Last updated: October 13, 2026
Thing to Do
Hike the Arizona Hot Springs Trail
NPS/A. Cattoir
To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30.
Temporary closures will take place outside of these dates when temperatures are forecasted to reach 95 Fahrenheit or higher at Willow Beach (AZ), or if flash floods are possible.
The hot springs remain open and accessible by water on Lake Mohave.
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Arizona Hot Spring trail is strenuous and can be combined to make a loop going down a 20-foot ladder to the White Rock Canyon trail. With a 750-foot elevation change and some steep scrambling, this hike is considered very strenuous.
This trail is located in a strikingly beautiful volcanic area. There is a wide variety of desert plants to be found, including indigo bush, ground cherry, rabbit brush, Mormon tea, desert fir, cheesebush, globemallow, and rock nettle. Rocks are primarily volcanic and volcanic ash, with some granite boulders washed down from the Black Mountains.
The water in the Arizona Hot Spring has been heated by the natural geothermal temperature conditions of the earth. This heated groundwater moves to the surface through faults and fractures in the rock and discharges at an estimated rate of about 30 to 50 gallons per minute. The water temperature of the spring ranges from 111 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Please know that the springs are free-flowing, and alterations are NOT permitted. Blocking water flow with sandbags or other items to create pools at the hot springs creates health risks and alters the natural flow of the spring systems.
Help us, and others by following leave-no-trace principles, including packing out trash and human waste (feces). Pit toilets are located 200 yards downstream of the Arizona Hot Springs along the Colorado River.
Trail Information
- Trailhead: DIRECTIONS
- Parking: Shared trailhead. Parking located just off U.S. Highway 93 before mile post 4, south of Hoover Dam.
- Distance: 5 miles out-and-back / 5.69 miles round trip Arizona Hot Springs trail loop (Arizona Hot Springs trail + White Rock Trail)
- Elevation Gain: 750 ft. elevation change
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- THIS TRAIL IS NOT MAINTAINED.
- Services: Accessible pit toilets along trail along Colorado River.
- Good to Know:
- Always lock your car and take valuables with you.
- Do not leave pets in cars while you are away!
- Because of flash flood dangers, do not hike in wash or canyon areas if thunderstorms are threatening.
- It is illegal to remove plants, wildlife, geologic features (rocks), and archeological artifacts as they are protected under federal law.
- Warning!
- If you take the Arizona Hot Springs trail, there is a 20 foot ladder to climb down that will connect you to the White Rock Canyon trail. Climb at your own risk.
Details
Duration
4-8 Hours
Duration represents the time it would take to complete the entire trail roundtrip.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
- Drinking water is not available at the trailhead.
Pets Allowed
Yes
- Pets must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times.
- Pets should not be left unattended.
- We require that you clean up after your pet at all times.
Activity Fee
Yes
The Arizona Hot Springs Trail is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter, Spring, Fall
The Liberty Bell Arch Trail is closed annually from May 15 - September 30.
Accessibility Information
This trail is an unmaintained route through a normally dry desert wash. The wash is made of soft sand, gravel, rocks, and boulders its entire length. There are steep grades as well as rock ledges that must be climbed down.