Arizona Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs Hike

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Arizona Hot Springs is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids. The spring brook forms several pools that are located about 1,000 feet from the river, where the canyon walls are nearly vertical and about 6 to 9 feet apart. Directly at the source the spring discharges highly mineralized water at a rate of about 30 gallons per minute and a temperature of about 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring issues from fractures in Miocene-age volcanic rocks near the intersection of two faults.

White Rock Canyon is a strikingly beautiful volcanic area. There is a wide variety of desert plants to be found, including indigo bush, ground cherry, rush-milkweed, rabbit brush, Mormon tea, desert fir, cheesebush, globemallow, desert tobacco, desert trumpet, rock nettle, rock daisy, and windmills. Rocks encountered during the hike are primarily volcanic, including flow and tuff (ash) deposits, with some granite boulders washed down from the Black Canyon.

Arizona Hot Springs hike is not advised in the summer. If you choose to go, take lots of water and watch out for rattlesnakes. Do not put your hands or feet on ledges, in bushes, or under or around rocks where you cannot see.

For your safety, it is recommended you stay on established trails.

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  Length - 6 miles roundtrip
  
  
  
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  Time - 5 hours plus time to soak in hot springs
  
  
  
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  One-way elevation loss/gain - 800'
  
  
  
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  Rated - moderately strenuous
  
  
  

Directions to the Hot Springs

Hike down a spectacular volcanic canyon to the Colorado River below Hoover Dam and relax in a pleasant hot spring in a nearby side canyon.

From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead.

Follow this wash downhill to the river, then follow the river 1/4 mile south over the hill where you will find the hot springs up the side canyon. Warning: A 20' ladder must be climbed to reach the best hot springs. This canyon gets its name from many huge white boulders that were carried down the canyon by flash floods.

 

Ladder at Arizona Hot Springs

If you are coming from Kingman, Arizona, the trailhead is .2 miles before the mile marker 4.

Warning - Naegleria fowleria, an amoeba common to thermal pools, may be present and could enter through the nose causing a rare infection and death. Do not dive into pools, splash water, or submerge your head.