Tucked away on the picturesque shores of the Colorado River, which cuts its way across the border of Nevada and Arizona, the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs is a collection of serene primitive pools that require a long but surreal hike through the eponymous canyon to access.
Located just outside of Boulder City near Las Vegas, the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs are some of the most famous thermal pools in the state and serve as a tranquil retreat away from Sin City and the scorching heat of the desert as visitors find tranquility soaking in the site’s thermal oasis.
While isolated away from the bustling city, the hot springs are conveniently located amidst many of Nevada’s most popular attractions. As such, they are an easy and essential addition to any itinerary to the Sagebrush State.
From how to access the tucked-away thermal pools to the top nearby attractions and accommodation options, this is everything you need to know before visiting the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, Nevada.
Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Facilities
The Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs has been a famous center of peaceful rejuvenation for millennia and were frequented by local indigenous tribes long before European settlers even landed on American soil. Thanks to the lack of development at the location, visitors today can still experience the same primitive thermal pools enjoyed by the region’s prehistoric residents.
A significant reason why the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs have so far escaped any development is primarily due to the fact that the thermal pools are isolated along the Colorado river and require a long trek through a daring canyon to access.
The hike to the springs starts from the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trailhead and features a 4.5-mile path to the river. About 1.5 miles into the hike, visitors are confronted with their first major obstacle the first of eight rope ladders visitors must use to bypass large rocks and boulders.
Due to the difficulty of navigating the canyon, the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs requires a significant amount of fitness. However, those willing to brave the intrepid conditions of the hike are rewarded with three different hot springs throughout their trek.
The first set of springs may be dried depending on the time of year. Regardless, this pool can be bypassed, as the second spring is warmer and offers a more surreal soaking experience.
After cooling off in the waters, visitors will want to continue their trek to the third collection of thermal pools. Located along the shores of the Colorado River, the final spring along the canyon hike is the warmest and offers some of the best views of the surrounding landscape.
The thermal pools vary in temperature, ranging from 100 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermally heated, the pools are fed from a natural spring source deep beneath the earth before excreting out of the canyon’s sides and flowing into the pools for visitors to enjoy the soothing properties of their mineral concentrations.
Attractions Near the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs
Along with the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, the southeastern corner of Nevada is home to some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, ranging from colossal man-made landmarks to preserved corners of the Colorado River.
While Las Vegas often gets all of the glory, these attractions near the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs should be on all itineraries to the region.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a world-renowned landmark and one of the most impressive dams in the world. It is also only 3 miles from the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, and visitors to the thermal pools would be remiss not to add a visit to this testament of modern engineering to their itinerary.
A 726-foot arch-gravity structure, the Hoover Dam is a massive complex whose colossal size can only be understood by those who have seen it. Only ten minutes from the trailhead, visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the complex. They may even be able to spot the end of the Gold Strike Canyon from the observation deck.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Located between Boulder City and Paradise, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is a 48,438-acre preservation near the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs. Within the protected area, visitors can explore prehistoric petroglyphs while interacting with the flora and fauna of the region’s wilderness.
While the hike to the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs offers visitors an intrepid look into Nevada’s desert landscapes, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area permits greater insight into the local species, including Desert Kangaroo Rats, Jackrabbits, and Desert Bighorn Sheep.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Another fantastic protected area featuring a unique experience interacting with Nevada’s landscape, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located just north of the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs.
Along with several hiking trails and hot springs, this preservation offers visitors the chance to jump into the beautiful Lake Mead for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Accommodations Options at Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, Nevada
Unfortunately, no overnight camping is permitted within the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Spring area. Instead, visitors seeking to spend the night in the Nevada desert will want to book a campsite at the nearby Boulder Beach Campground.
The grounds offer 135 tent or RV campsites, while dump stations, restrooms, and water spigots are also featured on the property. Along with a convenient location to the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Trail, visitors staying at the campgrounds also have access to Boulder Beach, which is popular for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Alternatively, visitors seeking a more comfortable stay before beginning their trek to the hot springs will want to book one of the hotels in the nearby cities. While the colorful lights of Las Vegas are only 30 minutes drive from the beginning of the trail, Boulder City is the nearest option and offers a more convenient setting for your accommodation.
Located only 1 mile from the trailhead, Hoover Dam Lodge is the nearest accommodation to the hot springs. It provides visitors with a luxury resort option complete with an onsite casino and a general store.
Getting to the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, Nevada
From Boulder City, head east along the Great Basin Highway. Follow the highway for 6 miles until you come to the roundabout. At the roundabout, take the first exit and turn left onto Gold Strike Canyon Road. Follow the road for another 0.3 miles to the trailhead.
From the trailhead, visitors begin their trek through the canyon. The 6-mile out-and-back trail features eight ropes for navigating large boulders and is considered a difficult trek that requires a fair degree of fitness to complete.
The hike takes approximately 3 hours in each direction, and visitors should give themselves plenty of time to complete it.
Details
- Address: 601 Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
- Phone: +1 702-293-8990
- GPS Coordinates: 36.01053, -114.76876
