If your ideal getaway includes sunshine, epic scenery and the freedom to explore the desert at your own pace, Callville Bay is the perfect place to begin. With wide-open water, rugged canyon backdrops and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, this corner of Lake Mead National Recreation Area puts you rather close to one of the region’s most unforgettable natural wonders: Arizona Hot Springs. Also referred to as Ringbolt Hot Springs, many travelers choose to explore the area before or after their time on the lake.

A scenic drive from the marina, the springs are best enjoyed as part of a longer Lake Mead vacation, either on your way into the area or as a memorable add-on after your houseboat adventure wraps up. This one-of-a-kind spot offers everything travelers look for when they dream up bucket-list trips: slot canyon hiking, natural soaking pools, stunning desert landscapes and that peaceful “middle of nowhere” magic.

Let’s dive into why this experience deserves a spot on your adventure calendar and how it pairs perfectly with a Callville Bay getaway, before or after your time on the water.

Start Your Adventure the Callville Bay Way

There’s something special about waking up at Callville Bay, stepping outside your houseboat or lakeside campsite and knowing the desert is your playground. Here, adventure unfolds at your own pace.

Since the hike is a full experience on its own, most visitors choose to explore the Arizona Hot Springs separately from their time at Calville Bay. Guests typically stop by the springs on their way into the region, enjoy Callville Bay for a few days, then plan a visit on their drive home.

Think: soaking in geothermal pools one day, then kicking back on a houseboat deck the next. If your trip is all about variety, this is the perfect combination.

A Slot Canyon Hike Worth Every Step

From Callville Bay, the drive to the area is simple, but it’s not a quick out-and-back excursion from the marina. With a few different ways to access the hot springs, visitors can take their pick and start the adventure. 

Arizona Hot Springs Trail
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip | Elevation: 1,150 ft | Out & Back

White Rock Canyon Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles round trip | Elevation: 1,840 ft | Out & Back

Arizona Hot Springs Trail + White Rock Canyon Trail
Distance: 5.9 miles round trip | Elevation: 1,500 ft | Loop

Once you’re on a trail, the scenery transforms fast. The contrast is half the fun for visitors planning a multi-day trip to the lake. You might spend one day immersed in the quiet of the slot canyon, then enjoy a full next day relaxing on the water. Narrow volcanic canyons, sandy washes and dramatic cliff walls guide you deeper toward the springs, making this one of the most scenic hikes in the Lake Mead region.

The Springs: Natural Desert Luxury

After choosing the path that is most suitable, visitors can explore the strikingly beautiful volcanic area. At the end of the canyon, four warm geothermal pools flow naturally from the earth, creating a series of outdoor soaking spots carved right into the rock.

The pools vary in temperature, so it’s easy to find the perfect spot to relax your muscles after the hike. With canyon walls towering overhead and the Colorado River flowing just a short walk away, this is a true desert oasis.

Many guests who have visited the springs say this moment, easing into the warm water after the trek, becomes one of their favorite memories from the entire trip. It’s peaceful, grounding and unique to this part of Arizona.

Pair Your Experience With a River Adventure

You can hike to the Arizona Hot Springs, but you can also reach them by water via the Colorado River. Launch a kayak or book a watercraft and you’ll paddle along the Black Canyon Water Trail, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfall pools and emerald-green stretches of the Colorado River. Approaching the hot springs from the water is a whole new level of adventure.

Wild Scenes & Desert Surprises Along the Way

On your journey, expect to see:

• Towering volcanic cliffs
• Colorful slot canyon walls
• Waterfall pools along the river
• Bighorn sheep on the ridgelines
• Desert wildflowers in spring
• Stunning canyon sunsets
• Occasional shade-filled alcoves are perfect for photo breaks

Pair these dramatic desert details with the peaceful atmosphere at Callville Bay, and you’ve got one of the most photogenic vacations you’ll ever take.

Know Before You Go

A few tips to help you plan from your Callville Bay home base:

• The trail can be challenging, plan 4–8 hours depending on your pace.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
• Wear sturdy shoes (water shoes are great for the pools).
• The trail is usually closed in summer due to extreme heat.
• Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Plan your day so you’re back at the marina before dark if driving.
• Because the hike is long and the springs require a full-day commitment, plan to visit them on a separate day from your time on the lake.

Whether you’re hiking or paddling, preparation makes the adventure smoother, especially when transitioning between water and desert environments.

Extend the Fun With Camping or a Multi-Day Stay

Many adventurers combine their visit to the hot springs with a longer stay at Callville Bay and it’s easy to see why. After a full day of hiking or paddling, coming back to a houseboat kitchen, cold drinks, shaded decks and calm coves feels like the ultimate reward.

If you want to extend the adventure even further, the river offers designated camping areas by the water, allowing you to fall asleep under the desert sky. Some visitors even turn this into a multi-day desert adventure, soaking in the springs, camping by the river and then heading toward Lake Mead for a relaxing houseboat or marina stay afterward.

Whether you prefer comfort or ruggedness, this region lets you choose your own pace.

Why This Adventure Belongs on Your Bucket List, Especially From Callville Bay

Arizona Hot Springs is rugged yet relaxing, remote yet accessible, thrilling yet grounding. And while it isn’t a same-day adventure from Callville Bay, it pairs beautifully as a before-or-after experience to round out your Lake Mead escape.

From sunrise over the water to a full day of canyon exploration, this combination gives travelers the best of both worlds: the serenity of lake life and the thrill of a desert trek.

So while you’re planning your next stay at the marina, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family trip or a houseboat escape, make room in your itinerary for Arizona Hot Springs. Trust us: pairing these two experiences creates a desert adventure you’ll never forget.