Arizona Hot Spring

Reported naturist beach

📍 Arizona, United States

Plan a visit to Arizona Hot Spring, listed as a clothing-optional hot spring near Boulder City. Get trail access, seasonal tips, etiquette and what to expect.

≋Beach details

CountryUnited States

RegionArizona

Naturism statusReported naturist beach

WaterbodyPool

Place typeHot spring

SurfaceNatural rock, gravel and sand around pools and along canyon trail.

Best season10-04

01020304 05060708 09101112

📍 Map & location

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Location

United States Arizona

Naturism

Reported naturist beach

Beach characteristics

pool Hot spring Gravel Rock Sand

Overview

Arizona Hot Spring is a series of natural thermal pools in White Rock Canyon above the Colorado River, listed as a clothing-optional hot spring near Boulder City. The site is reached by a moderate desert hike from the White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93 near Hoover Dam, within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Visitors find warm, terraced pools with varying temperatures, surrounded by rock, gravel and sand and framed by canyon walls. Early mornings bring cooler air and quieter pools before weekend crowds build. There are no built facilities at the pools, so sturdy footwear, ample water and early starts are important, especially outside the cooler months from October to April.

Visiting the beach

Access is via the White Rock Canyon Trail from the paved White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93. The round trip is about three miles with exposed desert terrain, uneven rock and a fixed ladder near the pools. The trail is inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so park regulations apply and the route may be closed during extreme heat advisories. A park entrance pass may be required to park at the trailhead, but there is no separate fee for the spring itself. There is no direct public transport, so most visitors drive from Boulder City or the greater Las Vegas area and should arrive early on weekends when the lot fills. The best season is October to April, when desert temperatures are milder for hiking and soaking. Early morning is the most comfortable time of day, with cooler air and fewer people. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends and holidays. Summer brings very high heat and high sun exposure on both trail and pools, with limited natural shade from canyon walls and no constructed shelter. Carry ample water, sun protection and sturdy footwear, and allow 3 to 5 hours for the hike in, soaking time and hike out. The pools are natural thermal basins with warm water cascading in terraces toward the river. Temperatures vary by pool. There are no lifeguards, no toilets or showers at the pools, and no food or drink available on site. There are no shops, rentals or services at the pools, so visitors depend on what they carry in. Vault toilets may be available at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. The surface around the pools is natural rock, gravel and sand, which can be slippery when wet. Flash flood risk and extreme heat require attention to weather forecasts and park notices before you go.

Getting there

Access: Reached via White Rock Canyon Trail from the White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93 near Hoover Dam; moderate desert hike with a fixed ladder section to reach pools above the Colorado River.

Parking: Paved parking at White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93; early arrival recommended on busy days as lot fills.

Public transport: No direct public transport to the trailhead; access requires private vehicle, taxi or rideshare.

Accessibility: Rugged desert trail with uneven rock, gravel, sand and a ladder; not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility.

At the beach

Facilities

Undeveloped natural site with no built facilities; no shops, rentals or services at the pools.

Naturist rules

Arizona Hot Spring is listed as clothing-optional by directories, but it is not officially designated for nudity and standard public land rules apply. In practice, mixed nude and clothed use is commonly observed in the pools. If you visit, treat the space as shared and keep behavior low-key. Ask before photographing, keep voices down in the confined canyon, and give others space when pools are busy. Bring a towel to sit on, avoid placing gear where it blocks access, and pack out everything you bring in. Respect that some visitors may choose to remain clothed, and be prepared to cover up if requested by other visitors or park staff. Keep voices low and avoid lingering close to others when space is tight.

Visitor overview

Visitors describe Arizona Hot Spring as a remote canyon soak rather than a developed resort. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and social, quieter on weekdays and early mornings and busier midday on weekends. There are no services at the pools, so the experience depends on what you carry in. The warm, clear pools and canyon setting are the main draw, while the hike, ladder section and exposure add effort. Privacy is limited when pools are occupied, and the rocky, uneven approach is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Summer heat and high sun exposure make early starts and ample water especially important. Preparation for heat, hydration and footing shapes the visit more than any facility.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Where is Arizona Hot Spring and how do you get there?

It is in White Rock Canyon within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, above the Colorado River near Hoover Dam. Access is via the White Rock Canyon Trail from the White Rock Canyon Trailhead off US-93 near Boulder City, involving a moderate hike with a ladder section.

Is Arizona Hot Spring officially clothing-optional?

It is listed as clothing-optional by directories and nudity is often tolerated in the pools, but it is not officially designated. Standard public land rules apply, so visitors should be discreet, respectful of others, and prepared to cover up if requested by staff or fellow visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

October to April offers milder desert weather for the exposed hike and more comfortable soaking. Early morning is best for cooler temperatures and fewer people. Summer midday heat can be extreme, and the trail may be closed during heat advisories, so check park notices before going.

What facilities are available at the pools?

There are no facilities at the pools, including no toilets, showers, lifeguards, shops or food and drink. Vault toilets may be available at the trailhead. Visitors must carry ample drinking water and all supplies, wear sturdy footwear for rock and gravel, and pack out all trash.

How long does a visit take and what should I bring?

Allow 3 to 5 hours for the hike in, soaking and hike out, plus extra time on busy weekends. Bring ample water, sun protection, sturdy footwear for rock and gravel, a towel, and food if needed. Dogs are not permitted on this trail within the recreation area.