Hike the Lone Palm Trail

A view of the Colorado River at the end of the Lone Palm route.

NPS Photo / E. Lowe

The Lone Palm trail is a challenging hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon to natural hot springs with stunning views of the Colorado River. The trail has around 1,000 feet of elevation change and includes rock ledges of varying heights. To get through, you'll need to scramble using both hands and feet to navigate the steeper sections.

Additionally, this trail is unmarked. Please keep in mind that there are two main routes for the Lone Palm trail as you hike. One requires ropes and rock climbing equipment, while the other travels up and down several large hills. Because of how technical this route is in places, this is not a trail to take a pet on.

Trail Information

• Parking: Free parking off of U.S. Highway 93, Exit 2 for Kingman Wash Road.
• Distance: 4.3 miles/6.9km round trip
• Elevation Change: 1,100 ft/335m
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• THIS ROUTE IS NOT MAINTAINED.
• Services: There are no restrooms located at the trailhead or on the trail itself. Please bring Wag-bags to carry out all of your human waste and dispose of it properly. 
• Good to Know:
  • Always lock your car and take valuables with you.
  • Do not leave pets in cars while you are away! This route is not recommended for pets.
  • 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!
  • The water is not tested and may contain high levels of fecal matter. Do Not Drink! Carry plenty of water for each person to complete the roundtrip hike (at least 2 + liters per person).

Health Warning:

The hot springs flow naturally, and altering their flow by blocking water with sandbags or other objects can increase health risks. Past testing has found high levels of bacteria, including fecal coliform, E. coli, and enterococci, when the water is pooled. Additionally, the springs can contain amoebas, such as Naegleria, which in rare cases can cause serious illness if they enter the body. The park does not regularly test the water, and the springs are not designated swim areas, so visitors should use their own judgment before soaking. Never drink the water. Failure to follow these recommendations has resulted in significant health impacts or death.

Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy this unique adventure responsibly!

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 available at the nearby Lake Mead Visitor Center.

Pets Allowed

Yes

• Due to the steep terrain and dryfalls along this hike, it is NOT recommended that you bring your pets on the trail.
• Pets must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times.
• Protect your pet's paws from the hot ground! On a sunny day if the air temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the trail surface will be about 135F which can cause burns to skin and paws. At 110F the trail surface will be over 160F!
• Pets should not be left unattended.
• We require that you clean up after your pet at all times.

Activity Fee

Yes

The Lone Palm trail is in 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

Remember heat kills, be summer-smart and opt to hike when temperatures are cooler. If you do choose to hike during the summer, rangers recommend starting early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is slightly cooler. Remember to pack enough water for your entire trip.

Accessibility Information

This trail is an unmaintained route which partly travels through two normally dry desert washes. The washes are made of soft sand, gravel, rocks, and boulders their entire length. There are steep grades as well as rock ledges that must be climbed down both towards the hot springs and on the return trip.

The beginning of the trail showcases some of the steeper sections of the hike.

NPS / E. Lowe

This hike features several rock ledges of various heights to scramble over.

NPS / E. Lowe

Parts of the Lone Palm trail can be difficult to identify. Pay close attention to the route when hiking!

NPS / E. Lowe

Some sections of the trail require both hands and feet to climb up and over.

NPS / E. Lowe