Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

The trail typically starts near Boulder City, Nevada. You'll find a designated trailhead parking area. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.

This trail is rated as moderate to difficult, or even strenuous, and is best for experienced hikers. The terrain starts flat but quickly becomes rugged, involving significant rock scrambles, bouldering, and navigating several dry falls within a narrow canyon. You'll encounter 3 to 8 fixed ropes that assist with steep descents and ascents.

The primary draw is the series of natural hot spring pools near the Colorado River, offering a relaxing reward. Along the way, you'll see towering red rock canyon walls, colorful algae, and mineral deposits. The trail also offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the iconic Hoover Dam. Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep and peculiar car wreckage. The Gold Strike Hot Springs themselves are a highlight.

The Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) round trip. Given its challenging terrain, including rope sections and bouldering, it typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, but can take longer depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the hot springs.

The best time to hike is during the cooler months, from October to April. The trail is closed from May 15th to September 30th due to extreme heat, which makes it unsafe for hiking.

No, this trail is not recommended for beginners or young children. Its moderate to difficult rating, combined with the need for good physical fitness, balance, coordination, and the use of ropes for descents and ascents, makes it unsuitable for those without hiking experience.

No, the trail is not recommended for pets. The steep and technical terrain, including rope sections and bouldering, makes it unsafe for dogs. Additionally, the ground can reach extreme temperatures, especially outside of the cooler months, posing a risk to paws.

The Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While there isn't a specific permit required for the trail itself, there is an entrance fee to access the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can find more information on fees and passes on the official NPS website: nps.gov.

Given the challenging nature and desert environment, you should bring plenty of water (more than you think you'll need), sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), snacks, and a first-aid kit. Gloves can be helpful for the rope sections. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and technical terrain.

Be aware that the return journey is entirely uphill and involves climbing back up the ropes and boulders you descended. This can be particularly demanding, so conserve your energy and be prepared for a strenuous ascent. Many hikers find the return more challenging than the initial descent.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail, but also passes through sections of the Goldstrike Canyon Road, Goldstrike Pass Road, and Goldstrike Parallel Road.