Guided Hot Spring Hiking Tours Near Hoover Dam
Kayak Lake Mead runs guided hikes to natural hot springs in the Black Canyon, near Hoover Dam and about 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The Arizona Hot Springs hike is moderate and Gold Strike is moderate with challenging areas; both include rock scrambling, and the Gold Strike trail has rope sections. Both hikes take about 2 hours each way, with up to an hour to relax at the springs and enjoy light snacks.
Hiking tours meet at their trailheads near Hoover Dam.
Arizona Hot Springs Hiking Tour
The Arizona Hot Springs Hiking Tour is a guided hike through a volcanic desert canyon to natural hot spring pools above the Colorado River. The springs run about 111–120°F, and the direct route ends with a 20-foot ladder down to the river. The trail climbs gradually, gaining up to 800 feet, with some rock scrambling. Along the way you'll pass volcanic rock, granite boulders and desert plants like indigo bush, globemallow and Mormon tea. The springs flow naturally at 30–50 gallons per minute, and accessible pit toilets are downstream along the Colorado River.
- Price:$145 per person
- Length:5 to 6 hours
- Distance:5 miles out-and-back, or 5.69 miles as a loop via White Rock Canyon
- Difficulty:Moderate, with some rock scrambling
- Parking:Off U.S. Highway 93, south of Hoover Dam (map)
- Trail info:Arizona Hot Springs Trail (NPS) and White Rock Canyon Trail (NPS)
- Note:Pets are not recommended. Avoid hiking when storms could cause flash floods.
Gold Strike Hot Spring Hiking Tour
The Gold Strike Hot Spring Hiking Tour is a challenging canyon hike to natural hot springs, with views of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam. The trail passes seven dryfalls, each with a rope section you climb or rappel, so it suits fit, adventurous hikers. Take the dryfalls seriously; injuries are common among hikers who underestimate this trail.
- Price:$145 per person
- Length:5 to 6 hours
- Distance:About 5.3 miles round trip
- Elevation:about 1,200 feet
- Difficulty:Moderate to challenging, with 7 rope sections. The ropes are not maintained.
- Parking:Goldstrike Canyon and Hot Springs Parking Lot (map)
- Trail info:Goldstrike Canyon Trail (NPS)
Hiking Season and Schedule
Hiking tours run Monday through Thursday from October 1 to May 14. Because of extreme heat, the trails to these hot springs are typically closed from May 15 to September 30 every summer.
Before You Book a Hot Spring Hike
- Hikers must be at least 8 years old.
- Both trails are in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which charges an entry fee. There's no pay station at the trailheads and rangers can ask for a pass, so buy a park pass online ahead of time and keep it in your car.
- Bring appropriate clothes, plenty of water and sturdy footwear.
- Both hikes are moderate to challenging and include rock scrambling. Gold Strike adds rope climbing and rappelling.
- Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Altering the flow of the springs is prohibited.
- Plants, wildlife, and geological features are protected under federal law, so leave them in place.
- Lock your car and take your valuables with you at the trailhead.
Want to be on the water instead? See our kayak tours, or read our policies before booking.