This Healing Hot Spring In Arizona Is So Hidden You’ll Probably Have It All To Yourself
No matter what time of year it is, hot springs are always in season. That’s because of how chilly desert nights can be — winter or summer! These natural hot tubs tent to attract quite the crowd, but only if people know they exist. Ringbolt Hot Springs is hiding deep in the craggy rock landscape of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and it’s so hidden you’ll probably have the entire place to yourself.
A 5.9-mile loop, this little-known trail near the Colorado River is best used from October through April. With an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet, it's a moderate hike whose destination is definitely worth the journey to get there.
Unique rock formations like this ancient sandy cave are hidden around pretty much every corner. Just one look makes their rich history apparent, with different colored layers signifying eons of intentional work by Mother Nature.
Some level of agility is strongly recommended, primarily due to the potential for falling rocks as well as several steep climbs like this one. Face your fears and descend ever-deeper into the craggy, barren landscape, paying close attention to just how few people you encounter on the way down.
Upon coming to the river, you'll take a left to access the spring — but don't worry about having to navigate all on your own! Bright turquoise arrows spaced intermittently along the trail clearly mark which way to go. They run parallel to the water and lead straight to the secret oasis.
Take a dip in the natural hot tub and marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you. Tiny waterfalls cascade down the rocky slopes before gently spilling into the alcove below.
Although the trail is rarely ever crowded, even fewer people frequent it in the early mornings and at night. Nothing quite compares to a dawn or moonlight soak without a single soul around.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
