Arizona Hot Springs
Address: Black Canyon, Arizona
Website: nps.gov <—-Click
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out 5 stars) Ultimate Hot Springs Rating
Website: nps.gov <—-Click
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out 5 stars) Ultimate Hot Springs Rating
General Description: Arizona Hot Springs, also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs, is a free, natural, primitive, and clothing-optional desert destination featuring four sandbagged, tiered pools nestled in a volcanic slot canyon, with water temperatures ranging from hot to moderate. Accessible via a 5.8- to 6.5-mile round-trip hike from the White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93, the route leads through scenic desert terrain with views of the Black Canyon before reaching the rejuvenating pools, now accessed by a new ladder from the canyon floor. This is a seasonal hike open only from October through May, offering one of the most rewarding hot spring nature hikes in the Southwest.
Location: 15 miles from Boulder City, Nevada on highway 93
Directions: From Boulder City, Nevada on highway 93 go 15 miles which takes you over the boulder dam and into Arizona. There is a parking lot for the hike to the springs. The hot springs are about 1 1/2 hour hike from the road
Accessibility: Hiking access: The classic loop uses White Rock Canyon and Arizona Hot Springs trails from a shared trailhead just off US‑93 south of Hoover Dam; expect a strenuous 5.7–6.6 mile desert loop with roughly 1,500–1,800 feet of elevation change, unmaintained sections, and a 20‑foot ladder in the canyon. River/boat access: The springs remain accessible by boat on Lake Mohave when the hiking trails are seasonally closed for heat, with the pools a short walk up the canyon from the river.
Hot Springs: At Arizona Hot Springs, thermal water emerges from the rock in the upper canyon at about 122°F before spilling into a series of sandbagged, gravel-bottom pools nestled in a volcanic slot canyon. The pools range from roughly 95°F to 110°F, cooling gradually as the water flows downward. The uppermost pool, closest to the source, averages around 110°F, the second about 105°F, the third near 100°F, and the lower pool below the ladder offers the coolest soak. The water is completely natural, and clothing is optional, but caution is essential near the source where temperatures are very hot. Please do not urinate or defecate near the springs, as this can contaminate the delicate natural water system—an issue that has occurred in the past. Dogs should also be kept out of the pools for their safety and to preserve water quality
Hot Springs Safety and Soaking Tips:• Enter slowly, especially in the top pools where the water can be extremely hot near the source.
• Limit soak times and take breaks to cool down, since hot water and hiking can dehydrate you quickly.
• Keep your head above water and avoid submerging your face or dunking, to reduce infection risk.
• Listen to your body: if you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or your heart is racing, get out and cool off.
Hot Spring Hygiene and Etiquette
• Do not urinate or defecate in or near the pools; it contaminates the water and ruins the springs for everyone.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products.
• Avoid glass containers anywhere near the pools to prevent broken glass in bare feet zones.
• Clothing-optional means consent and respect: don’t stare, photograph, or film other soakers without clear permission.
Pets and Group Behavior
• Keep dogs out of the water; it’s too hot for them and affects water quality for other visitors.
• Control noise, music, and alcohol so everyone can enjoy the natural setting.
• Share the pools by rotating after a reasonable time when it’s busy, especially in the hottest upper pools.
Gear and Preparation
• Bring plenty of drinking water and electrolytes; the combination of desert hiking and hot soaking is very drying.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes plus separate sandals or water shoes for the pools.
• Pack a small towel, a dry change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for wet items.
• A headlamp and layers are smart if there’s any chance you’ll be hiking out near dusk or after dark.
Environmental Care
• Stay on established trails and existing paths to protect the fragile desert around the springs.
• Don’t dig, move rocks, or build new dams; altering the natural flow can create health and safety problems.
• If you see microtrash (caps, cigarette butts, wrappers), pick up what you can safely and pack it out
• Limit soak times and take breaks to cool down, since hot water and hiking can dehydrate you quickly.
• Keep your head above water and avoid submerging your face or dunking, to reduce infection risk.
• Listen to your body: if you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or your heart is racing, get out and cool off.
Hot Spring Hygiene and Etiquette
• Do not urinate or defecate in or near the pools; it contaminates the water and ruins the springs for everyone.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products.
• Avoid glass containers anywhere near the pools to prevent broken glass in bare feet zones.
• Clothing-optional means consent and respect: don’t stare, photograph, or film other soakers without clear permission.
Pets and Group Behavior
• Keep dogs out of the water; it’s too hot for them and affects water quality for other visitors.
• Control noise, music, and alcohol so everyone can enjoy the natural setting.
• Share the pools by rotating after a reasonable time when it’s busy, especially in the hottest upper pools.
Gear and Preparation
• Bring plenty of drinking water and electrolytes; the combination of desert hiking and hot soaking is very drying.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes plus separate sandals or water shoes for the pools.
• Pack a small towel, a dry change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for wet items.
• A headlamp and layers are smart if there’s any chance you’ll be hiking out near dusk or after dark.
Environmental Care
• Stay on established trails and existing paths to protect the fragile desert around the springs.
• Don’t dig, move rocks, or build new dams; altering the natural flow can create health and safety problems.
• If you see microtrash (caps, cigarette butts, wrappers), pick up what you can safely and pack it out
You tube video of Arizona Hot Springs is below
