Nevadans have long been aware that desert landscapes are some of the most fascinating places to explore. Contrary to popular belief, our deserts are full of life and extraordinary wonders. They’re hiding the most incredible plant life, wildlife, and even some of the strangest natural wonders you’ll ever see. For example, most people don’t realize there’s a giant boiling hot spring hiding smack dab in the middle of the remote desert. This hidden hot spring is much too hot to soak in (although you’ll find soakable hot springs nearby), but it’s a fascinating sight that you definitely have to see with your own eyes.
Hiding in a remote section of Nevada's Monitor Valley, approximately 70 miles away from both Austin and Eureka, is a geologic wonder known as Diana's Punchbowl. Also referred to as Devil's Cauldron, this hidden hot spring is a fascinating gem that you have to see to believe.
Access to Diana's Punchbowl is available by a 35-mile gravel road that is manageable by most vehicles, but be aware that you might come across some particularly muddy sections. We aren't kidding around when we say this region is as remote as it gets, so be sure to come prepared!
Prepare to be in total awe once you arrive at this strange geothermal feature. The Punchbowl is a cup-shaped depression into a 75-foot mound on the valley's surace. It's a mind-blowing sight amid such a desolate region of the Nevada desert.
The base of the Punchbowl is about 600-feet in diameter and contains a steaming, bright blue pond of hot water. Temperatures usually range in between 140 and 180 degrees which is much too hot for soaking in. It's practically boiling!
You definitely don't want to test these blazing hot waters. However, if you're in the mood for soaking you'll find that a stream flows out from the cauldron and creates smaller pools where the temperature is lower, and therefore soakable.
This geologic oddity is well-worth the long drive into the desert. After all, you don't see too many of these types of hot springs laying around! You can only imagine just how long it took for the earth to form such a unique feature.
The steep, narrow walls of the cauldron make you dizzy as you peer over them. Use caution when exploring this extraordinary natural wonder and keep a close eye on children and pets. This is definitely one of those places that reminds us of the many lovely surprises hiding within our Nevada landscape.
