trip report by besthike editor Rick McCharles
WOW. You can hike slickrock slot canyons. And be rewarded with natural hot springs only a few miles from the Hoover Dam.
I started late in the afternoon, running most of the 3mi to the river. As a result, I didn’t capture any decent photos.
But here’s the goal, a steel ladder leading you up to a series of clear hot springs, each hotter than the last.
Happily, Bird and Hike has detailed information & photos on hiking options … and an excellent map.
I took the regular route, in and out via White Rock Canyon.
… 3.25-mile hike (one way) to hot springs near the Colorado River. The route runs down a deep, narrow, geologically interesting canyon for 2.75 miles to the Colorado River, turns to run downstream for 0.5 miles to the next major canyon, then ascends that canyon for about 5 minutes to a 20-ft waterfall and a ladder.
… This hot spring sometimes is called Ringbolt Hot Springs, a reference to Ringbolt Rapids that lie just upstream from Hot Spring Canyon.
But the better option would be to loop in Hot Spring Canyon and out White Rock. Check Bird and Hike – Hot Spring Canyon Route
This hike is all good. It’s in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, but no Park pass is required as trailhead parking is just outside the boundary.
Note: It can be difficult to find the hot springs. I was directed there by kids who had arrived by river, camping on a school trip.
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