Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Sixty miles of dirt road north of Gerlach lead to a spread of hot and cold springs that are the only home of the desert dace, a threatened minnow. The area is protected for the fish and its cultural sites, and restoration work is improving their habitat while still allowing soaking, so tread lightly in and around the water. The BLM keeps a designated campground with accessible tent pads and a small public cabin, both first-come and free. Bring a high-clearance four-wheel-drive, skip the trip after rain when the roads turn impassable, and check the camping restrictions before you go.