Hot Springs
This National Park Service spring within Lake Mead NRA flows at 86°F—just 11.4 degrees above the 74.6°F ambient temperature at 860 feet elevation in Clark County. Located 2,382.5 meters from the nearest road near Boulder City, it requires a substantial 1.5-mile desert hike. The low elevation Mojave Desert setting and modest thermal output create a unique context among Nevada's thermal springs.
The spring emerges at just 860 feet elevation in scorching Mojave Desert terrain where creosote, brittlebush, and cacti replace sagebrush, and annual precipitation totals a sparse 5.3 inches with essentially zero snow (0.2 inches). The 74.6°F average annual air temperature masks brutal summer highs exceeding 115°F. Lake Mead's fluctuating shoreline lies nearby, and the surrounding landscape shows the dramatic geology and rust-colored rock formations characteristic of the Lake Mead basin. Permanent NRA protection status preserves both recreational access and natural resource values.
Boulder Dam (later Hoover Dam) construction from 1931-1936 and the resulting Lake Mead creation in the 1930s transformed this region from remote desert to major recreation destination. The springs likely existed long before modern documentation, used by Southern Paiute groups and potentially noted by early Colorado River explorers, but specific historical records are absent. Lake Mead NRA designation in 1964 brought formal NPS management and permanent protection, ensuring public access continues despite the challenging desert environment.
Avoid summer entirely—the 1.5-mile desert hike becomes dangerous when air temperatures exceed 110°F and the 86°F spring offers minimal cooling relief. Visit November through March when air temperatures drop and the spring's modest warmth feels pleasant. Carry abundant water (one gallon per person minimum), wear sun protection, and start at dawn. The low thermal output means this is more warm than hot, suitable for a brief soak after the long approach. Navigation skills are essential—desert terrain offers few landmarks and getting lost here carries serious consequences.
Is Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking