Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs, also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs, are the most famous hot springs in Arizona and have definitely earned this fame.

When you arrive at the hot springs, the first thing that will grab your attention is the stunning natural beauty, and I think the hike it takes to get here is worth it just for this alone! Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, you’ll be scrambling into your swimsuit so you can experience the hot springs for yourself.

I can’t quite decide whether the 25ft waterfall or the steep rocky canyons rising above your head is my favorite part of this hot spring destination. If you are visiting Arizona, then I urge you to add a visit to these hot springs to your itinerary.

Hot Spring Pools

I have to say that Arizona Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot spring spots in the country, let alone just Arizona.

To start off with, it’s located in a stunning spot in Lake Mead National Park in Willow Beach, just south of the Hoover Dam. This means that the hike to get to the hot springs is just breathtaking. Your goal may be to reach the hot springs, but getting there is also a great experience.

Four hot spring pools make up Arizona Hot Springs. Two of these pools are only accessible using the ladder embedded in the rock. The ladder is short, but I urge you to be careful as it can get slippery.

The top pool is the hottest at around 120 F, but the water will naturally cool as you move down the pools to around 106 F. When you are using the top pool, it’s a good idea to feel the water before you hop in since it can get so hot.

There are two pools that I particularly enjoy here because of their outstanding beauty. The first has a 25ft waterfall that feeds the pools that is truly out of this world. However, the spot that you will see photographed the most is the pool that runs into a canyon. The narrow strip is surrounded by tall yellow stone cliffs that tower above head and contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water.

However, the open pools also have a lot going for them. They are the perfect spot to lean back and soak in the healing waters while enjoying the stunning desert views. 

I really like the location of these hot springs because you can easily hop into the Colorado River to cool off between soaks.

Please note that these pools are clothing optional.

Thank you to Vixmar for the video.

Other Amenities

As with most primitive hot springs, there are no amenities alongside these hot springs. The only human intervention you will notice is the metal ladder leading into the pool.

Since these hot springs require a hike to reach them, we urge you to bring plenty of water for the hike and to hydrate yourself after your soak. It’s also imperative that you pack in and pack out all your belongings and trash.

Accommodation

There are no campsites directly next to the hot spring pools, but there are many dispersed camping areas along the Colorado River for visitors to use. These sites are very popular, so I suggest going early to get your spot.

The campsites are free to use and have no additional amenities like toilets and waste disposal, so please treat the area respectfully and leave it as clean as you found it.

Location/How to Get There

To reach the trailhead, you must take Highway 93 over the Hoover Dam until you get to Horse Thief Canyon Road. The parking lots are located along this road. Look out for signposts for Arizona Hot Spring Parking, Liberty Bell Arch Parking, and Liberty Bell Trail.

The most popular and beautiful trail to get to the hot springs is through White River Canyon, which leads you along the Colorado River. The trail starts at the Arizona Hot Springs trailhead and merges into the White Rock Canyon trail, leading to the hot springs. These trails are well-marked, so you should be able to find your way quite easily.

The trail is three miles each way, so it is manageable but challenging. Alternatively, there is also a way to get to the spring by taking a boat ride down the Colorado River.

Please note that the trail and hot springs are only open between October and May when the weather is cooler. Outside of these months, the heat can reach dangerous extremes, which makes the hike and soaking very risky.

Contact

Address: Willow Beach, Arizona 86445, USA (near Boulder City, NV)
Phone: N/A