Known for its luxury resort complexes, large spanning casino floors, and vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas is easily one of the most recognizable party cities in the world. It is a destination that promises a myriad of activities and entertainment, and there is always something new and exciting to experience in the city.
However, what many visitors to Sin City don’t know is that the Nevada desert surrounding the popular tourist destination is also home to the greatest concentration of hot springs in the United States. Many of these tranquil swimming holes are located only a short drive from the city’s main strip, making Las Vegas a fantastic base for enjoying the soothing waters.
Whether seeking a break from the gambling floors or a fun excursion into Nevada’s more pristine regions, these six hot springs near Las Vegas are some of the best natural mineral pools in the state to escape the bright lights of the big city. (Distance from Las Vegas city center in brackets).
Top Hot Springs Near Las Vegas, NV
1. Gold Strike Hot Spring (36.5 Miles)
The closest hot spring near Las Vegas is also one of the state’s most idyllic primitive thermal pools. Located near the Nevada-Arizona border, about half an hour’s drive east of the city, the Gold Strike Hot Springs is tucked away in the region’s preserved landscapes and requires a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to access.
Despite the moderate degree of difficulty in reaching the site, the Gold Strike Hot Springs is one of the most famous thermal pools in the region and can often experience heavy crowding during the weekends.
Luckily the hike is a beautiful trek through a quiet canyon and offers several thermal pools to soak in along the way.
However, for the best soaking experience, visitors are encouraged to bypass the early springs and submerge in the pools closer to the Colorado River. Water temperatures vary between pools but typically average between 100- and 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Arizona Hot Spring (40 Miles)
As the name suggests, the Arizona Hot Springs is located just across the state border to the east of Nevada. Still, this rustic primitive pool is also one of the most accessible hot springs near Las Vegas for visitors staying in the city and requires a half-hour drive followed by a 3-mile hike to reach.
Also known as the Ringbolt Hot Springs, this natural collection of mineral pools is nestled in the picturesque Lake Mead National Recreation Area and boasts plenty of natural scenery to admire while trekking the hiking trail to the springs.
Four thermal pools comprise the Arizona Hot Springs. Two are immediately identifiable upon entering the site, while a further two can be accessed by climbing the nearby ladder. All springs are situated along the Colorado River and provide great views of the beautiful waterway.
While the spring averages a balmy 120 degrees from the source, the water cools by the time it reaches the pools, which range between 100- and 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visitors looking to spend the night by the springs can find several dispersed camping sites along the Colorado River.
3. Rogers Spring (55 Miles)
Situated slightly further from the city, Rogers Springs is a warm water thermal pool located about an hour east of the city in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Despite its further distance from Las Vegas, Rogers Spring is more accessible than the two hot springs nearer the city and is situated just off Northshore Road along the shores of Lake Mead.
One of Nevada’s most enigmatic hot springs, Rogers Springs, is fed by an unknown source. Yet, despite the mystery of its origin, the pool is fed by a constant stream of warm water that averages 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Surrounding the waters is a canopy of palm trees which provide an even more idyllic desert oasis ambiance.
Along with soaking in the site’s therapeutic mineral waters, visitors to the spring are conveniently located to partake in several outdoor activities, including fishing in Lake Mead and wildlife spotting.
4. Blue Point Spring (56 Miles)
Also located in the Lake Mead Recreation Area and only about a mile further down the Northshore Road from Rogers Spring, the Blue Point Hot Spring is another natural primitive pool boasting warm mineral waters and a pristine natural setting.
Like Rogers Spring, the Blue Point Spring’s source is unknown but is believed to share the same origin as the nearby thermal pool. Despite this, Blue Point Springs waters are slightly warmer than its neighbor and average in the high 80s from where the creek excretes from the ground.
Unfortunately, Blue Point Spring is much smaller than Rogers Spring, with no suitable pools large enough for soaking. Still, the idyllic location offers a pristine setting for admiring the untouched flora and fauna of the countryside, complete with tropical palm trees.
5. Alkali Flat Hot Spring (195 Miles)
While located slightly further from the city, the Alkali Flat Hot Spring is one of the most soothing hot springs near Las Vegas and is situated deep in the deserts of Nevada.
Located about three hours from Sin City, the Alkali Flat Hot Springs serve as a fantastic escape from the city and provide a relaxing oasis after exploring Nevada’s more pristine corners.
Two primitive pools comprise the Alkali Flat Hot springs, and each is made of a rock-lined tub that fits about three people. The spring waters average between 100- and 105 degrees Fahrenheit and provide a comfortable escape from the scorching desert heat.
Due to the extended journey to reach the springs from Las Vegas, many visitors to the spring decide to spend the night camping in the desert. It is important to note that the immediate land surrounding the springs is private property.
Still, the regions beyond the springs are governed by the Bureau of Land Management, which permits dispersed camping.
6. Warm Spring (206 Miles)
Located slightly further than the Alkali Flat Hot Springs in Nevada’s desert northwest of Las Vegas, Warm Spring provides a therapeutic mineral soak in one of the state’s abandoned historical communities.
Surrounded by dilapidated buildings, Warm Spring is a large outdoor pool technically considered private property, with several “no trespassing signs” found surrounding the facility. Still, this doesn’t stop many urban explorers willing to venture to the town from soaking in its mineral waters.
While guests can follow the creek that feeds the pool to the spring’s source, visitors are warned not to submerge in this primitive pool as water temperatures are far too warm and can burn the human body.
Whether soaking in the mineral waters or simply visiting the abandoned community, Warm Springs is a historical destination perfect for exploring Nevada’s past while embracing the quiet ambiance of the out-of-the-way location.
