Travel, Adventure Travel, Arizona, Backpacking & Hiking

A Guide to Backpacking & Hiking Ringbolt – Arizona Hot Spring

The relaxing experience of soaking in an Arizona hot spring, surrounded by rugged desert scenery. The warm water contrasts beautifully with the cool desert air, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Nestled in a canyon, trekking through twists and turns with glorious views of cliffsides that glow purple from casting shadows; lies the Ringbolt Arizona Hot Spring.

These Ringbolt – Arizona Hot Spring, also known as simply Ringbolt Hot Spring or Arizona Hot Spring, is a group of three light blue geothermal springs located near Hoover Dam, Arizona.

The water then flows over a 25-foot (7.62 meter) waterfall where it is cooled to 95 °F (35°C) and collects in a three gravel-bottomed rock soaking pools that have been stabilized with sandbags and rocks.

These pools can rage greatly in temperature depending upon the time of year, water levels, and how often they are being used (people moving between them shifts the temperature), but can still be enjoyed by all and simply moved through to find that perfect spot!

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All resources on our site are shared to fuel and inspire you to be able to confidently, courageously, and sustainably explore this beautiful world. Here are some resources for before and after your trip!

BEST TIME TO VISIT RINGBOLT – ARIZONA HOT SPRING

The best time to visit the hot spring is during the cooler months in Arizona, which is typically the fall, spring, and winter.

I had personally visited the hot springs in March and thought it was the perfect temperature! Also, keep an eye out for lush mesquite trees and wildflowers in the spring that can add some bright and beautiful yellows that illuminate the desert.

Overall, summertime is best to be avoided as some people have gotten heat stroke from being exposed to the sun and then going into the hot springs right afterwards, and because of this they have the hot springs closed most of the summertime.

Especially since temperatures can get well into the hundreds and even get up to 110 degrees.

Trip Overview

Miles: 5.8 miles (9.33 km)

Elevation: 1,223 – 1,545ft

Temperature: 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43.33°C) – sometimes upwards of 120 degrees

What To Pack For Backpacking

Your gear either supports or limits your experience!

Choosing the right equipment can make all the difference between a memorable journey and a challenging trek. I speak from experience when I say that the simplest things can be easy to overlook until you’re out on the trail.

Examples:
The wrong pack can mean that it’s off weight, affecting your body balance, or can’t hold everything that you need.

Having a sleeping bag that’s not warm enough can impact your sleep, not allowing you to fully recover and be ready for the next day’s trek!

Not sure where to start? I’ve got expert tips and honest reviews to guide you through making the best choices for your next adventure. Trust me, investing in the right gear can mean the difference between loving every moment on the trail and counting down the minutes until you’re back home!

🔗 Ready to gear up? Click here to get ready for your trip!

What To Pack For Hiking

When it comes to hiking, there’s quite a bit more wiggle room when it comes to gear and packing. However, having too much or too little can also hinder you too.

So, I’ve put together a hiking packing list that will have you set and ready to hike the Ringlbolt Arizona Hot Spring or any other hike for that matter!

Check Out These Hiking Favorites & What To Pack Here!

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

There is no cell phone service – Please try downloading the map in advance off AllTrails
There is a slight danger in the hot spring from the Naegleria Fowleri amoeba. Since the amoeba can enter the body through the nose, avoid infection by keeping your head above water and to avoid splashing.
No Glass – This is to avoid any shattered glass remnants that could end up splintering and becoming dangerous.
This area can have flash floods, and it’s best to check the weather often before your trip and to seek higher grounds if there ever was one.
Due to extreme heat and people who have gotten heat stroke here, the Arizona Hot Spring trail’s closed from mid-May through September each year.
Watch your head when winding through the canyons, especially when initially getting in and out of the hot springs
When going up or down the ladder, turn your face away from it to prevent the water from getting on your face – don’t have your mouth open.
Also, as a safety precaution, avoid touching things that go in your nose or mouth until your hands are sanitized.

PERMITS & FEES

Thankfully there are no parking or permit fees required for hiking, kayaking, or even camping! Yay!

HOW TO VISIT THE RINGBOLT ARIZONA HOT SPRINGS

Hiking:

There are two trails that lead to the Arizona Hot Springs; the Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Spring Trail and the White Rock Canyon Trail. These two trails connect to make a 5.8-mile (9.33 km) loop (which is considered the “Arizona Hot Spring Loop Trail Loop”).

Please note that in order to do the loop, the only way to do it is to trek through the hot springs and cross through. So be prepared to carry your backpack overhead to avoid it getting soaked.

Options for preventing your bag from getting wet:

Distance: 3.2 miles (5.14 km) one way (via White Rock Canyon Trail); 2.6 miles (4.18 km) one way (via Arizona Spring Trail); 5.8 miles (9.33 km) (via loop trail);

Elevation change: 750 – 1223 feet

Difficulty: moderate to difficult

Season: closed May 15 – September 20. Best enjoyed during the cooler seasons (fall, winter, spring)

Permits/Fees: No

Trail highlights: hot springs, waterfall, slot canyons, river access

Also, take note of the spray-painted trail markers on the rocks as you scramble down into the wash along the Arizona Hot Spring Trail.

Although, they can be easily missed, but you’ll need these markers to make sure you’re going the right way as you hike back out. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

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Backpacking

Similarly, the directions for hiking the hot springs also applies to backpacking, but backpacking just requires a little bit more insight.

Fortunately, camping/backpacking near the Ringbolt Arizona Hot Spring requires no overnight permits!! Woo-hoo!

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get some spots right by the river!

Although each trail will bring you to a different side of the hot spring, it’s best to find the already established camp spots to follow the Leave No Trace Principals.

There are camping spots closest to the river along the trail, the White Rock Canyon Trail about a half-mile away from the hot springs. I personally didn’t see any established camping spots on the Arizona Hot Springs Trail, and it seemed more difficult to camp because of the narrow canyons.

Also, please note that in order to do the loop, the only way to do it is to trek through the hot springs and cross through.

So be prepared to carry your backpack overhead to avoid it getting soaked. Another option is to invest in a fully waterproof pack cover and to float it alongside you.

Lastly, you’ll also want to consider that there is a 50-foot ladder that will need to be backpacked down – so this and the trekking through water are the most difficult parts of Backpacking this loop.

However, if deciding not to do the loop, then you wouldn’t need to worry about either of those difficulties.

Also, kayaking and canoeing both seem to be options as well, although I personally have not tried it – YET!

RINGBOLT ARIZONA HOT SPRINGS LOCATION

If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Las Vegas, this outdoor adventure is only 40-minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip.

As well as about 4 hours northwest of central Phoenix.

HOW TO GET TO THE PARKING LOT:

The parking lot to the trailheads located along US Highway 93, bordering Vegas and Arizona.

Also, if you’re having difficulties finding the parking lot, try setting your destination as “White Rock Canyon Trailhead” in Google Maps.

If you’re driving from the direction of the Lake Mead Visitor Center, there will be a left-hand cutoff to the parking lot, roughly 8.4 miles from the visitor center (you’ll see a brown sign for the White Canyon Trail right before the cutoff).

If you’re driving US Hwy 93 from the Kingman, AZ direction, you’ll find the parking lot around mile marker 4.

This is a medium-sized parking lot that can park about 50-60 cars, so be sure to get there early to ensure a parking spot!

ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONAL NEEDS

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms near the parking lot or anywhere along the first part of the trail.

If you’ve really got to go, try stopping at a gas station or public restroom beforehand.

As there are no restrooms until reaching the hot springs.

Luckily, there are restrooms! However, if coming from the White Rock Canyon Trailhead side, the restrooms will be located right before reaching the hot springs.

But if coming from the Arizona Hot Springs Trail, the only way to get to the restrooms is going through all the hot springs, climbing down the metal ladder, and then hiking about a half-mile.

For the best comfort, try to go before visiting!

Lastly, the restrooms are supplied with just toilet paper, so be prepared to bring sanitizer and anything else you may need.

Well I hope you’re excited, ready to trek, and soak up those glorious hot springs! They’re ready for you!

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