A rugged desert canyon trail leading to geothermal pools where mineral-rich hot spring water cascades over terraced rock formations into the Colorado River below.
Best started early in the day due to extreme heat and exposure
Private vehicle: $25
Motorcycle: $20
Individual (walk-in/bike): $15
Not recommended in summer due to extreme heat
How to Get There
From Las Vegas (25 mi): Take US-93 S toward Boulder City, cross Hoover Dam, then continue a short distance and follow signs to Goldstrike Canyon Trailhead parking area on the right before the Arizona state line.
Overview
The Goldstrike Hot Spring trail is one of the most demanding and rewarding desert hikes in the American Southwest, plunging deep into a dramatic canyon carved by time and flash floods. Along the route, hikers navigate steep descents, boulder scrambles, and fixed ropes that add a thrilling, almost expedition-like feel to the journey. The reward at the canyon’s end is a series of natural hot spring pools, where mineral-rich water flows over smooth rock terraces before spilling into the cold, emerald waters of the Colorado River, creating a striking contrast between heat and desert cool.
Surrounding the trail is a stark yet beautiful landscape of rugged cliffs, volcanic rock, and expansive desert vistas that showcase the raw geology of the region. Wildlife sightings such as bighorn sheep and desert birds add to the sense of isolation, while the towering canyon walls intensify the feeling of immersion in a remote wilderness. This destination is not only a physical challenge but a dramatic sensory experience, blending heat, texture, and sound into a memorable adventure that captures the untamed spirit of the desert.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official National Park Service pages for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
