The Nevada Sagebrush

Steamboat generates energy, tranquility

During the summer, Nevada’s water resources such as Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River keep visitors cool and entertained. But that doesn’t have to stop once winter begins to set in.

Nevada is home to many natural hot springs — spots of naturally warm water typically heated by subterranean volcanic activity. In these places, visitors can climb into the steaming water to relax no matter how chilly the weather is outside.

One such area has developed into a full-service spa about seven miles south of Reno on South Virginia Street. Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa provides mineral baths, spa therapies, facials, mud treatments and massages, among other services. Of course, for a more simpler experience, guests can lounge outside in the natural hot springs.

“I think it’s a great resource to the community,” said Sean Savoy, president of the board at Steamboat Hot Springs. “It’s quaint and friendly. Young people enjoy being up here in the countryside. A lot of people may not know about it. It’s a hidden treasure.”

Daniel Lide, a 19-year-old biochemistry major, said that he hadn’t heard of the hot springs but would be interesting in going.

“You always feel better when you get out of a hot tub,” he said. “Your chi is all aligned. I’d go if I pulled a muscle or something because it’s relaxing and it’d feel better.”

Steamboat Hot Springs is registered as a designated historical site. The name originated when legendary local writer Mark Twain observed the steam rising from the hot springs in the unlikely desert location and likened it to steamboats he was used to seeing on the Mississippi River, according to Savoy.

The springs became a hotel in the 1860s and was a popular healing spa in the 1920s and ‘30s. In 1986, it was given as a gift to the International Community of Christ, a religious sect that studies the original teachings of Jesus.

“It was gifted to the church, but it was really dilapidated and run-down,” Savoy said. “It was closed for some time because they didn’t have the resources to open to the public.”

After intensive restoration, the hot springs spa was reopened in 1996 and has been run by the ICC ever since. The group believes that physical and mental health aid the pursuit of spiritual wellbeing. Several of the spa’s services, such as special sound, light and color therapies, coincide with this belief.

“We’re keen on health of the mind and body,” Savoy said. “Some of our therapies tie into the teachings. But we’re open to the public. Just like at St. Mary’s, you don’t have to be Catholic to use the hospital.”

In addition to its spa services, the hot spring also produces enough geothermal energy to heat the building.

Savoy said that one of Steamboat’s goals for the future is to harness the energy in order to generate electricity that can be used throughout the community.

Greg Arehart, chair of the department of geological sciences and engineering, said that the hot springs are one of the best in the nation for geothermal energy.

“It’s one of the so-called ‘hot spots’ in western North America for geothermal energy,” he said. “This part of Nevada is one of the best places to look for geothermal engery, and a lot of companies are starting to do that.”

Arehart explained that underground water can get as hot as 400 degrees, and when a well is drilled into that water, the steam extracted will spin turbines and generate energy.

“There is a geothermal power plant here off Mount Rose Highway,” he said. “On a cool day, you can see the steam coming out of the ground. That geothermal power plant is where a quarter of Reno’s electricity comes from.”

In addition to the more developed hot springs in Reno and Beatty, there are many hot springs interspersed throughout the Nevada desert.

Landon Vega, a 22-year-old business management major, said that he would prefer to go to a hot spring that had not been developed into a spa.

“I’m not the spa type,” he said. “I’d prefer a more natural hot spring — I’d rather go to a hole in the desert if I ran across one.”

View Hot Springs in a larger map

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa

Cost: $20 drop-in rate for a mineral tub bath

Location: 16010 S. Virginia St.

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, noon-8 p.m. weekends, closed Wednesdays.

Bailey’s Hot Springs

Cost: Bathtubs are available for specialized by-the-hour rates

Location: U.S. Highway 95

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. every day

David Walley’s Resort

Location: 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa

For information on hours and prices, call 775-782-8155

Carson Hot Springs Resort

Cost: $15 for 2 hours in a bath

Location: 1500 Old Hot Springs Road, Carson City

Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. every day

Casey O’Lear can be reached at colear@nevadasagebrush.com.

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