Hot Springs

A sea of sandy calm and arid tranquility, there's far more going on beneath the deserts surrounding Las Vegas than the landscapes would have you believe. Nevada's ancient volcano cones are now dormant, exhausted from their thousand year manipulation of the rock and rubble desert. They leave behind a diverse topography of soaring table mountains, statuesque obelisks and steaming vents – the creators of Nevada's infamous hot springs, which lure thousands of tourists beyond the cushty rim of cosmopolitan Las Vegas each year.

A handful of Nevada's hot springs require little or no effort to reach them – particularly those within Lake Mead, under an hour's drive from Las Vegas. Other, less visited bathing areas are far more challenging to reach, often necessitating a boat ride and/ or some degree of climbing canyon walls and waterfalls.

Blue Point and Roger's Springs

Located between the aptly poetic Echo Bay and Overton Beach, just two miles from the South Shore of Lake Mead, Blue Springs are one of the most accessible hot spring attractions in the vicinity of Las Vegas. Beginning as a mere trickle from the rocks a ¼ mile from the main parking area, the creek quickly picks up pace down the eroded waterway, gushing over rocks and obstacles as it snakes down to Lake Mead. A sequence of natural pools lie just beyond the small gaging station – ideal for a quick dip or trailing your toes. Roger's Springs is comparatively larger, with several natural waterfalls along the route - enchantingly shaded by an avenue of palm trees.

Goldstrike Canyon

Once the location of a famous wild west casino, Goldstrike Canyon today commands attention for its natural wonders, namely two huge hot pools and the cascading power-shower waterfall. Getting to Goldstrike's wondrous hot springs requires rather more energy than Blue Point; a short hike over the canyon wall from U.S Route 93 takes around an hour. Prepare for a few slippery encounters across boulder strewn plateaus, however the fixed ropes should make 3rd class scrambling a breeze. Lower Goldstrike Hot Springs are the best place to bathe, since much of the upper watercourse was slowed down by sediment from earthquakes. Here, the water can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit – well worth it for the short 2 mile trek.

Hoover Dam Springs

Less than two hours drive from Las Vegas, Hoover Dam is the most popular immediate attraction after the Grand Canyon, but it's not just the behemoth man-made river wall that lures visitors to Colorado River. Flecked with patchy marshlands and miniature canyons, the surrounding landscapes are sublimely beautiful, with more than their fair share of unique sights to discover. Just across the Arizona border, within an area known as Willow Beach, you'll find three natural springs largely unvisited by the masses. Ringbolt Rapids are by far the easiest to get to, lying just a ¼ mile hike from Route 93, four miles beyond the dam. Its also one of the hottest with temperatures regularly exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Access to Ringbolt Pool requires climbing a 20-rung ladder inset into the canyon wall.

For avid canoeists and climbers, Boy Scout Springs presents a worthy challenge. Located along the Colorado River at mile marker 62, you'll need a keen eye and cunning steering skills against the rapids to reach the canyon. From the sandy wash, you'll have to endure a 4-mile trek over and between prime canyon peaks and pour-overs, with continual elevation changes by as much as 500 feet. Boy Scout Spring is located beyond a narrow gorge of conglomerate rocks and rather better for a steaming shower than a swim.

Nestled beneath the Hoover Dam on Nevada's Portal Road side, Sauna Cave presents a relatively easygoing hike alongside a huge turquoise lagoon, ringed with tamarisk bushes. Take your time to enjoy the aromatic freshness of the air and a stunning natural amphitheater of canyons, prior to submitting to the draw of the hot pool at the back of the cavernous chamber. With a consistent temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Sauna Cave is far more comfortable for a nice, prolonged soak.

Warning

Hot spring bathing is not without its risks. An amoebic entity known as “Naegleria fowleri” occupies some of the more remote pools and poses a significantly dangerous health risk should it enter the olfactory nerve. For this reason, signs recommend bathers do not submerge themselves any further than shoulder deep when bathing. Pregnant women and those with heart issues are advised to refrain from swimming, since exposure to high temperatures can be conducive to heightened blood pressure.