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Jan 13, 2023 — Gold Strike Canyon is probably the most popular hot spring and hike in the area, and with good reason. The hike includes fun scrambles and down-climbs with ropes to aid, tall black canyon walls, colorful algae, a hot spring, and a wonderful view of the Colorado River. It's also promoted by the NPS and has quick access from the Hoover Dam. Unfortunately this means the route is riddled with graffiti, garbage, and even (omg seriously people?) literal poop. That all being said, it's a great local Las Vegas hike that I've used countless times to access other objectives deeper in this part of the Black Canyon Wilderness. Something to note is that there are multiple hot springs on this trail, though recently the only soakable set is near the Colorado River. Originally I believe Gold Strike Hot Spring was a named feature farther up the canyon, while Nevada Hot Spring is the spring the canyon is known for, but at this point everyone just refers to the primary pools as Gold Strike Canyon Hot Spring.
The trailhead is located at a small lot before descending into Gold Strike Canyon, and a dirt road begins the hike in to enter the wash. The first mile or so is just easy walking through the upper canyon's sandy floor, with the lovely sounds of trucks on Interstate 11 above, plus a view of the highway's support structure built into the canyon walls. I started getting little hints of narrows and some little bouldery obstacles popped in here and there. Soon the canyon narrowed for a time, where there was the first fixed rope in place. All obstacles can be down-climbed at Class 3 within the canyon if you choose to prefer not using the ropes.
A bit more than halfway down Gold Strike Canyon, the drainage opens up significantly for a short time before narrowing into the remainder of the hike, which then progressively deepens. There are a couple of narrow sections with dryfall obstacles, as well as wider portions choked with huge boulders. A couple of springs along the way add some lightly flowing water. As I neared the various pools, the canyon widened enough to give a fun perspective of the amazing space, and a series of micro-puzzles through a bouldery portion led down to the first of the soakable hot spring pools. Depending on the time of year, some pools are warmer or deeper than others. Stacked sandbags keep the water in place, so thank you to whoever comes out and does all that work.
The final quarter mile or so down to the Colorado River is the most beautiful, in my opinion. Impossible colors formed by algae, plant life, and mineral deposits line the canyon walls. Rivulets flow through fun rock formations, and there are even a couple of small waterfalls. The canyon opens up to reveal the Colorado River. After soaking at the hot springs, please take some trash back with you. This place is beautiful, but people really are trashing it.
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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!
