Arizona Hot Springs Ringbolt Trail
Hike through a dramatic slot canyon to natural hot springs by the Colorado River, offering a unique desert adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid extreme desert heat
Arizona Hot Springs Ringbolt Trail
Best Time
Avoid extreme desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a dramatic slot canyon to natural hot springs by the Colorado River, offering a unique desert adventure.
"Absolutely love this place. My third favorite Slot Canyon, however my favorite Hot Springs."
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this desert hike; dehydration is a serious risk.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel and sand make good traction crucial.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Slot Canyon Descent
Trailhead to Hot Springs
Descend through a stunning, narrow slot canyon with colorful rock formations.
Natural Hot Springs Pools
Near Colorado River
Soak in a series of natural hot spring pools with varying temperatures.
Colorado River Access
End of the trail
Reach the banks of the mighty Colorado River after your hike and soak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Hydration & Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this desert hike; dehydration is a serious risk.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel and sand make good traction crucial.
☀️ Early Start Recommended
Beat the heat and crowds by starting before 10 AM.
⬆️ Uphill Return
The hike out is significantly more challenging than the hike in.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring LOTS of Water
Essential for this desert hike; dehydration is a serious risk.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose gravel and sand make good traction crucial.
☀️ Early Start Recommended
Beat the heat and crowds by starting before 10 AM.
⬆️ Uphill Return
The hike out is significantly more challenging than the hike in.
🩱 Nudist Sightings
Be aware that some areas are clothing-optional.
🛶 Alternative Access
Consider kayaking or boating for a different approach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning slot canyon hike and the unique experience of soaking in natural hot springs by the Colorado River. While the hike is challenging, especially the return trip, the breathtaking scenery and rejuvenating waters make it a worthwhile adventure. Some note the intense heat and the presence of nudists in certain areas.
"Absolutely love this place. My third favorite Slot Canyon, however my favorite Hot Springs.
Boyscout Canyon is the best. Need to go there with an outfitter like ours, Adventure Child.
Please note Arizona Hot Springs, Goldstrike and Boyscout are all closed during summer. Safest way to get there is with a guide who can show you how to safely climb up all the geothermal waterfall rope climbes and stairs.
Always feel rejuvenated and my vitality is always amazing after resetting magnesium, calcium, and 11 different essential nutrients your body soaks in here. Make sure not to put your head under water to avoid a brain eating ameba. Only in stagnant areas I went under first time and I’m fine….i think"
Cameron Siskowic
"Hiking down was way easier than going back up! We ran into a group of nudists along the way. The first pool was crazy hot (about 111°F) so I couldn’t handle it, but the water got cooler further down and was perfect for soaking. It took a little over an hour to get down and about 80 minutes to hike back up. the hike was a little over 3 miles one way!
The views were awesome, but you definitely need to go early (by 10 am) it was already way too hot to be hiking. Bring tons of water! Most of the trail is loose gravel and sand, so it’s a little tough to walk on."
Megan Andrus
"Cool hike to a really neat collection of hot spring soaking “tubs”. Each level of the hot spring soaking tubs were exactly 5°F different from each other (according to my watch), ranging from 95°-110° Fahrenheit. Not a difficult trail heading to the hot springs, but the steeper incline returning to the trailhead makes it more difficult. Bring plenty of water and take your time on the return"
Aaron Outten
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arizona Hot Springs (also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs) is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, heading towards the Hoover Dam. The trailhead is located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead. Some visitors have noted staying overnight in the parking lot, though it's located near a busy highway.
Absolutely! You can access the hot springs from the Colorado River by boat or kayak, which offers a different experience than hiking.
The hike is typically a 6-mile loop, though some routes can range from 5.2 to 7 miles depending on the path taken.
The hike is generally considered moderate to difficult due to elevation gain and the challenging return trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The trailhead is within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so a park pass may be required. Check the official NPS website for current fees and regulations.
While the springs are generally accessible year-round, they are often closed seasonally due to extreme heat. It's crucial to check for any closures before your visit.
There are no official operating hours for the trail itself, but it's highly recommended to start your hike very early in the morning to avoid the intense desert heat.
Parking at the trailhead is typically free, but you may need to pay an entrance fee for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Some visitors have reported staying overnight in the parking lot, but official camping information should be verified with the National Park Service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hot springs can range from very hot (around 111°F) to warm, with cooler pools found further down the canyon.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring swimwear if you plan to soak. Be prepared for your feet to get wet.
Restroom facilities are generally not available on the trail itself. Plan accordingly and use facilities before you begin your hike.
No, the trail offers very little to no shade, making it essential to hike during cooler parts of the day and stay hydrated.
The trail features loose gravel, sand, and some rocky sections, including slot canyon passages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the trailhead or on the hike. It's best to pack all your food and drinks for the day.
Yes, packing snacks and a picnic lunch is highly recommended, especially since the hike can take several hours. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic slot canyon formations, the vibrant colors of the rocks, the hot springs themselves, and the scenic Colorado River.
Be cautious with electronics, especially near water. Consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the alternative access via the Colorado River if you have younger children or prefer a less strenuous approach. However, even then, the hot springs themselves can be very hot, so supervision is key.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is essential and significantly cheaper than purchasing on-site. This hike offers a high reward for a low cost, providing stunning natural beauty and a unique experience without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to invest in good hiking gear and plenty of water.
💑 Couples & Adventurers
Consider making it a full day trip by combining the hike with exploring the Hoover Dam or other nearby attractions. The early morning start can lead to a beautiful sunrise over the desert landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike: Slot Canyon Adventure
+2Be prepared for varied terrain, including loose gravel, sand, and some scrambling. The hike can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the springs. The return hike is consistently described as more challenging due to the uphill climb.
The Springs: Natural Relaxation
Many visitors find the cooler pools perfect for a relaxing soak, especially after the strenuous hike. The mineral-rich water is said to be rejuvenating. Remember to avoid putting your head underwater to prevent any risk of amoebic infections, though this is rare.
Safety and Best Practices
Be aware that some sections of the trail and the hot springs area are clothing-optional, with nudist signs posted.
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