Arizona Hot Springs

Guide to hiking to the Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs

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“Water emerging from a hot spring is heated geothermally with heat produced from the Earth's mantle.”

Let's get you started with all the details to get you out exploring this beautiful and relaxing spring.

Backpack Essentials

1. Osprey Daypack

2. Teva Sandals

3. Water bladder

4. Kind bars or any other snacks but bring plenty

5. Phone tripod with remote

6. Keen boots (not in my bag but definitely on my feet :)

7. Headlamp (you never know so I keep it in my pack)

8. Pocket hand wash leafs

9. Nuun hydration tablets

10. Water Filtration Straw

11. Swimsuit ( I hiked in mine under my clothes)

**There is no cell service along this trail. Trail closed May 15-September 30. Pro tip: save your battery and put your phone on airplane mode.

About the hike

This trial has been rated difficult, meaning the complexity presents many challenges. Prepare well for this hike to be safe and hydrated. The trail is used October- April primarily for hiking, camping, and fishing. The Ringbolt Loop trail is a 6.4 mile heavily trafficked loop.

With many boulders and steep scrambling, the Arizona Hot Spring provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience nature's version of a hot bath. Accessing the spring requires climbing a 10-foot ladder in a waterfall. The hike begins at the White Rock Canyon trailhead located just off U.S. Highway 93 south of the Hoover Dam before mile marker 4.

Check the Lake Mead National Recreation Area website for updates before you plan your visit. My kids are currently learning about natural hot springs. My husband and I took them to experience a bit of their studies. I believe experience shapes your understanding of the world. I have two boys, ages 7 and 5 years old. The kids did an amazing job on the hike and only complained as we reached the last mile marker on the hike back out.

What are hot springs?

Arizona Hot Springs, also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs is a group of three geothermal springs located near Hoover Dam, Arizona. The hot mineral water emerges from the spring in the upper canyon at 110°F. The water then flows over a 25-foot waterfall where it is cooled to 95°F and collects in a gravel-bottomed rock soaking pool accessible by a ladder.The springs are close to Willow Beach, which is downstream from the Ringbolt Rapids in White Rock Canyon in the Black Canyon of the Colorado on the Arizona side of the river downstream from Hoover Dam. The area around the three main soaking pools have been stabilized with sandbags and rocks.

Water emerging from a hot spring is heated geothermally, with heat produced from the Earth's mantle. If water percolates deep enough into the crust, it will be heated as it comes into contact with hot rocks. The water from hot springs in all non-volcanic areas is heated in this manner.

Hot Spring Safety

Stay hydrated and switch to cooler pools so that you don’t overheat. Overheating can lead to death, don't spend excessive amounts of time in the hotter pools. Be sure to supplement your body with plenty of electrolytes. I don't want to scare you but someone died on the day of my visit. I didn’t witness this but read about it days after leaving. The individual overheated in one of the hotter pools.

Lastly, do not remove the sandbags. Removing the sandbags could send water gushing over the waterfall and catch fellow hiker/soakers in the current sending them over the cliff. Be safe out there and enjoy responsibly.

The Trailhead

The trailhead is accessible via an easy parking lot. It is well maintained and often staffed with an NPS park Ranger. The trail begins under the freeway. Remember to hide or leave your valuables at home. There was glass on the ground from recent break-ins on the day of my visit. I'm not sure if break-ins are common but be prepared just in case. Don’t give robbers a reason to break into your vehicle, leave valuables at home.

Hiking to the Hot Springs

The hike is absolutely beautiful. There are three trails at the parking lot be sure to take the trail that goes under the bridge. After going under the bridge there are several route options to get to the springs. We did a loop to the springs so went in a complete circle.

The trail splits about .4 miles from the bridge, we kept left, going up and over the mountain. As you are hiking locate and follow the yellow arrows. Keeping left at the fork is the shortest route and in my opinion after doing the loop the coolest. On this half of the loop you’ll hike through the tight canyon walls. The trail is very diverse with panoramic mountain views, rock scrambling and canyon wall surroundings. My boys especially enjoyed all the rocks for climbing along the way. I’m so grateful we chose to go this half of the loop on the way to the springs because most of the hike was climbing down with many obstacles to navigate. I suggest taking the same path.

On the way back we climbed down the ladder which is a temporary fix until the permanent ladder is replaced. You’ll see lots of signs stating that there is no permanent ladder currently which is true but the temporary

ladder does the job. The 10-foot ladder may be a deal breaker for you if you're afraid of heights, know your limits. My nerves soared when it came time for the boys to climb down. My family drew quite the crowd as onlookers watched the boys. After my 5 year old scaled down the ladder everyone applauded for about 2 minutes to confirm his bravery. Imagine how proud my boys felt.

The path back was a bit tricky to navigate but we found our way. After scaling down the ladder and weaving through the canyon you’ll come across a trail sign pointing you to the right, follow the trail up and over the ridge. Again, on the way back find and follow the yellow arrows. The trail aligns perpendicular to the river after climbing over the ridge. Eventually you will begin following the crushed gravel path leading you into the canyon. This route is filled with many picture perfect views. There is a gradual incline on the remainder of the hike out. Fortunately, this won’t be a boring hike out. Enjoy!

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