Gold Strike Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gold Strike Hot Springs |
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| Goldstrike Hot Springs Nevada Hot Springs Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs |
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Canyoneering by rope in hot spring water
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| Location | near Boulder City, Arizona/Nevada border |
| Coordinates | 35°59′58″N 114°44′33″W / 35.999444°N 114.7425°W |
| Elevation | 1,561 feet |
| Type | Geothermal spring water seeps in cliff face |
| Temperature | 109°F |
Gold Strike Hot Springs are natural pools of warm, mineral-rich water. They are also known as Goldstrike Hot Springs, Nevada Hot Springs, or Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs. These springs are located near the famous Hoover Dam, right on the border between Arizona and Nevada. They are close to the historic town of Boulder City.
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History of Gold Strike Hot Springs
For thousands of years, Native American people used hot springs like Gold Strike. They found these warm waters helpful for many things. The springs offered warmth, water with healing minerals, and a place to clean themselves. Evidence from old sites shows that people lived near and used these special places.
Geology and Geography of the Springs
The warm water at Gold Strike Hot Springs comes from deep underground. It seeps out of cracks in the cliffs of Gold Strike Canyon. This water then collects in many natural rock pools, which stretch for about two miles along the canyon.
How the Hot Water Forms
The Earth's heat warms the water underground. This heated water then rises through cracks in the rocks. These cracks are called faults. The hot springs appear where two main faults meet. This area is special because the water changes its chemical makeup as it flows through these faults.
The Canyon Environment
Gold Strike Canyon is known for sudden flash floods. These floods can happen quickly after heavy rain. The canyon also has many different types of rocks. You can see volcanic rocks and places where the Earth's crust has broken.
Hiking to the Hot Springs
Reaching the hot springs is a challenging hike. It requires special equipment like ropes to climb down. The trail has eight difficult rope sections to descend. After these descents, hikers find the hot spring pools, warm waterfalls, and small caves called grottos.
Safety on the Trail
The hike can be dangerous, especially due to extreme heat. Because of this, the National Park Service closes the trail during summer. This closure usually lasts from May 15 to September 30. This rule helps keep hikers safe from the heat.
Water Temperature and Pools
The water comes out of the cliffs at about 109°F (43°C). As it flows into the pools, the temperature can vary. The pools usually range from 98°F (37°C) to 110°F (43°C). One pool near the first waterfall has a sandy bottom and is about 100°F (38°C).
Location Details
Gold Strike Hot Springs are located right on the border between Arizona and Nevada.
- Their exact coordinates are 35° 59' 58" North and 114° 44' 33" West.
- The springs are at an elevation of about 1,561 feet (476 meters) above sea level.
