In recent years, I’ve found the warm springs of Nevada among the most interesting underwater destinations I’ve ever experienced. In contrast to the arid desert landscape and it’s temperature extremes, most of these pools and streams maintain year-round water temperatures between 70 and 90° F. Some host fish not found anywhere else while others feature introduced species; (it’s like swimming in a livingroom aquarium ). Over the centuries, some also represented havens from the winter cold for local first people groups. Some are on private lands and may not be visited. On public lands the state has maintained a commendable balance between human enjoyment and natural preservation.

The Great Basin area of the American west was once a large inland sea. The landscape is still revealing secrets of its ancient past. – MJ