Easy Hike Boulder Dam Nevada Hot Springs

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Added by Kelly Park

This fun, technical hike is only 30 minutes outside of Vegas and a fairly well-kept secret. It features beautiful canyons, rock scrambling, and three picturesque hot springs -- perfect for those who love a challenge and a relaxing soak. Even locals are only just discovering this hidden gem.

The first mile is flat and deceivingly easy as you walk under a highway bridge and in between looming canyon walls. But don't get too comfortable -- at around the 1.5 mile mark you will reach the first of eight ropes along the trail and the challenge begins. You will need to use these ropes to maneuver down large rocks and boulders. There are arrows spray painted on the walls to help with direction, but if you want to attempt some bouldering, you can choose your own more challenging path.

There are three hot springs along this hike. The first spring may be dried up depending on the time of year you go. Skip soaking here and continue to the second spring which is warmer in temperature and adjacent to a cool "secret" cave (the Cave of Wonders). After testing out the waters, follow a warm stream and pass a couple of waterfalls until you reach the third hot spring. This spring is the hottest offers the best views -- the surrounding canyons provide the perfect natural hot tub setting.

If you want to continue, hike about a quarter mile down and you will reach the Colorado River. This is worth the wonderful photo opportunity. You can cool off here -- dip your toes or wade around and feel the warm spring waters merge into the cold river -- but be aware the water levels and current can change rapidly.

The hike back is challenging as you will most likely be wet or at least have wet feet so watch your step on the slippery boulders!

Note: Avoid this hike in the summer months as temperatures rise above 100 degrees and there have been many reported incidents of heat stress.

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Hot Springs

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Perfect getaway! These springs are almost directly below Hoover Dam. The hike is fun and adventurous. We did it when it had just opened legally the first few days of October. We chose a cooler day and it was still pretty warm! Normally I like to start a hike early morning if I know it'll be a hot one. With this trail it was actually better that we started around midday - going to the hot springs is all downhill. So we hiked out when the sun had already gone down farther in the afternoon making it much more pleasant to hike uphill in the cooler late afternoon/early evening temperatures! Enjoy and be safe! The rocks going down are quite slippery!

5.0

This trail is closed for May 2016 to September 2016. The gate is closed basically right at exit 2 off of hwy 93.

1.0

Recommended over Arizona hot springs. Beautiful and serene. Gets very crowded. Recommend as part of a larger kayak run rather than hike. Easy hike.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Source: https://www.theoutbound.com/nevada/hiking/hike-to-goldstrike-hot-springs?page=2