Hike the White Rock Canyon Trail

The White Rock Canyon Trail winds its way down through a rocky canyon to the Colorado River.

NPS/A. Cattoir

White Rock Canyon trail is strenuous and can be combined to make a loop going up a 20-foot ladder to the Arizona Hot Springs trail. Follow this meandering canyon down as it compresses and loosens until it finally opens to reveal the mighty Colorado River. Be prepared to do some mild rock scrambling. 

This trail is located in a strikingly beautiful volcanic area. There is a wide variety of desert plants to be found, including indigo bush, ground cherry, rabbit brush, Mormon tea, desert fir, cheesebush, globemallow, and rock nettle. Rocks are primarily volcanic and volcanic ash, with some granite boulders washed down from the Black Mountains.

The water in the Arizona Hot Spring has been heated by the natural geothermal temperature conditions of the earth. This heated groundwater moves to the surface through faults and fractures in the rock and discharges at an estimated rate of about 30 to 50 gallons per minute. The water temperature of the spring ranges from 111 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

If connecting to the Arizona Hot Springs Trail, please know that the springs are free-flowing, and alterations are NOT permitted. Blocking water flow with sandbags or other items to create pools at the hot springs creates health risks and alters the natural flow of the spring systems.

Help us, and others by following leave-no-trace principles, including packing out trash and human waste (feces). Pit toilets are located 200 yards downstream of the Arizona Hot Springs along the Colorado River.

Trail Information

• Trailhead: DIRECTIONS
• Parking: Shared trailhead. Parking located just off U.S. Highway 93 before mile post 4, south of Hoover Dam.
• Distance: 6.5 miles out-and-back / 5.69 miles round trip Arizona Hot Springs trail loop (Arizona Hot Springs trail + White Rock Trail)
• Elevation Gain: 885 ft. elevation change
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• THIS TRAIL IS NOT MAINTAINED. 
• Services: Accessible pit toilets along trail along Colorado River.
• Good to Know: 
  • Always lock your car and take valuables with you.
  • Do not leave pets in cars while you are away!
  • Because of flash flood dangers, do not hike in wash or canyon areas if thunderstorms are threatening.
  • It is illegal to remove plants, wildlife, geologic features (rocks), and archeological artifacts as they are protected under federal law.
• Warning!
  • If you take the White Rock Canyon trail there is a 20 foot ladder to climb up that will connect you to the Arizona Hot Springs trail. Climb at your own risk.

 

 

Details

Duration

4-8 Hours

Duration represents the time it would take to complete the entire trail roundtrip.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

• Drinking water is not available at the trailhead.

Pets Allowed

Yes

• Pets must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times.
• Pets should not be left unattended.
• We require that you clean up after your pet at all times.

Activity Fee

Yes

The White Rock Canyon Trail is in a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

The Liberty Bell Arch Trail is closed annually from May 15 - September 30.

Accessibility Information

This trail is not considered accessible.