Roadside Attraction Gandy Warm Springs

Snake Valley

Overview

( Rated 5.0 / 1 Ratings )

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RATING: Roadside

LENGTH: 1+ hours

Sun

62 | 36

Mon

69 | 41

Tue

69 | 38

Wed

67 | 40

Thu

70 | 40

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

GEAR: Swimsuit, Towel, Waterproof Headlamp

WATER: Bring all you need for drinking, the stream could be filtered but there are livestock in the area.

NOTES: Given the 30+ miles of dirt road one way to visit, I personally would recommend something with medium clearance and wouldn't take a sedan. On our visit, however, there were low clearance vehicles at the trailhead.

Sun

62 | 36

Mon

69 | 41

Tue

69 | 38

Wed

67 | 40

Thu

70 | 40

View Full Weather Details

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

hot springs

access: 2wd

Gandy Warm Springs - Snake Valley

Gandy Warm Springs is an oasis in Utah's West Desert. The stunning springs have about 9,000 gallons of crystal clear 80-ish degree spring water flowing from it every minute! The springs, situated at the base of Spring Mountain (aka Gandy Mountain) are hands down the best natural warm springs I have visited. The water comes out of the mountain and a small pool has been constructed, then it cascades down to a large area that is Gandy Creek proper.

As if the scenery and clear, warm water wasn't enough, there is also a cave that part of the spring flows out of. The cave, informally called Beware Cave by some, is only about 20 feet or so long, and fairly easy passage for most, but what a neat feature to explore. Really, an astounding place to visit.

Temperature Note: The water temperature at Gandy Creek is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, that is right around what a lap swimming pool temperature would be (typically 75-80). We visited on a day when the air temperature was 40 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. I found it a little cool, but enjoyable as long as I was moving around a bit. My 6-year-old found it too cold. Most may want to visit when the air temperature is warmer. This is a nice spring, summer, fall outing. Certainly do-able in the winter, but beware it is a warm spring, not a HOT spring.

Inside Beware Cave at Gandy Warm Springs

Getting There

Reaching the trailhead involves over 30 miles of dirt road one way. Make sure you have plenty of fuel, water, and supplies. There are no services available one you leave pavement.

From the Nevada/Utah stateline on US-6, go east into Utah and turn left (north) at mile marker 0.7 on the Gandy Road. This is about 88 miles west of Delta Utah on highway 6 if coming from that area.The Gandy Road is dirt, but typically very well graded and relatively fast to drive.

MP 0.7 on US-6 ( 11S 756419mE 4327195mN / N39° 03' 22" W114° 02' 12" )
27.5 miles from US-6 - Go left toward the signed Bates Ranch. Reset your odometer. ( 12S 242045mE 4370257mN / N39° 26' 36" W113° 59' 51" )
1.1 miles - 4-way junction - Go left. Stay on the main dirt road after this junction, ignoring a side road on the right that goes to a house. ( 11S 757106mE 4371534mN / N39° 27' 18" W114° 00' 43" )
2.7 miles - Junction. The main road goes right to Gandy Warm Springs. Follow this right road about 1/4 of a mile to a turn around at Gandy Warm Springs. ( 11S 754627mE 4371625mN / N39° 27' 24" W114° 02' 26" )
3 miles - Gandy Warm Springs ( 11S 754911mE 4372015mN / N39° 27' 36" W114° 02' 14" )

Entrance to Beware Cave

Route

From the parking area, Gandy Creek and the main portion of the warm springs are visible a short-distance away. The cave, Beware Cave, is hidden under the overhang just upstream from where the waterfalls cascade in. It is not very obvious until you are right at it. From a distance it looks like a shallow overhang. Obviously, be careful entering the cave, and a flashlight is recommended. It dead-ends in about 20 feet or so.

Also, if you follow the main spring that is cascading down into Gandy Creek up to the base of the rock slope, there is a small man-made pool there.