involves about a 20 feet high hill and a 30% slope. Translated, you need a 4 wheel drive and your vehicle has got to have the torque to get up the hill and slow you down coming down on the other side.

Before getting to the spring, there is a creek to cross. In August it was about 25 ft across and 10 inches deep. The other side was a bit tricky because it has an 8 inch bump to get over or a slope with mini craters to drive thru. Take your pick. Either way any contents in your vehicle will get thrown around.

At the spring, there is 1 place to turn around.
It you have an extended length sprinter or extended cab truck with an 8 foot bed or a full length suburban, good luck. If others are there, be prepared to back up. If you’re by yourself it’s doable.

On the way to the spring there are 2 places you could camp. At the spring there are about 3 spots to camp. Tents make it easier.

There was a Chevy 4 wheel drive PU across the creek. We parked before the creek.

There wasn’t any space for us to have a fire or set up our outdoor kitchen if we allowed space for a car to go by. Good thing we arrived late (8:30PM) and left early (8:00 AM).

As for the hot spring. It’s is nicely kept. No garbage. (Thx all). The water has a light sulphuric smell. The temperature was about 99 - 101 depending on where you sat. The entrance point for the hot water is in the shallow area. The deeper area was cooler.

It is a cool place. I don’t know if I’d do it again unless I was staying for 3-4 days but then there is the people thing. Glad I did it. Glad not to do it again.

All the reviews said it was a bumpy road and fill of partiers. Well the road is definitely bumpy and if you don’t have a 4x4 I def wouldn’t try it. Another with an attached trailer is also not suggested. When you first pull on the property you will see a large rusted pipe keep going when you come to the fork I suggest parking/camping there. The walk from there is pleasant and only about 1.5 miles, but it is nice views. There was a point we crossed about waist deep by foot to keep going.After you pass the bridge on your left keep going you are almost there. There was some trash (I suggest bringing a trash bag and help the cause to keep it clean) the cool creek and hot springs make the perfect relaxing environment surrounded by beauty.

You need a high clearance car - the road is very bumpy and dug out. At some points you will cross water. There was a pasture/meadow I camped in and walked less than a mile to the hot springs. The meadow had a good view of the canyon. You can camp closer to the springs and the road keeps going beyond with more spots along the creek. Neat spot!

Not too far off of I80 (12 miles). There are maybe three spots right when you turn off of the country road. More spots further down all the way to the springs but you're going to need high clearance Because of huge chug holes in the road. Well worth the hike/bike to the hot spring. Probably a little less than 2 miles from the entrance to the hot spring.