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Goldstrike Hot Springs

Boulder City, Nevada

4.5/5
based on 13 reviews

Details

Distance

4.54 miles

Elevation Gain

1293 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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

Goldstrike Hot Springs Reviews

Found these hot springs on the site and had to check them out. It's not an overly-difficult trail, but there are a few challenging spots with the boulders. The hot springs are incredible! We were hot from hiking and first cliff jumped into the Colorado River to cool off (the river water is quiet freezing) and then headed back up to the hot springs. We had some friends coming out to visit in a couple days, and we liked the hike so much we went back a second time with them. The parking can get crowded but the hot springs never got too packed. 10/10 would recommend!

My second time to the Hoover Dam area I was looking for a little more adventure than the first time visiting the touristy Hoover Dam. Escape to Goldstrike! Awesome hike, that was a good challenge and adventure. Loved the Ropes set up along the trail to assist climbing over the boulders and creveses.

This hike has been on my list for awhile, and I'm so glad I was finally able to do it this weekend! The trailhead is right off of the Hoover Dam exit - take a right and park wherever. We did it during the afternoon on a Sunday, and while there were a lot of people there, they were mostly going the other way. It was actually kind of nice to come up during the late afternoon because we were in the shade; however, next time, I would definitely hike it in the morning in order to have more time down at the springs. We were surprised as to how many climbs there were, but we were able to finish it without a problem. That being said, I don't think I could have completed this hike without help - there were numerous spots where our group had to pull up one another! Highly highly recommend!

Leave No Trace

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

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