Hike to White Rock Canyon Trail to Arizona Hot Spring, Arizona

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Arizona Hot Spring is a 5.9-mile loop trail located north of Willow Beach, Arizona, that features hot springs. The springs around Lake Mead National Recreation Area provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience nature’s version of a hot bath. Arizona Hot Spring is probably the most popular spring in the park, visited by thousands throughout the year. Arizona Hot Spring is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids. The spring forms several pools that are located about 1,000 feet from the river, where the canyon walls are nearly vertical and about 6 to 9 feet apart. Directly at the source, the spring discharges highly mineralized water at a rate of about 30 gallons per minute and a temperature of about 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring issues from fractures in Miocene-age volcanic rocks near the intersection of two faults. White Rock Canyon is a strikingly beautiful volcanic area. There is a wide variety of desert plants to be found, including indigo bush, ground cherry, rush-milkweed, rabbit brush, Mormon tea, desert fir, cheesebush, globemallow, desert tobacco, desert trumpet, rock nettle and rock daisy. Rocks encountered during the hike are primarily volcanic, including flow and tuff (ash) deposits, with some granite boulders washed down from Wilson Ridge. This canyon gets its name from the many huge white boulders that were carried down the canyon from Wilson Ridge by flash floods. Distance: 5.9-mile loop How to Get There: From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead. Park at the trailhead and walk down the hill and under the highway. Continue down wash to the river. If you are coming from Kingman, Arizona, the trailhead is .2 miles before mile marker 4. TIPS: These trails are closed during the summer months due to excessive heat. It is VERY HAZARDOUS to hike in the canyons when temperatures can reach 120°+. Allow at least 5 hours to soak in hot springs. Warning: A 20' ladder must be climbed to reach the best hot springs.

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