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.
Please note: As of March 2020, trail is closed until further notice. 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 an 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 backwards while moving down the rope. There is one other slight work around 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.
November 29, 2020Trail is awesome ! Definitely difficult at times but rewarding! Boyfriend and I went around 11am. While it was chilly about an hr in I was dying to peel off some layers. Trail had a lot of traffic with eager couples and families trekking to the hot springs. We had to wait a couple times at the rope spots for people going down and returning. I’m amazed that we saw dogs going down some of these spots. While Going down took us longer than the return trip. The springs were beautiful- crowded for a Saturday/holiday weekend, which was expected. Take some snacks because once you get to the springs you need to refuel for the upward climb. I’m so glad we had gloves because I’m pretty sure my hands would have been done otherwise. Not going to lie I was dying at some points on the way up. So I wouldn’t recommend eating at a buffet before hand because you’re pulling up, more like dragging up your own body weight. If you get your shoes wet you’re basically asking to slip and slide on these slick rocks. Oh also there isn’t really anywhere to go to the bathroom, so if you’re a girl you’re screw cause all the foot traffic —-so go beforehand ! So pack yourself some water, snacks, gloves and have a great time
November 29, 2020This is a bad ass must do hike , the hot springs are awesome !!
November 29, 2020November 26, 2020Started at 9am...Still had a good sized crowd at the TH. Weather for Nov 25th was 52° at the start...Beautiful hiking weather. Pretty scenery as we traveled through the canyon via a wash...Negotiated 7 separate, rope assisted, boulder decents...pretty awesome..Not to bad. Amazing; hot spring water jetting out of the canyon rocks. Marvel at His handiwork! The River was gorgeous...the hot springs were hot. Most folks had gone back by 12pm. The hike back up...a wee bit slippery on some of the climbs...left some skin, from several of my limbs, on a lot of rocks. The price for admission! Overall; a great adventure and break from the often mundane, trails. This is FAR from it! Seen a dog & owner going down..dog was in bad shape...reconsider bringing dogs...Lots of tots on the trail, loving the climbing..kids about 7-9 years old, doing great. Recommend water shoes for the pools/ River. Even though it is semi-cold, brought 2 litters of H2o. Drank it all. On the way back...lots of sandy, molasses styled, wash to slog through to finish.
November 25, 2020
November 23, 2020Challenging hike. Not for the faint of heart or physically unfit. This trail literally knocks people's clothing off...The entire trail from the trail head all the way down to the river was strewn with people's personal items (shirts, socks, sneaker soles, sunglasses, etc...). If you can't pull your body weight up and down massive, slick boulders then I wouldn't recommend this hike. First mile or so of the trail is gravel, sand, scree which makes for more difficult footing (especially the climb uphill back to the parking lot).
November 23, 2020Amazingly fun once you get past the trudge in the sand. A couple of the ropes are challenging on the way back and require okay upper body strength or a nice friend to give you a boost. The hot springs are awesome and the views of the river and canyon are stunning. Definitely came off this hike happy as can be, and a bit sore the next day too. I wouldn’t recommend taking young kids or dogs, though I did see both and truly thought those people were just a bit batshit, but to each their own.
November 22, 2020November 22, 2020Just made it to the river where we're camping. It's a beast with 35 lb packs. I'm worried about the hike out, not gonna lie :]
November 22, 2020I cant even do one pull up but did the ropes without issues- just prepare to be sore the next few days for those who dont have upper body strength like myself! Didn’t use glove either, some friends complained their palms hurt. But mine seem to have thicker skin. Friends said they would bring gloves next time. Counted 7-8 ropes. Going down mostly not necessary but coming up was helpful. Saw some climby looking hikers who didnt use ropes even going up. Did the hike on a November day with a high of 60 deg. Changed into water shoes once there were signs of hot springs. Walking in the warm spring water in that outside temperature was enjoyable! Didnt get in the hot springs, however, it was breezy and cloudy and would be too cold for us getting out of the water.
November 21, 2020Amazing trail offering fun & challenging scrambling, stunning scenery, hot springs soaking opportunities, and Colorado River access. The trail starts a little slow in terms of scenery / challenge, and gradually improves as you progress. The visual highlight for me was the rock wall dripping with hot water and forming all sorts of colorful and whimsical patterns on its face. If you have some canyoneering / scrambling experience, the ropes aren't necessary and it's an extremely fun challenge to set the rope aside and use body friction + upper body strength to maneuver. The only exception is the last rope which is over wet rock / flowing water, where the rope was a welcome source of stability.
November 20, 2020Awesome!
November 20, 2020Hard to do with a dog unless you have a rope, harness, lock-in beaner and a little canyoneering/climbing experience wouldn’t hurt. The older large pools seem to have been taken down maybe by flooding but the ones closer to the river are even better now!
November 17, 2020best hike in the area hands down. doing it again for the fifth time in a couple days.
November 17, 2020Great trail, I’d rate it moderate with a lot of bouldering that’s not for the faint of heart. The hots springs are great but bring dry clothes/socks if you plan to enjoy.
November 15, 2020Great trail. More like a Spartan Race than a hike. Lots of rock scrambles and a couple of good rope assists. You’ll need some upper body strength. Took our Sheppard-Husky down to the river and needed to rig a harness for two decents. She was wiped out (as was I). Not for the faint of heart
November 15, 2020This hike is a must try if you are in shape for it. I don't think you need gloves like some of the other reviews say. But some solid boots will make the trip so much more enjoyable. Probably don't bring your pet if you plan on going down to the river. There are around 5 rope climbs in through out but only 2 are necessary to get in and out. Great views crowds get thinker the later you go. All in all, awesome trail!
November 14, 2020November 13, 2020I've done this hike 5-6 times in the past 4 years. When I arrived to the trail Wednesday morning at 9AM there wasn't even a parking spot. Follow me on Instagram @naturenatephotography for more amazing places to visit near Las Vegas and separate yourself from the crowd :)
November 11, 2020Beautiful view at bottom but hike is no joke. Hike was exhausting with having to use ropes to climb up and down. Also some rock scrambling. Definitely relied on other people to help us up at some points. I am a slow hiker and definitely a good idea to start early. I don’t know why it tracked me at 15 miles, probably no service at times.
November 11, 2020November 11, 2020
