Arizona Hot Spring (Ringbolt Hot Spring)
A natural hot spring in a narrow side canyon of the Colorado River, reached by a strenuous 5 mile round trip desert hike from U.S. 93 south of Hoover Dam. The trail is closed each summer from May 15 to September 30 and is open in the cooler months.
- Water
- 111–120°F
- Getting there
- Hike, 2.5 mi each way (5 mi round trip), strenuous, 750 ft elevation gain over sand, gravel, boulders and rock ledges; loop option includes a 20 ft ladder; also reachable from the Colorado River by boat or kayak
- Cost and hours
- See current prices and hours on the official site
- Pools
- Hot water flows through a slot canyon; the park prohibits building pools with sandbags or other items
- Reservations
- Not required
- Managed by
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (National Park Service)
Good to know. Water at the source is 111 to 120°F, the route is rough and unmaintained with no drinking water at the trailhead, and flash floods are a risk when storms threaten.
In any natural hot spring, keep your head above the water. Health officials advise it because of a rare amoeba that can enter through the nose.
New to hot springs? A slow soak is a five-step way to enjoy the water safely.
Good for: winter trip. Something out of date? Let us know and we’ll check it.
No hot spring nearby?
Warm-water sessions at your own pool, or your community’s, in and around Flagstaff, by request. And there are small water practices you can do at home, in a bath.