Goldstrike Canyon Trail and Hot Springs
Boulder City / Hoover Dam, Nevada
Activity
Hot Springs
Distance
5.3 mi round trip
Elevation gain
~1200 ft
Route
Out & back canyon route
The adventure
Scramble through seven dryfalls to wild hot springs near the Colorado River—and then earn every foot back uphill.
NPS rates Gold Strike as a very strenuous Grade 2 canyoneering route with seven dryfalls and about 1,200 feet of elevation change. Ropes left in the canyon are not installed, maintained or inspected by NPS. Never assume one is safe.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
Use the formal Gold Strike parking area off Goldstrike Road near the Hoover Dam bypass bridge approach. Walk the pedestrian connection to the traditional canyon trailhead, then follow the wash downstream. Expect seven dryfalls requiring hands-and-feet scrambling. Do not descend anything you cannot reverse without relying on an abandoned rope. Reach the hot-spring zone, assess time and energy, then retrace the entire canyon to the parking area.
LOCAL INTEL
If conditions and legal access allow, continue beyond the springs to the Colorado River and put a hand in the cold river before beginning the climb back out.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
water: Carry at least 2+ liters per person; spring water is not drinking water.; restrooms: Toilets only at parking/trailhead.; humanWaste: Bring wag bags beyond trailhead facilities.
FEES & ACCESS
NPS explicitly states Goldstrike Canyon Trail is in the Lake Mead fee area and proof of admission must remain with the vehicle.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Permanent closure May 15–September 30. Additional emergency closures may occur when Willow Beach forecast reaches 95°F or for flash-flood risk.
What to expect
- Descend Gold Strike Canyon through seven dryfalls to the natural hot springs, then climb every obstacle back out.
- NPS rates Gold Strike as a very strenuous Grade 2 canyoneering route with seven dryfalls and about 1,200 feet of elevation change.
- Ropes left in the canyon are not installed, maintained or inspected by NPS. Never assume one is safe.
- The route is closed every year from May 15 through September 30 and can close on additional hot days outside that window.
- The spring water is not routinely tested. NPS warns of bacteria and amoeba risks—never drink it and make your own decision about soaking.
Good to know
- Real Canyoneering
- NPS rates Gold Strike as a very strenuous Grade 2 canyoneering route with seven dryfalls and about 1,200 feet of elevation change.
- Don'T Trust The Rope
- Ropes left in the canyon are not installed, maintained or inspected by NPS. Never assume one is safe.
- Heat Closure
- The route is closed every year from May 15 through September 30 and can close on additional hot days outside that window.
- Wild Water
- The spring water is not routinely tested. NPS warns of bacteria and amoeba risks—never drink it and make your own decision about soaking.
- Fee
- Required: NPS explicitly states Goldstrike Canyon Trail is in the Lake Mead fee area and proof of admission must remain with the vehicle.
- Entrance fee
- NPS explicitly states Goldstrike Canyon Trail is in the Lake Mead fee area and proof of admission must remain with the vehicle.
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- Season
- Permanent closure May 15–September 30. Additional emergency closures may occur when Willow Beach forecast reaches 95°F or for flash-flood risk.
Photos
More adventures nearby
White Rock Canyon · Black Canyon, Arizona
Liberty Bell Arch Trail from White Rock Canyon TrailheadHiking · Hard · ~2 mi away
White Rock Canyon · Black Canyon, Arizona
Arizona Hot Spring Trail / White Rock Canyon LoopHiking · Hard · ~2 mi away
Historic Railroad · Boulder City, Nevada
Historic Railroad Trail — Five TunnelsHiking · Moderate · ~2 mi away