*Goldstrike Hotsprings*

This is one of my favorite hikes so far!! I actually have only done it once & have been meaning to go back and continue further to the Colorado river. When I did this hike my friend and I went at night. There was enough moonlight around 10pm that it was not necessary to use our headlamps, however when we returned at 2am we needed to use them. This hike starts by the Hoover dam. You begin by walking in a wash under an overpass. The route involves a lot of scrambling. There are multiple areas where the drop-offs are too steep to pass without equipment- but don't worry! Someone has placed ropes in these areas that will assist you in climbing down the boulders, and that is all you will need. It's so much fun! Also, in one tricky spot someone has carved stairs into the rock on the right hand side. If you can't seem to find a way down, check both the sides of the canyon for the ropes/stairs.

There is no defined trail for this hike. It's pretty simple, you just keep going down the canyon! Pay attention to what's going on behind you though because in at least one spot two canyons join which you may not notice when moving down the canyon... but on the way back it may be tough to determine where you had come from! Continue till you hit the hot springs. There is at least one big pool currently that is about shoulder deep. There are a couple little pools and there is also a cave. Because the cave is so narrow, most people will have have to plug their nose and swim under for a second and come up on the other side. I personally don't recommend doing this because an amoeba, Naegleria Fowleria, lives in the hot springs. It is not a concern unless it goes up your nose in which case it can cause a fatal brain infection!! My friend who is much more gutsy than myself said he frequently goes under water in these hot springs while plugging his nose and so far, he's still alive! Do this at your own risk! :)

Big Pool

Cave - my friend put a candle back there. I didn't go in it.

I didn't fit in the cave passage...

This trail would be a challenge for all size dogs and they will definitely need to be carried or helped down most of the way. This may also be the case for small children!

P.S. I recommend you bring candles if you will be here at night so you don't waste your headlamp batteries or get them wet in the water! Also, this is a great spot to watch meteor showers!