Arizona Hot Spring Trail

NPS Photo - Andrew Cattoir

 

About This Trail

 

This trail is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapid.

• Very Strenuous
• Distance Round Trip: 5 mi / 8.1 km
• Elevation Change: 750 ft / 228.6 m

 

Annual Summer Trail Closures

The Arizona Hot Spring trail system, including White Rock Canyon and Liberty Bell Arch are closed May 15-Sept. 30.

The ladder at the hot spring was damaged by a flood. There is no access to the pools from the river at this time.

 

Tips for a Fun & Safe Day

Although springs, especially hot springs, are safe and fun to relax in, there is a slight danger from a rare and lethal amoeba called Naegleria fowleri.

This is not to say you cannot enjoy the springs at Lake Mead, just take some simple precautions. The amoeba enters the body through the nose only; it will not harm you if swallowed. Keep your head above water to prevent any infection.

 

Find the Trail

 

Directions

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

Parking

Park at the trailhead and walk down the hill and under the highway.

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Information

Interesting Facts

The spring 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 and rock daisy. Rocks encountered during the hike are primarily volcanic, including flow and tuff (ash) deposits, with some granite boulders washed down from Wilson Ridge.