Ringbolt (Arizona) Hot Spring

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords:
Pools: 35.9604602, -114.7261249
Parking Area: 35.9777141, -114.6971369

From http://www.reith.ca/gps/arizonahs.html
The trailhead for this hike is 4.2 miles past the Hoover Dam on US Hwy 93. Just before approaching the parking area you will cross bridge over a usually dry wash. Once over the bridge there is a short turnoff that leads to a parking area. It is well signed so you can not miss it. The parking area is in view of the road which should help a bit with the security of your car. At the start of the trail the National Park Service has placed a box containing flyers with hike descriptions, directions, and notes.

The 3 mile hike (6 miles roundtrip) to the Colorado River follows White Rock Canyon from Hwy 93 to the Colorado River. The trail descends gradually to the river. The trail is generally a gravel that crunches under your feet as you walk. Be sure to make periodic stops along the hike to listen to the sounds or, even better, the silence of the canyon. The gradual descent also means that the ascent back to your car on the return trip will not be that strenuous.

Once you reach the Colorado River follow the trail to the left (south) to get to the springs. Along the way you will pass several beach areas that are used for relaxing and camping. There are also several hills to climb over. The trail over the final hill is not clearly marked. There are several paths to follow over the hill, some easy, some more difficult. On the return route the correct trail is more clearly marked.

The hot springs are located up a slot canyon. You know you have reached this spot when you come to a stream at the base of the canyon. Note that the stream does not make it out to the river. This stream is the runoff from the hot springs; just follow it up the canyon to get to the pools. For this last part of the hike make sure you are prepared to get your feet wet and that your footwear provides a good grip on wet and sometimes slippery rocks. The last obstacle to get to the springs is a 20 ft ladder.

There are two pools at the springs, both formed from sandbags (gravelbags?) that dam up the water. The pools are about 2 feet deep although other visitors mentioned that more bags used to be in place that brought the pools to 4 feet deep. Just outside of the pools is a gravel area you can use to unload your gear and keep it dry. The water temperature is between 85 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.