| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
LVBareHiker
Forum Member
|
 Posted - 01/27/2004 : 3:06:10 PM
|
Arizona (Ringbolt Rapids) Hot Springs
As a resident of Las Vegas, one of my favorite winter recreational activities is enjoying a relaxing day at Arizona Hot Springs. AZHS is the most popular of three hot springs located along the Colorado River, downstream of Hoover Dam. Launching from Willow Beach, you can get to the springs by boat. There is a beach 1/8 mile south of mile marker 60, a warning buoy can be seen on a large submerged rock at the mouth of the wash. You will also see two outhouses near the shore. The pools are just a short walk up the wash from the river. You could also kayak or canoe down the river from just below the dam; this does require a permit that can be obtained at the Hacienda Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Allow at least 3 hours for a round trip hike, this does not include soaking in the pools. The total hike is approximately six mile round trip with an 800ft change in elevation. The best time of year for hiking is from October through April, it is not advised to go to the springs during the summer, due to extreme heat. Remember to bring plenty of water, at least one gallon per person.
The trail head for hiking is located 4.2 miles south of Hoover Dam along U.S. 93. A gravel parking lot is located at a break in the guardrail. The easiest and safest hike to the springs, is to follow the path that forks to the right, approximately 100 yards from the trail head, this is White Rock Canyon. The canyon gets its name from a huge white boulder that was carried down the canyon from a flash flood. The tail twists its way though a narrow canyon with 100-foot walls. Allow at least an hour to hike the 2.5 miles to the river.
Follow the trail ½ mile along the river to a canyon that will lead you to the hot springs, you will hear the flow of water as you approach the canyon. Go left to follow the wash to the hot springs; you will now climb a 20ft ladder to the pools.
The pool, below the ladder is best during the warmer months; water temp 85, this pool is not normally there during the winter months. Pools above the ladder have water temperatures of 105-110.
An alternative hike, from the trail head is to take the left fork, this hike is more difficult, but somewhat shorter. The trail heads south of White Rock Canyon, before it narrows into a wash that leads you to the hot springs. Be warned, you will encounter a 20ft wall that you will need to descend and a couple tricky dry falls.
When hiking back to the parking lot, using the more difficult trail, climb out into a wash just above the upper pools. About 30 minutes out look for the canyon that narrows to your left, this is the way to go. About 30-45 minutes from the pools you will find petroglyphs scattered on boulders
During your hike you may be able to spot some Bighorn Sheep, lizards and snakes. Along the beautiful volcanic area, there is a wide variety of desert plants, including desert tobacco, indigo bush, desert fir and rock daisy, definitely a visual treat.
My typical day to AZHS starts at the trail head at 8:00 AM. After the hike down, I will enjoy a morning soak, before heading to various locations along the river to relax and enjoy the scenery. There is an area, that very few go to, if you would like to nude sunbathe, just a short walk south along the river from the outhouses. If it is cool out, I will also catch some sun just above the pools, on a sand mound Before I hike out, I will enjoy another soothing soak.
There are many times that I hiked out later than planned, due to some great conversation with fellow soakers. It’s usually around 4:00 PM before I get back to my car. As for hiking nude, I’m most comfortable when hiking the more difficult trail. This trail is most often used by regulars that are accustomed to encountering some of us unclothed hikers, the hikers that travel through White Rock Canyon are not. While the custom is clothing optional when soaking, there may be times that it may be more appropriate to cover up.
--LVBareHiker
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 36 |
|
|
tucsonnude
Forum Member
|
Posted - 02/04/2004 : 1:04:08 PM
|
When I lived in Vegas went to both of the springs listed. Liked ringbolt the best for the hike and the area itself. Upper area and lower pool. The waterfall is great too. Live in Az now and miss going to the springs. Hope more go and enjoy the area. I have met others who are ok with nudity and I have hiked several times nude. I have gone hiking in an area outside tucson and like it. Only drawback is not hot springs. I will muddle thru. thanks for the info
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 110 |
 |
|
|
Nevada Naturist
New Member
|
Posted - 03/16/2004 : 09:06:29 AM
|
LVBareHiker,
Excellent write-ups and directions for both Arizona and Goldstrike Hot Springs. I hope to visit that area again soon.
Happy Trails! --N²
|
|
Country: USA
| Posts: 1 |
|
|
|
helenaann
New Member
|
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 11:30:10 PM
|
Hi,
I used to hike down to the hot springs many years ago and I vividly remember the petroglyphs. You're the only one who mentions them when alo talkng about the hot springs. I want to go see them again but I forget how to get there. You could you provide directionsin more detail? Thank you.
|
|
Country:
| Posts: 1 |
|
|
|
Balto Bob
$ Supporter
|
|
|
fiesty_grandma
New Member
|
Posted - 07/28/2013 : 11:04:47 AM
|
I know this thread is many years old, but I'm so happy to find it! I've driven past the trailhead many times on my way north from Arizona, but never stopped. I'll make a point to stop next time :)
|
|
Country:
| Posts: 6 |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nudist-Resorts.Org Discussion Forum Bulletin Board Nudism Clothing Optional Resort Naturism Nude Beaches |
© 2002-2020 SUN |
|
|
|
Arizona (Ringbolt Rapids) Hot Springs
