HIKING WHITE ROCK CANYON ARIZONA

White Rock Canyon is part of the Lake Mead Recreation Area and is located about 45 minutes from Las Vegas on Highway 93 (South) past Hoover Dam. Four miles past the bridge that bypasses Hoover Dam, look for the trailhead sign and watch for the left turn. Please use extreme caution when turning onto the paved road that leads to the parking area, as approaching vehicles are traveling 70+ mph. 



The trailhead is the start of the White Rock Canyon Trail as well as the Hot Spring Canyon Trail, Liberty Bell Arch Trail and Horse Thief Canyon Road where a 4x4 vehicle is required. We will definitely be making the 4x4 trip the next time we are in the area with our Jeep Rubicon!

Before getting to the parking lot and trailhead, make sure you make a potty stop because there are no bathrooms - modern day or otherwise - to use and it's a long hike. Also, there is nowhere to get water, so be sure to bring plenty with you. Be sure to bring some T.P. and plastic storage bags with you because if nature calls while hiking.  1. You will need to go carefully as close to the river as possible and 2. you will need to pack your T.P. in a plastic storage bag to haul out with you. 

The hike begins by climbing down the hill and under the highway bridge. Trail finding can be difficult as you follow the wash,  so for this first part of the hike just head right down the middle. You will not run across any signs for approximately 1/2 mile. The wash is made up of sand and gravel so make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots. We passed several people attempting the hike in sandals (someone in our group may have worn hiking sandals and that person's feet were pretty rough/chopped up, which may have been a good excuse for a pedicure!).

After the first 1/2 mile the trail enters the canyon and the hike becomes very scenic and easy to follow. The trail gets it name from the white boulders washed down during flash flooding. Evidence of past flash floods can be seen on the rock surface where the force of the water has worn the rock surface smooth.

The trail continues for just over three miles to the Colorado River. From the river you can either backtrack to your car or make it a loop and connect to the Arizona Hot Spring Trail.  Note: If you choose the Hot Spring Trail be prepared for a 20 foot ladder climb and for the trail to continue through the hot springs. If you want to enjoy the hot springs after your hike, use caution as there is a sign warning of Naegleria Fowleri, an amoeba that enters the body through the nose and is lethal 98% of the time according to the CDC. Keeping your head above water (or not going in at all!) is the best way to avoid infection. 

The day we hiked we didn't make it to the Colorado River as it began to cloud over and the wind kicked up. Being responsible hikers, we decided to err on the side of caution and head out of the canyon. We will be back to give it another go, camp down by the river and complete the Hot Spring Loop. Final Note: these trails are closed in the summer due to the extreme heat.

If you are hungry, or starving, after the hike like we were, head north on HWY 93 back toward Vegas and stop at Railroad Pass Casino. The lunch and dinner buffets are fantastic and very inexpensive. They also have quarter roulette!

Click on the video to see hike highlights.

ADVENTURE ON