One of the best reasons to visit Austin is for these outdoor hot-spring pools in the middle of nowhere, with breathtaking vistas over the Big Smoky Valley to the majestic mountains beyond. On public land, these three (sometimes four) natural geothermal hot spots have been "improved" by locals with baths made from cattle troughs. Access is by well-maintained dirt road.
Water temperature is consistent, at around 140°F (60°C): very hot! When we visited there were enough mosquitoes to constitute a Biblical plague: if you're going after a rain, bring repellent and a Nevada-sized sense of humor and adventure.
