Just thinking about the clearest swimming spots in Nevada will have you grateful that our weather is warm enough to take a dip outside. From swimming holes to "cooler" hot springs (with temperatures around 90-100 degrees), here are eight of the best places to swim in Nevada. If you're looking for the most pristine and clearest lakes in Nevada, we've got you covered.
The Nevada swimming spots we've chosen vary in size and depth. You may not be able to swim laps at some or dive in at others (so don't expect to practice your cannonball at all eight locations) but no matter what, you're sure to get wet and make a splash before the weather starts to cool down by summer's end!
1. Diver’s Cove – Incline Village
Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest lakes in Nevada. Just one visit to the lake's Sand Harbor Beach will have you seeing why this is one of the most popular swimming spots in the state. Sand Harbor's secluded Diver's Cove Bay offers shade from the sun and, as the name suggests, it's perfect for diving! It's loaded with huge rocks that serve as diving boards for the adventurous. For more information about the area, check out the Lake Tahoe State Park page.
2. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area – Laughlin
This one's name is a bit of a mouthful, but it's so gorgeous! The Big Bend of the Colorado River is beautifully situated amongst the mountains. The crystal-clear water is usually warm, so it's perfect for swimming! Find out more information at the Nevada state parks website.
3. “The Spring” – Panaca
This one's a hot spring, but don't worry, it's not too hot! It tends to stay around 85 degrees. It's an Olympic-sized, naturally-fed pool of crystal clear water and even has a stairway! It's only about three feet deep and has a gravel bottom. Swimming, playing, tubing, and of course, relaxing are all popular activities here. For more information, check out this article.
4. Big Water Spring (aka Duckworth Hot Springs) – Railroad Valley
The Big Water Spring is not only one of the clearest swimming spots in Nevada, it's also the state's largest geothermal hot spring. The beautifully clear water is naturally heated by the earth and tends around 91-93 degrees. The water is considered sacred by the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe and it is a designated critical habitat of Railroad Valley Spring Fish. However, the spring remains open to the public for enjoyment. There is a stairway with handrails leading into the spring.
5. McGill Swimming Pool – Ely/McGill
The spring-fed McGill Pool is among the best places to swim in Nevada. This fun attraction offers a slide, diving boards (anyone else love cannonballs?), and a sandy beach! It is open seasonally and more information can be found on the White Pine County website.
6. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs - Dyer
Just off Highway 6, Fish Lake Valley Hot Well offers a 3-foot-deep, 7-foot-wide concrete pool that's a perfect swimming spot for large groups. The well is not far from Tonopah in Nevada's Great Basin. The tub has a stepladder and handrails, and overflows into two warm ponds. The temperature typically hovers around 105 degrees.
7. Frog Pond – Trego
Frog Pond is located on private property in Black Rock Desert, but its owners have an "open-gate policy." As long as the gate is open, swimmers are welcome to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Frog Pond is an artisan well with a temperature just below 100 degrees. There is a small wooden deck with stairs, tons of shades (and, as the name suggests, tons of frogs in the overflow pond!).
8. Soldier Meadow Spring - Gerlach
Soldier Meadow Hot Spring is located on private property, but available for public use for a small fee. There are many hot springs in this historical area, and Soldier Meadow in particular is one of the clearest swimming spots in Nevada. The spring is about 5 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep, with a sandy bottom. The pool is usually around 100 degrees. The other nearby springs are much hotter and should not be used for soaking. You'll have a great view of the Soldier Meadow area and the Black Rock Range! This Black Rock Desert brochure has more information.
Warning: Always test the temperature of a hot spring before getting in. Wear water shoes or sandals to prevent slipping or stepping on something sharp. Some hot springs contain organisms that are harmful to humans, so keep your head above water to be safe.
If you enjoyed reading about these refreshing Nevada swimming spots you may also enjoy: Here Are 12 Nevada Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic.
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