Pumpkin Spring

Pumpkin Spring

Grand Canyon, Arizona

4.4(267)naturalChallenging

Click thumbnails to view larger photos • Photos from Google Maps

🌡️Temperature73°F
🏊Typenatural
🥾DifficultyChallenging
💰PricePermit required
📅Best SeasonYear-round
👥Crowd LevelLow

About Pumpkin Spring

A striking orange-and-yellow travertine dome on the bank of the Colorado River deep in the Grand Canyon, resembling a giant pumpkin. While visually stunning, the water contains dangerously high levels of arsenic and other heavy metals—strictly a look-but-don't-soak geological marvel.

Access

Backcountry

🏕️

Overnight

No

👙

Clothing Optional

No

Features

Grand CanyonTravertine domeToxic waterViewing onlyRiver trip access

Water Minerals

ArsenicLeadZincCalciumSulfate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Pumpkin Spring?
The water temperature at Pumpkin Spring is 73°F.
How much does Pumpkin Spring cost?
Pumpkin Spring costs Permit required per person.
Is Pumpkin Spring clothing optional?
No, Pumpkin Spring requires swimwear.
What minerals are in the water at Pumpkin Spring?
The water at Pumpkin Spring contains Arsenic, Lead, Zinc, Calcium, Sulfate.
How difficult is it to get to Pumpkin Spring?
Pumpkin Spring has a challenging difficulty level with backcountry access.

Recent Google Reviews

Chandler S• Google Review

"Don’t kick the cactus. Don’t drink the water. Good lunch spot otherwise."

12/7/2025
Libby Newton• Google Review

"The hot spring water that emerges from a mineralized carbonate mound has a mineral content that includes high levels of arsenic (1100 mg per 1 liter of water), as well as zinc, lead, and copper."

1/9/2025
Eric Porter• Google Review

"I rowed the whole Grand Canyon hoping to soak in these sky blue waters. When I got to this hot spring it was murky and gross and the water tasted bad. Real bad. We all tried it, but no one liked it. O..."

10/8/2019