Location: Lake Mead Recreation Area

Length: 6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Rock Scrambling-Moderately Difficult

Water Availability: Colorado River

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Getting There: Located on the Nevada side of the Hoover Dam, the new construction of the highway may cause these directions to be changed in the future. Leaving the Las Vegas area take US-95 South to the I-515 South and merge left onto US-93 toward the Hoover Dam. After you pass the Hacienda Hotel and Casino the road curves toward the left and then back to the right, just as you come out of the curve to the right the metal guard rail ends and a dirt road comes in from the south side. Turn onto this road and follow it down just a little ways. This is the parking area for this hike.

The adventurous seem to really enjoy this trail. Whats not to like, you have waterfalls, hot springs, views that appears right out of a television set and a river that will take your breathe away. As you leave your vehicle you proceed down the wash under the bridge and follow the canyon all the way to the river. As you progress down into the canyon the rock scrambling comes more and more evident. Going down a rock face with steps in the side marks the beginning of the rock scrambling phase. After this point you will start to come across the hot springs, there are several pools, so don’t worry if the first one you come across is filled with people, there will be more down the trail for you to get your relaxation going on.

As a hiker, I very rarely take the same trail twice. Mainly because I want to get some variety and different things to share. This marked the third time I have taken this trail and probably will not be the last. The last two times, has been hikes that have taken place at night. Night hiking can turn any hike into an adrenaline rush that will please anyone. I would say its like night and day…but thats literally what it is.

Night hiking should be done with the utmost care though. There are many dangers that exist in the daylight, turning the lights out does not eliminate any type of risk. However I am new to the desert valley and from what I understand, there are not going to be many hikes you will want to do during the day while we are in the summer months. So be aware that the hot springs may feel nice and warm, not to mention relaxing. You are in the desert with an uphill climb ahead of you in order to get back to your vehicle.

I have noticed that this seems to be a popular trail, and many people come down here to party. There is nothing wrong with that, but we do need to remind ourselves on the Leave No Trace policy. I along with the other members of our hiking groups, we all carry in trash bags, on our way out we fill our trash bags with all the beer cans, whiskey bottles, etc. that was left from previous hikers. This is a natural setting and would like to work together with everyone to help keep this natural wonder looking as natural as it was before we got there.

As some of you know, my first time along this hike, it was considered a date and coming from a hiker, this is one of the most romantic trails you could ever ask for. Not only being in nature, having some hot springs to go dipping in, brings the nature out in us all.

Tags: begining, bridge, bridges, canyons, colorado river, construction, down, group, hacienda hotel and casino, hikers, Hiking, hoover dam, hot springs, lake mead, night, park, recreation area, rivers, rocks, trail, water, waterfalls