Did you know that there are hot springs near Las Vegas? Many visitors will come to Vegas for years without ever hiking to one of these amazing hot springs!

Hot Springs Near las Vegas

Before I moved to Vegas, I never knew that there were so many hot springs near Las Vegas. I always thought that the hiking options were limited to Red Rocks and a few desert landscape hikes (South Oak Creek Trail and Flagpole Loop are some of my favorites).

I started learning more about the Lake Mead area and all the outdoor activities it had to offer. Soon enough, I started hearing about two hot springs hikes that are pretty popular and well known if you are a local – but otherwise may be kept secret.

The hot springs are only about an hour drive from The Strip so it makes for a nice day-time activity if you are in the area but sick of the standard activities on the Strip (gambling, shows, restaurants).

The hot springs in the Las Vegas area are definitely well-traveled but still in a fragile environment, so please be respectful of the lands and practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Gold Strike Hot SPrings

About the Hot Springs

Gold Strike Hot Springs is a fun hot springs hike that also takes you to the famous Colorado River. Choose Gold Strike Hot Springs if you want to combine a hot springs adventure, a view of the river, and skip ladders!

The hot springs were not super hot when we went. They felt maybe closer to 80-85 degrees than your 100 degree hot springs. But on a relatively warm day, this can still be pretty nice.

It can be more crowded with people drinking in the hot springs in the middle of the day, so I would recommend going early to enjoy it for yourself.

How to Get There

Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs can be accessed through the Colorado River (kayaking, boating) or hiking. The trailhead is located here, about 45 minutes from The Strip.

If you hike, it is around 7.5 miles with a lot of boulders and ropes – it can take around 5 hours. Be prepared for the boulders! You will need to use your hands and have relatively good upper body strength (or a friend pushing you) to get around.

It’s not the easiest hike but I found the ‘journey’ to be really enjoyable.

Is Gold Strike Hot Springs dog friendly?

Yes but… – Gold Strike Hot Springs is technically dog friendly but because you have to climb on large boulders, it’s not super easy for a dog. Unless you can fit your dog in a backpack it may be best to leave them at home.

ARIZONA HOT SPRINGS

About the Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs is another hot springs hike along the Colorado River. It can be accessed via Colorado River (kayak, boating) or hiking.

Because it is closer to Willow Beach, you will have more kayakers and boaters who frequent Arizona Hot Springs. Because of the more frequent visitors, I feel like Arizona Hot Springs gets trashed more easily. If you are heading out on a hike here, please remember to pack in and pack out! These hikes will only be as good as people leave them.

This hike is known for its ladder climb. Although the ladder climb can seem daunting, it is fairly safe if you are taking all precautions and going slowly.

For some reason the hot springs feel hotter here and may be nicer in the winter when you want some hot water! In the summer I usually like to dip in the freezing Colorado River instead.

How to Get There

Arizona Hot Springs is on the opposite side of the Colorado River as Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs. The trailhead is also around 45 minutes from The Strip here.

If you are hiking, it will take you around 6.5 miles to get to the hot springs and back with some scrambling.

This hike is a loop hike vs. Gold Strike Hot Springs which is a there and back. I personally like going left first and then looping back – which is opposite to what AllTrails would suggest.

Is Arizona Hot Springs dog friendly?

Yes but… – Arizona Hot Springs is technically dog friendly but I don’t see any dog having fun on the ladder climb, so I wouldn’t really recommend it unless your dog is very adventurous / easy to carry.

Recommended Gear FOR THE LAS VEGAS HOT SPRINGS

Because this is a tough hike, I would recommend bringing a pretty full pack that includes snacks and a LOT of water. Depending on the time of the year, you may want to bring up to 4 Liters of water. It can get really really hot in the summer and although there are generally a lot of people on the trails, you don’t want to need to rely on others.

Here is my recommended gear:

• Osprey 36L Sirrus Pack and rain cover or Topo Designs Mountain Pack (similar here)
• Hoka One One shoes: Those who follow me know that I ditched my hiking boots a couple of years ago. Shoes are very personal and you should definitely wear what is best for you, but I love having a lighter shoe with cushion on the bottom so my feet don’t hurt. Hoka One Ones are perfect!
• MSR Dromlite 2L: my favorite drom bag, have had it over 8 years and it’s holding up great. Depending on the weather, you might want to bring 4L of water (so 2 dromlites)
• Icebreaker Merino mid-layer: a great mid-layer when it gets windy/cold in the fall and winter! I personally wore long sleeves when I did these hikes in January
• Smartwool Short Sleeve Tshirt: great t-shirt for when it’s hot. Helps wick away sweat and would be a great bet for any of the hot springs near Las Vegas
• Nike Running Shorts: For the hot springs hike, I’d much rather wear shorts than leggings because leggings feel sticky after you are wet. The only downside – you may scratch your legs doing some of the boulder climbs
• Gloves: If you have sensitive hands, you may want to purchase some gloves to help with the boulders. They will help protect your hands from blisters

Have you hiked any of the hot springs near Las Vegas before? What did you think?

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