If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, you might want to visit Carson City Hot Springs, a natural phenomenon that has been attracting visitors for more than 150 years. Located in Nevada’s capital city, Carson City Hot Springs offers a variety of soaking options, from outdoor pools and hot tubs to private indoor baths. You can also enjoy the historic ambiance, the delicious food, and the award-winning beers at the nearby restaurant and brewery. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Carson City Hot Springs:
The History of Carson City Hot Springs
Carson City Hot Springs has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to before Nevada became a state. The hot springs were first used by the native Washoe people, who considered them sacred and healing. Later, in 1849, the hot springs were rediscovered by immigrants who were traveling to California during the Gold Rush. They named them the “Twelve Mile House” because they were located 12 miles from Genoa, the first settlement in Nevada1.
As Nevada became a state in 1864, thanks to the discovery of silver in the nearby Comstock Lode, Carson City Hot Springs also developed and prospered. In 1880, bathhouses and dressing rooms were built, along with a modern swimming pool, a diving board, and a hotel. The hot springs became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who enjoyed the luxury and comfort of the facilities. Some of the famous visitors included Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt1.
In the early 1900s, Carson City Hot Springs changed ownership and name several times. It was known as Moana Hot Springs, Wingfield Hot Springs, Dangberg Hot Springs, and finally Carson Hot Springs in the 1990s1. During this time, a clubhouse was built, which hosted big bands and dances in the 1930s and 1940s. The Carson Brewing Company also started bottling and selling the mineral water from the hot springs1. Today, Carson City Hot Springs is still operating as a family-owned business that preserves the historic charm and natural beauty of the place.
The Benefits of Carson City Hot Springs
Carson City Hot Springs is not only a fun and relaxing place to visit, but also a healthy one. The hot springs are fed by a natural source that flows out of the ground at 121°F from 35,000 feet below the earth’s surface2. The water is rich in minerals such as sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium, fluoride, magnesium, and lithium1. These minerals have various benefits for your body and mind, such as:
- Strengthening your hair, skin, and nail protein
- Reducing your body toxins
- Relaxing your muscles
- Increasing your feelings of tranquility
- Improving your blood circulation
- Boosting your immune system
- Balancing your pH levels
- Alleviating your pain and inflammation
- Enhancing your mood and sleep quality
To enjoy these benefits, you can choose from different soaking options at Carson City Hot Springs. You can swim in the large outdoor pool, which is maintained between 93°F and 100°F depending on the season2. You can also soak in one of the two outdoor hot tubs or one of the 10 private indoor baths. The temperatures of these vary from 95°F to 110°F2. All of these include access to restrooms, showers, lockers, and sauna2.
The Amenities of Carson City Hot Springs
Carson City Hot Springs is not only about soaking in hot water. You can also enjoy other amenities that make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. For example:
- You can dine at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint3, which operates one of the best restaurants in Carson City from the historic clubhouse building1. Sassafras offers a variety of dishes made with fresh and local ingredients, such as burgers, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, soups, and desserts. You can also try their signature cocktails or their homemade lemonade.
- You can drink at Shoe Tree Brewing Company4, which shares the property with Carson City Hot Springs1. Shoe Tree Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery that produces original beers with high quality ingredients. Some of their award-winning beers include Monkey Fist IPA, Wicked Shifty Pale Ale, Coconut Porter, and Blood Orange Wheat.
- You can explore Carson City, which is Nevada’s capital city and a historic treasure. You can visit museums such as the Nevada State Museum or the Nevada State Railroad Museum. You can also admire the architecture of the Nevada State Capitol or the Governor’s Mansion. You can also enjoy the nature and recreation of the Carson River or the Lake Tahoe region.
The Rates and Hours of Carson City Hot Springs
Carson City Hot Springs is open year-round from 8 am to 9 pm daily2. The rates for soaking are as follows:
| Soaking Option | Adults/General | Seniors | Kids | Infants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Pools | $17 per person | $15 per person | $15 per person | $7.50 per person |
| Private Indoor Pools + Outdoor Pools | $30 per person | $27 per person | $20 per person | $10 per person |
- Adults/General: Ages 12 – 54
- Seniors: Ages 55 and older
- Kids: Ages 2-11 years
- Infants: Under 2 years
Discounts and swim cards are also available for frequent visitors2. No reservations are required for the private spa rooms, as they operate on a first-come-first-served basis2. No alcohol or coolers are allowed at the hot springs, but you can enjoy them at the restaurant and brewery2. Minors must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times2.
FAQs
- Where is Carson River hot springs?
Carson River hot springs is a set of primitive soaking pools that can be found along the banks of the East Fork Carson River in California’s Eastern Sierra. It is about 20 miles south of Markleeville and can be accessed by a 10.3-mile out-and-back trail or by a four-wheel drive vehicle1
- What minerals are in the Carson City hot springs?
The Carson City hot springs are fed with water from 35,000 feet deep underground and are 100% natural. The water flows at a solid 121°F but it’s warmed down by air spray and evaporative cooling. The water contains almost a dozen different kinds of minerals, such as sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium, fluoride, magnesium, lithium, etc. These minerals have various health benefits for the skin, hair, nails, muscles, and mind2
- What is the history of Carson City hot springs?
The Carson City hot springs were first used by Washoe Native Americans in the area. In 1849, immigrants to California during the California Gold Rush happened upon the springs. In 1880, bathhouses and various accommodations such as dressing rooms, a swimming pool and diving board were built at the site. The site changed ownership and name several times over the years, and was renamed to Carson Hot Springs in the early 1900s by a business group led by George Wingfield and Fred Dangberg. The site also hosted famous guests such as boxer “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and big bands in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, it is a resort that provides private indoor soaking areas, an outdoor swimming pool, massage and dining3
- What are the hot springs in Nevada?
Nevada is a state blessed with many geothermal hot springs. Some are primitive and require a hike to reach, while others are developed into resorts with modern amenities. Some of the best hot springs in Nevada include:
- Fly Geyser: A colorful and surreal geyser that spews hot water and minerals into the air. It is located on private property in Gerlach and can be visited by guided tours4
- Arizona Hot Springs: A series of pools surrounded by colorful canyon walls near Lake Mead. It can be reached by a 3-mile hike or by kayaking along the Colorado River5
- Black Rock Hot Springs: Two natural pools located near the Black Rock Desert playa, where the Burning Man festival takes place. The pools have stunning views of the desert landscape and are clothing optional6
- Paradise Valley Hot Springs: A remote and rustic hot spring site near Winnemucca. It has two concrete tubs filled with mineral water and a nearby campground for overnight stays6
The Conclusion
Carson City Hot Springs is a natural wonder and a historic treasure that offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for everyone. Whether you want to soak in the mineral-rich water, enjoy the delicious food and drinks, or explore the nearby attractions, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at Carson City Hot Springs. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of Nevada’s oldest and most beloved hot springs.
