Las Vegas life can be exciting. It has this vibe that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is full of vanity, glamor, and over the top hospitality and entertainment. From casinos, resorts, and many local restaurants, the amenities are plentiful for that weekend getaway to Vegas.
Those who live here, like me, tend to stay away from the tourist traps that are the economic engine of the city. Living and working here definitely give you a different perspective of what Las Vegas is. The hustle of the city can take a toll on you.
You wake up, go to work, deal with the traffic, come home tired, and then do it all over again tomorrow. Even though Las Vegas is a vacation spot, sometimes you just want to get away and have a change of scenery.
Imagine yourself getting outdoors for some fresh air, exercise, and relaxing in a natural hot spring. The stressors of city life quickly go away making you feel like you are on vacation. The best part is that the Goldstrike Hot Springs are not far away.
How To Get To Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
This fun trail is about a 30-minute drive outside of Las Vegas. I learned about it from a local and it seems to be a well-kept secret. You will have to make your way to Interstate-11 and head south towards Boulder City. Take Exit 2 for US-93 BUS toward Boulder City/Hoover Dam. You will encounter a traffic circle, take the first exit onto Golstrike Canyon Road. You will see a dirt road that leads to two unpaved parking areas.
I have made it with a low clearance vehicle, but on the same day, I saw one get stuck, so be careful where you park. Once you park walk towards the traffic circle and you will see a sign to the trailhead of Gold Strike Hot Springs.
Preparing fro the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
I have done this trail two times and I am looking forward to doing it again soon. Not knowing too much about it I definitely came prepared the second time. Here is a list of items I recommend to make this hike fun.
- Clothing – I wear hiking pants on all my hikes. I have seen people with shorts out here, but there are times that you will want to slide due to the boulders you will encounter and you can get some scars on you. Most importantly bring a bathing suit and towel. I did not the first time! That may or may not be the reason why went back…
- Footwear – Definitely recommend some hiking shoes/boots. You will encounter some difficult and wet areas. As an extra bring some flip-flops or wet shoes for when you sit and soak. I sat in the springs barefoot.
- Water – Bring at least 3 liters. A Camelbak or backpack with a hydration system would be enough
- Food/Snacks – Ok… I brought beer and a protein bar. Depending on how long you plan to soak and hang around; bring some sandwiches.
- DON’T BRING SMALL KIDS OR PETS ON THIS ONE
Check the weather forecast as well. You will be in the middle of a canyon that is prone to flash flooding. If it looks like it is going to rain, you might want to push that for another day.
This is one of those hikes that you want to do with someone. There are some difficult areas and having a buddy to help you along is recommended. There is a lot of foot traffic on this trail, so if you do get hurt someone will eventually find you.
WARNING
This trail is closed from May through September due to the high temperatures of the summer. Hot springs and desert summer heat are a bad combination and have led to hikers getting heat strokes. There is no cellphone service and it would be impossible to contact emergency services for assistance.
Hiking Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
The hike is relatively easy the first 2.5 kilometers. You will go under the highway bridge you came in on that puts you right inside of the Gold Strike Canyon. The initial part of the trail is mostly made up of gravel, which can make you believe this trail will be easy.
Around 30-40 minute into the hike you will encounter the first of eight ropes that are there to assist you in maneuvering around large boulders. Be careful using these ropes. Some areas have about a 6 meter drop, so hold on tight!
Around the areas where there are a lot of boulders and rocks stacked up against each other; the path might become a little confusing. Look for the arrows spray painted and follow them . They guide you to the ropes and paths that make easy to get around. If you want to be brave and look for you own path feel free to do so, but just be careful.
Hot Spring Pools
At a certain point of the hike, you will start feeling the warmth of the hot spring. You will see the creeks that lead to the hot springs soak areas that empty out to the Colorado River.
There are three hot pools to find along the path. These areas are popular and it is recommended you start this trail early to beat the crowds. At the same time, I started the trail late around noon on the weekend and arrived at the hot springs soak areas as the early birds were getting ready to leave. Therefore, I got lucky to have one for myself.
As you come into the first hot pool and if it is crowded do not be discouraged. Continue your hike towards the Colorado River and you will see two other areas you can soak in.
If anything continue the trail into the Colorado River.
Colorado River and Black Canyon
As you reach the end of the of the trail the canyon starts opening up and leads you into the Colorado River. The hot spring empties out into and and this is also a place to rest and soak.
At the bank of the Colorado River, you will most likely run into groups of kayaks reaching the hot springs. Yes, hiking to it is not the only method to reach this area. In fact, during the summer months, Kayaking the Black Canyon is the only method of arriving at these hot tubs, since the trail is closed for hikers.
You can also catch a view of the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that crosses by the Hoover Dam into Arizona.
Conclusion
Everyone needs time to get out of the city and gives themselves a break. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is a perfect place to get away for the day. The hike there lets you forget about work, the canyon walls replace the city skyline, and the hot springs immerse you into relaxation.
What is your favorite way to relax and escape city life? Leave your comments below.
