Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is a 6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Boulder City, Nevada that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from October until May.
Except for the Goldstrike parking lot, Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges a fee to enter. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. This trail is closed in the summer (May 15 - Sept 30) because it is too hot. It is also recommended you leave dogs at home. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/lake/learn/news/goldstrike-canyon-arizona-hot-spring-trails-summer-closure-dates.htm A strenuous hike through a wonderful canyon to some hot springs pools. This hike is one of a kind. There are 8 fixed ropes if you go all the way to the river. Some are difficult - especially when coming back up. At the 1.5 mile point of the hike, you come to the first obstacle - a large boulder with what looks like a nasty drop-off. If you look at the rock wall to your right, you'll see some steps. There is a strap here to help you down the steps. Coming back, you really don't need the strap although it will give those who want some security aid to come back up. A short distance after this, the wash opens into its widest of the hike, and several washes come together. Keep walking down and you'll come to the next rope. This goes down the left side of the rock wall and isn't too difficult to maneuver. You just need to use the rope as intended and walk down backward while moving down the rope. There is one other slight workaround in this area. There's a dry fall that some slide down. There is a blue arrow painted on the rocks to the left of the chute showing you how to walk around and down this dry fall. After you have cleared these obstacles, you arrive at what once was the Upper Goldstrike Hot Springs pools. Sadly, most have dried up. There are a few pools farther down that still have water, but you'll see the remnants of the pools that no longer have any source for filling. The rest has 5 fixed ropes, the last being a bit difficult, especially when you're coming back and you have those wet boots. This trail can be too strenuous for dogs.
You will not have cell phone reception for the hike so the guide works in getting you to the trailhead and a little beyond. After that, the route is obvious-down the canyon, and you don't need a GPS track. The GPS track from my hike is really screwed up. The distances are about right, but the route isn't as crazy as it looks. I lost satellite reception in the canyon several times, and my GPS unit just added tracks to make up where there was no reception. Photo placement is approximate. The GPS track is undependable enough so I couldn't accurately place them. There is cell phone service is isolated locations on the hike. Make sure you have a good supply of water! Two men died here of heat stroke when they hiked and soaked in the upper pools in the summer. This is a cool weather hike even though I know many do it year round. Be safe and use good judgment.
March 7, 2021March 7, 2021Awesome
March 7, 2021March 6, 2021So much fun! Cliff diving into the Colorado River when you make it there.. Great views. Crowded on the weekends and quite a few bottlenecks at the rope sections, especially when people have children that take longer than normal. Our dog is very athletic but I’m glad we left her at home.. unless your pup is small and can be put in a backpack or carried while also traversing the ropes, it’s best they’re left at home.
March 6, 2021Not for the weak. Steep slippery rocks. Awesome views!
March 5, 2021So much fun! The ropes and rocks add some fun challenges. Definitely difficult. Beautiful scenery! The water is warm and it turns into beautiful pools right before you reach the river!
March 4, 2021My favorite hike. I’ve done this 4 times now and every time is awesome. Not for beginners or weak people.
March 1, 2021The first mile is solely a gravel trail. On the return it seemed like it took forever. very challenging, several ropes, wear good shoes on the return it is slippery. overall fun & a good challenge! the bridge at the end is beautiful.
March 1, 2021March 1, 2021February 28, 2021First mile is gravely and then you start going down into the Boulder hopping part of the canyon. Eventually you pass by 3 hot springs, the last being the biggest with the waterfall. At the end is the Hoover dam. There are at least 7 ropes to help you up and down the boulders. It took us way longer then a usual hike time because Alex's knee was hurt from the day before but thats ok!
February 28, 2021February 27, 2021February 26, 2021Super fun hike...but this is not for everyone! We absolutely love this kind of hike where there is a lot of boulder hopping and down climbing. The canyon is truly beautiful and it is a very unique hike. Words of caution though, even with a fair amount of experience... the ropes and slick, smooth rocks gave my wife some trouble in a couple of spots. She ended up with a bad ankle sprain. Wear shoes with good traction and take care on the ropes. Leave the pups, little children, and inexperienced hikers at home for this one.
February 24, 2021February 23, 2021Easy to follow trail. This hike requires navigating ropes, so be prepared. The springs and the river are worth the effort. Kinda disappointing to see all the trash and graffiti
February 23, 2021Amazing! Better have some serious upper body strength for all the ropes!
February 23, 2021well worth all the efforts getting there
February 21, 2021February 21, 2021February 21, 2021Incredible trail. It starts off somewhat unexciting and you descend into the canyon, but eventually you will get to a scrambling portion with a few areas with dangerous dropoffs. There are a few sections where ropes are installed to make the descent safer. View at the bottom of the overhead bridge is worth the trip. If anyone who maintains the trail reads this, the last rope is in need of replacement as the core is exposed.
February 20, 2021Great hike,
February 20, 2021February 20, 2021February 19, 2021February 19, 2021Super fun hike! I came here on a Wednesday morning around 7:30AM, and only one other car was in the parking lot. The ropes were fun to climb down but definitely wear sturdy shoes as the rocks are somewhat slippery. Walking through the canyon was really cool and fun, and the hot springs at the end were pretty even though the pools were small. Saw quite a few people on the way back but I was the first one at the end that morning! There were a lot more cars when I returned around 10:30AM, about half the parking lot was full.
February 18, 2021Challenging at times but the payoff is well worth it. Upper body strength is a must. Definitely one of my favorite hikes to date.
