Gold Strike Hot Springs are a second set of cascading pools on the Colorado River. Only 30 minutes outside of Vegas and a fairly well-kept secret. Like Arizona Hot Spring, they’re located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area and can be reached via a four-mile hike down a narrow, rocky canyon. The Scenery is spectacular, as you navigate through enormous, red rock vertical canyon walls and boulders and vibrant native plants.

It features beautiful canyons, rock scrambling, and three picturesque hot springs. The first mile is flat and easy as you walk under a highway bridge and in between looming canyon walls. At around the 1.5 mile mark you will reach the first of eight ropes along the trail and the challenge begins. You will need to use these ropes to maneuver down large rocks and boulders. There are arrows spray painted on the walls giving the right directions, but if you want to attempt some bouldering, you can choose a more challenging path.

There are three hot springs along this hike, you will find both naturists and textiles enjoying the springs. The first spring may be dried up if you visit during the summer season. Continue onto the second spring which is warmer in temperature and adjacent to a cave. Follow a warm stream and pass a couple of waterfalls until you reach the third hot spring. This spring is the hottest and offers the best views. You can continue by hiking a quarter mile down until you reach the Colorado River. Here you can wade around and feel the warm spring waters which merge into the cold river, the water levels and current can change rapidly.

There have been some incidences of naegleria fowleri (aka brain eating amoeba) infection, but it has been rare. It most commonly enters via nasal passage, so avoid getting water in your nose. The hike back is challenging as you will most likely be wet or at least have wet feet so watch your step on the slippery boulders!