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. SEASONAL CLOSURE: This area is subject to seasonal closure due to extreme heat and weather conditions. For more information, please visit 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.
April 14, 2021So much fun! I’m exhausted.... bring LOTS OF WATER! More than you think you’d need! We didn’t have gloves for the ropes but that would have been nice but not a complete necessity. Bring water shoes and sunscreen. This is one of our favorite hikes now!
April 8, 2021Awesome. We went at night with headlamps and I had the time of my life. Beautiful hike at night, with the starts above, and then the lights of the bridge once you get to the river.
April 8, 2021do I need ropes for this trail or could I complete it just walking
April 7, 2021what a great adventure. rock climbing rope climbs great views. this was a blast
April 7, 2021This trail is by far my favorite trail I’ve hiked in Las Vegas it is difficult, a lot of slipping and falling and damaging my hands on the ropes but SO WORTH IT.
April 7, 2021Had the whole hot springs trail to ourselves! Arrived at the parking lot at 6am on a Wednesday and no other people. The hike itself is like any other slot canyon hike with more scrambling. I highly recommend wearing gloves for the ropes and wearing goretex shoes since there are several low water crossing points. There was plenty of water flowing and the hot springs were very warm. PACK YOUR SH*T UP! some leftover trash on the trail, let’s keep this place maintained and looking good for others to enjoy.
April 5, 2021April 4, 2021Bring way way more water than you need. Do not attempt unless you are an experienced hiker. The views at the bottom of the river were well worth it though!
April 3, 2021April 3, 2021Awesome going back again
April 3, 2021Loved it! Heavily trafficked with people, so we would all have to wait in a line to go. Overall, super fun! Just expect a crowd. Once at the end though, it’s worth it! Hot springs that is SUPER hot and at the end, the cold Colorado river Also, bring bug spray. Sooo many mosquitoes.
April 2, 2021very fun. one of the most technical climbs I've done. a lot of bouldering doe. use of ropes to climb up and down. I couldn't have done it without a hiking partner to help me down so e if the ropes safely.
April 1, 2021First, this hike is spectacular but NOT for someone new to hiking or with health conditions, children or dogs. Absolutely, do not take your dog. Period. This hike is very difficult, in direct sun and has several (7-8) very dangerous rope climbing sections. I do not know how these sections are maintained as a rope literally broke on the party before us, and thankfully, there was an alternative route on this section or we would have had to be rescued or wait for someone who had a rope. I’ve rock climbed before and I was upset with the quality of these ropes... only one anchor point ever and loads of people climbing on old ropes. That said, I did use the ropes and if I return to this hike, I will bring spare rope with me. Bring EXTRA water. I ran out with 2.5 liter bladder and had to hike last bit without any. I’m an experienced hiker but underestimated my hydration. My Garmin clocked this at over 7 miles roundtrip from the parking lot to the Colorado River and back. Bring gloves to save your hands. Hiking boots a must! Also, you will get wet. Lastly, please, please bring your trash out. And leave your dog at home. No matter how good it is on hikes prior. Everyone will be silently angry you put your canine through that!
March 31, 2021Really fun.
March 30, 2021It was a fun trail. Bring your hiking boots and gloves. Expect to get wet.
March 30, 2021If you’re feeling like a good scramble, there were usually alternate routes around the ropes, which became choke points on a Saturday. Wear boots or trail shoes and don’t stick your head in the water!
March 29, 2021Challenging, but very rewarding hike. There’s 7 ropes to descend to the hot springs, so I’d recommend gloves. I had fingerless gloves and slipped on one, and regretted it. Make sure to bring enough water too, it’s a long hike. It’s quite technical in some areas, so have good shoes. With the technical aspects, it’s such a rewarding feeling to finish. And the hot springs are definitely worth it!
