Quick FactsOverview
About Lone Palm Hot Springs
Lone Palm Hot Springs, Arizona is a geothermal spring along the Colorado River in Black Canyon within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, approximately 3 miles south of Hoover Dam on the Arizona side. Named for a solitary palm tree that once marked the spring at the riverbank (several palms now grow in the area), the spring flows through a canyon above the river, producing a hot stream and two sand-scooped pools. Warm mineral water seeps from the canyon walls and collects in the pools. Specific temperatures are not well-documented, but springs in the Black Canyon system generally range from 95 to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Boulder City, Nevada is the nearest community with services.
The spring is one of five named hot spring systems in the three-mile corridor of Black Canyon below Hoover Dam: Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs, Goldstrike Hot Springs, Boy Scout Hot Springs, Moonscape Hot Springs, and Lone Palm. Lone Palm is considered by many visitors to be the most scenic of the group. A concrete blockade near the spring, known locally as "Stoney Falls," and the palm trees along the riverbank give the area an oasis-like character in the surrounding barren desert. This is among the lesser-known natural hot springs Arizona offers in the Hoover Dam corridor.
Location & Access
Getting to Lone Palm Hot Springs
Lone Palm Hot Springs is reached via a moderate desert hike from the Lone Palm Trailhead on Kingman Wash Road, accessed just west of Exit 1 on Highway 93 on the Arizona side south of Hoover Dam. The route begins down an old asphalt track by the highway culvert, drops into a wash, and follows a series of social trails through desert terrain. The route is not officially marked, and several trail splits require careful navigation. GPS with offline maps is strongly recommended.
An alternative approach is by kayak or boat on the Colorado River from Willow Beach Marina. Paddling upstream brings visitors to the canyon mouth and the palm-lined riverbank. The water approach avoids the overland navigation challenges.
Black Canyon Access
For visitors seeking hot springs near Boulder City, the Black Canyon corridor south of Hoover Dam offers the closest wild geothermal soaking. Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs and Goldstrike Hot Springs have more defined trail access and are more popular. Lone Palm is quieter and less visited. All springs are within Lake Mead National Recreation Area and require a park entrance fee ($25 per vehicle). The Kingman Wash Road trailhead has a small parking area that can fill on busy weekends.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Lone Palm Hot Springs
Lone Palm Hot Springs suits experienced desert hikers and kayakers seeking a scenic, secluded hot spring experience in Black Canyon with fewer crowds than the more popular Arizona and Goldstrike springs. The palm trees, warm pools, hot stream, and views of the Colorado River create an oasis atmosphere. The two sand-scooped pools require maintenance by visitors: scoop sand to form the basin and allow hot water to collect. Clothing is optional due to the remote location.
The overland hike involves moderate desert terrain with some route-finding on social trails. The kayak approach is suitable for paddlers comfortable on the Colorado River. Late fall, winter, and early spring offer the best conditions. Summer heat makes the overland route dangerous.
Accessibility at Lone Palm Hot Springs
The site has no developed trail, no facilities, and no wheelchair access. Those seeking natural hot springs Arizona offers near the Hoover Dam area with a more defined trail should visit Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs (5-mile round trip with a ladder to the pools) or access the springs by kayak from Willow Beach Marina, which removes the overland navigation challenge. Kayak rentals are available at Willow Beach, and guided kayak tours of the Black Canyon hot springs are offered by several outfitters based in Boulder City and Las Vegas, typically visiting multiple springs including Lone Palm, Arizona Hot Springs, and Goldstrike in a single day trip.
Safety & Etiquette
Lone Palm Hot Springs Safety Tips
Lone Palm Hot Springs is in a remote desert canyon environment with significant safety risks. Water temperatures in the Black Canyon spring system can reach 136 degrees Fahrenheit at the source. Always test water in the pools and the hot stream before entering. Rocks near the seeps can be hot. The pools are informal and their temperature changes with flow conditions.
The overland route involves unmarked social trails through desert washes. Trail splits can be confusing. Carry offline GPS maps and allow extra time for navigation. Some sections may require minor scrambling. Cell service is unreliable.
Desert Heat and Water Safety
Summer temperatures in Black Canyon exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit and make this hike extremely dangerous from May through September. Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person. Start early in the morning. Watch for rattlesnakes, scorpions, and other desert wildlife. The Colorado River has strong currents near the Hoover Dam discharge area. Do not swim in the river without proper safety equipment.
Lake Mead NRA Regulations
A park entrance fee ($25 per vehicle) is required. Pack out all trash. Leave no trace. Overnight camping in the backcountry requires a permit from the NPS. Respect the palm trees and vegetation at the spring, as they are a fragile riparian ecosystem in the desert. The Colorado River has strong currents and cold dam-discharge water in this section. Kayakers should wear life jackets and check conditions before paddling.
