Hiking to Goldstrike Hot Springs – Boulder City and Las Vegas

Hiking to Goldstrike Hot Springs, located just outside Las Vegas in Boulder City, offers an adventurous escape into Nevada's rugged wilderness. This is a challenging but rewarding trail that terminates at natural hot springs, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Known for its stunning desert scenery, unique geological features, and the therapeutic waters of the springs, this hike has become a must-do for locals and visitors.

Adventure Guide to Hiking to Goldstrike Hot Springs – Boulder City

Trail Overview
The trailhead is located off Highway 93, near the Hoover Dam. This 6-mile round-trip hike is rated difficult, with steep descents and rope-assisted sections. Hikers navigate through a series of dramatic slot canyons and boulder scrambles. You'll encounter gorgeous views of the rugged Mojave Desert and hints of the Colorado River as you approach the springs. These natural pools vary in temperature, offering a relaxing soak surrounded by the raw beauty of the area.
Key Features of the Springs
The hot springs are fed by geothermal activity and are divided into multiple pools of varying temperatures, from lukewarm to piping hot. A highlight is the Goldstrike Stream, which winds through the canyon and creates serene pockets of water. It's a perfect reward after the rigorous trek. Adventurous visitors can also hike a bit further to reach the Colorado River for a refreshing cold dip.
Local Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The ecosystem around Goldstrike Canyon is home to desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and birds like hawks and quail. The trail showcases fascinating geological formations, including volcanic rock and mineral deposits, making it an interesting spot for geology enthusiasts.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit
The trail is closed during summer (May to September) due to extreme heat. October through April is ideal, with cooler temperatures making the hike safer and more enjoyable.
What to Bring
Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring gloves for rope climbs, 3 liters of water, snacks, and a swimsuit for the springs.
Getting There
From Las Vegas, drive approximately 40 minutes on Interstate 11, exit at Highway 93, and follow signs to the parking lot.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Just Dri.2 months ago

So much fun! Definitely worth it- I would rate this hike on a difficulty level a 7/10 mainly because it has ropes that you need to climb down and up on. But it’s worth it for the amazing views- I don’t recommend bringing pets or kids but whatever floats your boat. Bring plenty of water, snacks,wipes,swimsuit and hiking boots.

Nicolas Burns3 months ago

I've done a lot of hikes, and this is hands down one of my favorites. It's fun all the way through and the reward at the bottom is incredible. If you want to check out the steam cave about a half mile up river, go earlier in the day. I like to take a dip in the Colorado after the hike to cool down and then relax in the hot springs before hiking out. Also, if you want a really serene experience, hike at night under a full moon - incredible. I wouldn't recommend bringing pets or little kids. My 5 and 8 year olds could probably do this with some rope training, but they are pretty physically adept.

Scott Williams3 weeks ago

First things first. People that place graffiti on natural rock deserve the worst. Awful humans. Ok, now the hike. It’s about 6 miles round trip from the parking lot. Rugged hike with 1000+ foot elevation gain each way. Really cool to find a place like this in the middle of the desert.

Kate Mariana Castilhos2 weeks ago

I found it very fun, but it gets very difficult on the way back. I read in the reviews that the trail lasts 50 minutes, but it took us more than 1:20h for more than 4.5 miles, and we didn't make it to the end due to the difficulty of the last rocks that were very high. Don't go with children, take water, wear hiking shoes, the rocks are very slippery, I think the difficulty level is 8/10.

Amanda Rivera3 weeks ago

This is a strenuous and humbling hike. Went with a guided hiking group from FTLO.Nature. I recommend to please take precautions and not bring a pet. Bring plenty of water and snacks bc it is a long hike. When we got to the hotsprings. It was a lovely open view of the Colorado river, but the heat of the hotspring was a little underwhelming, but the access to the Colorado River is amazing. Would come just for the Colorado River plunge.

Hiking

Hiking to Goldstrike Hot Springs – Boulder City and Las Vegas