Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
A challenging 5-6 mile hike near Las Vegas, featuring slot canyons, ropes, and natural hot springs leading to the Colorado River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, trail open
Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, trail open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 5-6 mile hike near Las Vegas, featuring slot canyons, ropes, and natural hot springs leading to the Colorado River.
"This hike gave every one of my kids a challenge and they all came out feeling triumphant!"
👟 Grippy Shoes are Key!
Essential for rock scrambling & ropes. Avoid worn-out soles; they're a major hazard.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring at least 4L per person. The return hike is tough, especially in the heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Soothing Hot Springs
Goldstrike Canyon
Relax in naturally warm to hot pools after a challenging trek. Perfect for unwinding and soaking in the desert scenery.
Slot Canyon Scramble
Goldstrike Canyon
Navigate narrow canyons with exciting rock scrambling and rope-assisted descents. An adventurous and rewarding part of the hike.
Colorado River Access
End of the trail
Reach the mighty Colorado River for stunning views and a refreshing contrast to the hot springs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Trail Closure & Seasonality
Gear Up for Adventure: Footwear & Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Grippy Shoes are Key!
Essential for rock scrambling & ropes. Avoid worn-out soles; they're a major hazard.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring at least 4L per person. The return hike is tough, especially in the heat.
🗓️ Check Trail Status
Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail closes May-Oct. Always verify it's open before you go.
🪢 Rope Skills Needed
The trail involves significant rope-assisted descents and ascents. Be prepared for a challenge.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Grippy Shoes are Key!
Essential for rock scrambling & ropes. Avoid worn-out soles; they're a major hazard.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring at least 4L per person. The return hike is tough, especially in the heat.
🗓️ Check Trail Status
Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail closes May-Oct. Always verify it's open before you go.
🪢 Rope Skills Needed
The trail involves significant rope-assisted descents and ascents. Be prepared for a challenge.
👙 Pack Swim Gear
Don't forget a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs and river!
🐕 Dog-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs are allowed but the strenuous terrain and heat can be difficult for them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail as an amazing, challenging hike with a huge sense of accomplishment. The natural hot springs and river access are highly praised rewards after navigating slot canyons and rope sections. However, the strenuous nature, need for proper gear, and the brutal return hike in heat are common points of caution.
"I’m 39, my husband is 40. We did this hike with our 5 kids yesterday ages 6-15. It was amazing. The exact trail I was looking for. Gave every one of my kids a challenge, everyone got scrapes and bruises—minor—but then every single one of them came out feeling triumphant. It requires problem-solving, patience, and they had to work through fear and uncertainty, and best yet—they had to work together! It took us 5 hours.
I wasn’t originally planning on joining in on the hike and didn’t bring proper footwear. My shoes were completely worn smooth on the bottom, and I wouldn’t have made it through the obstacles without help, so I recommend good grippy shoes.
My 6 year old frustrates easily and is afraid of heights. I didn’t expect him to make it but by the end he was ahead of us scaling ropes by himself! Incredible experience.
And saw fun lizards and a mountain goat scramble down one side and up the other!!
We brought 4 liters and ran out towards the end, I wish we had brought more. We were exhausted at the end—the last 45 minutes back to the parking lot on the gravelly dusty trail in the heat after completing all the obstacles was a bit brutal."
Stephanie Savage
"Def do this hike with LOTS of water.
The trail closes from May-Oct due to how hot it can get.
We went in late March and it hit 90+° and the hike up to car was hard!
The terrain is soft loose gravel (think cat litter) for the first part, then becomes really rocky and then you have to climb down 9 roped rocks before you hit the first hot spring and water falls.
You are decending into the canyon, so be aware the trip back is all up.
Warning: water at the springs is very warm/hot 🔥
But after a 2hr trek down it feels amazing.
So pack plenty of water, food, and bathing suit.
This was our most challenging hike to date, as we'd never done ropes on a hike before, also the heat made the return much more tiring.
We took about 4hrs to go in-out.
We did not go to the Colorado River at the very end, but chose to stop at the hot springs and eat lunch, relax and rest before having to hike back up it all.
In our opinion up the rock ropes was easier than down. Just remember to let your legs do most of the work, instead of upper body/arms. Legs are larger muscles and tire less quickly.
There are 9 ropes to repel down then back up.
All in all, we rated this a top ten of all our hikes thus far! 😍"
Lea Rose Bell
"A few comments almost talked me out of doing this trail. It's really not that hard!
The hike from the parking lot to the Colorado River took about 1hr 15 mins. I did not have proper hiking shoes with me as we flew here for a holiday; I wore vans. Yes, proper boots would have been nice but were not at all mandatory. Gloves are NOT necessary, either. Even if I was given some, I wouldn't choose to wear them.
The first half of the hike is a pretty basic gravel path. The second half gets fun with some rocks and ropes to assist you down. None of the ropes are very difficult. You obviously need some bare minimum upper body strength to support yourself, though. (Also, given the ropes and heat, it's not a good place to bring your dog). Near the bottom, the final 10 mins is following a wet creek bed, which requires some careful steps to avoid wet feet. I only saw two pools, one is quite large and the other is small. Neither was super warm, I'd guess high 90s or maybe 100F max. It's definitely warmer if you sit near the heat source. As a bonus a lot of the hike was in the shade due to being in a canyon for the majority of the hike.
Total round trip time was about 2hr 40 mins. Left the parking lot at 1030am, back to the car just after 1pm. Logged 10.7km and 350m elevation gain."
Andrew F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is located about 40 minutes to an hour outside of Las Vegas, near Boulder City, Nevada. You can drive to the trailhead. Many visitors use the AllTrails app for directions to the trailhead.
Yes, the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is located behind the Hoover Dam, making it a popular day trip for those visiting the area.
Using a navigation app like AllTrails is highly recommended. The trail can be challenging to follow in parts, and the app provides detailed maps and user-submitted information.
Parking at the trailhead is generally free, but it's always a good idea to check for any posted signs or park advisories regarding fees or permits, especially if visiting during peak times.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trailhead. Driving your own vehicle or using a ride-sharing service is the most practical way to get there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee for the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail itself, as it's part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which may have its own entrance fees if you are driving into the park. However, the trailhead access is usually free.
The trail is officially closed during the hot summer months, typically from May 1st through September 30th, due to extreme heat. It reopens around October 1st and remains open until May 1st.
Generally, no specific permit is required for day hiking the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail. However, it's always wise to check the official Lake Mead National Recreation Area website for any updated regulations or permit requirements.
The trail is open during its seasonal operating window (October 1st to May 1st). There are no specific daily operating hours, but it's best to hike during daylight for safety and visibility.
No advance booking or tickets are necessary for hiking the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis during its open season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This is considered a strenuous and challenging hike. It involves significant elevation change, rock scrambling, and the use of ropes for descents and ascents. It's not a casual stroll. +5
Sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip are crucial due to the rocky terrain and ropes. Water shoes or sandals are recommended for the hot springs themselves. +1
The round trip can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on your fitness level, how long you spend at the springs, and the pace of your group. Some hikers log up to 6 miles. +1
There are typically no facilities or restrooms at the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trailhead. Be prepared to use the wilderness or pack out all trash.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail, but it's important to note that the strenuous terrain, heat, and rope sections can be very difficult and potentially dangerous for them. Consider your dog's capabilities carefully.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the slot canyons, the natural hot springs, and the dramatic Colorado River at the end. The rope sections also offer unique photographic moments.
Yes, but exercise caution. Secure your camera in a backpack when not in use, especially during the rock scrambling and rope sections, to prevent drops or damage.
Morning light can be beautiful in the slot canyons, offering softer shadows. Midday can be harsh, but the contrast can also be dramatic. Consider the season for optimal lighting.
The viewpoints within the slot canyons themselves, the areas around the hot springs, and the final overlook of the Colorado River are all prime spots for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the canyon landscapes. A waterproof bag or case is advisable if you plan to get close to the water or if conditions are wet.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Ensure children have appropriate footwear with excellent grip. Pack significantly more water than you think you'll need, as the return hike can be taxing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Focus your spending on essential gear like sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water.
💑 Couples & Adventurous Pairs
It's an opportunity to create memorable moments away from the typical Las Vegas Strip attractions. Recommendations for couples: Plan your visit during the cooler months for a more comfortable hike.
Bring a waterproof camera to capture your adventure together. Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy by the Colorado River or at the hot springs for a romantic touch. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge: Hiking Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
+3Many visitors describe the return trip as particularly tough, as it's all uphill after reaching the springs or the river. The terrain varies from loose gravel, described by some as 'cat litter,' to rocky paths and steep inclines. Proper footwear with excellent grip is paramount to safely tackle these obstacles.
Despite the difficulty, the sense of accomplishment is immense. Families with children have reported their kids feeling triumphant after overcoming the challenges, learning problem-solving skills, and working together.
The Reward: Hot Springs and River Views
While some pools are warmer than others, sitting near the heat source can make them feel even hotter. Beyond the hot springs, the trail culminates at the mighty Colorado River. This provides a stunning visual contrast to the desert environment and offers a chance for a refreshing dip if the hot springs are too warm.
+1 The journey through the slot canyons themselves is also a highlight, offering dramatic geological formations and a sense of exploration. Many visitors find the entire experience to be incredibly rewarding, with some rating it among their top hiking experiences. It's important to note that the hot springs are a natural feature, and their temperature and flow can vary. Some visitors have noted that the pools weren't 'super warm' on their visit, suggesting a range in temperature.
Seasonal Access and Safety Considerations
+2 Attempting the hike during this period can lead to severe heatstroke and other life-threatening conditions. Always verify the trail's open status before your trip. When the trail is open, visitors should still be mindful of the weather. Even in the shoulder seasons (late March to early May, and late September to October), temperatures can soar into the 90s°F (30s°C), making the return hike challenging.
Safety on the trail also involves being prepared for the terrain. The use of ropes requires a basic level of upper body strength and confidence.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit