Panaca Swimming Hole to Teapot Arch

While the tiny town of Panaca lies off the map of most people, there are a couple notable landmarks in town worth the short side trip from the scenic Cathedral Gorge State Park area nearby.

Panaca, the first permanent settlement by Europeans in Southern Nevada, has a crystal clear swimming hole, which lies less than a mile from Teapot Arch, a Bentonite natural arch standing atop a hill. Following a series of unsigned footpaths through public lands, walkers and hikers can easily visit both while exploring some of the scenic and historic landscapes around the small town. With several trails arcing over nearby mountain peaks, it is possible to complete a loop path that rises to wide views across the area.

Beginning at the swimming hole, a single track passes through a gate and traces the low fringes of the hillside bordering the east side of the swimming hole. After a couple small rocky climbs and descents, the trail comes to another gate, beyond which the path follows a grassy wash past a former mining property. Wild flowers and mining detritus line the path. The Bentonite tower of Teapot Arch is clear in the near distance. At about a half mile from the trailhead, an unsigned turn begins to head directly toward the arch. Crossing a quiet paved road, the track becomes a double track with clear use by ORVs and dirt bikes right up the to arch. A couple more smaller arches are visible, framing the town of Panaca in the distance.

From the arch, hikers can retrace their path to the swimming hole, which would result in a 1.6 mile out and back hike with minimal elevation gain. Continuing on the loop path follows a different double track to the north as it crosses the paved road once again and heads through a series of dirt bike tracks at the base of the mountain. One clear path heads up the small mountain, climbing a quick hundred feet to the tops of the stony hills. From here views abound across the town and the surrounding mountainous landscape. The trail eventually hits a peak perched above the swimming hole, before quickly descending back down toward the trailhead. Those opting to take the loop encounter a bit more elevation gain and total out at 1.8 miles in distance.

In all, both the swimming hole and the natural arch make interesting destinations on their own. This short trail allows hikers to see both, along with some of the other often overlooked aspects of Panaca.

There are no amenities of any kind along this hike, and no shade along the trail except for at Teapot Arch. Hikers should come prepared. The swimming hole makes a refreshing place to jump in following your hike. Parking is available at the dirt area beside the swimming hole. Parking is permitted here from dawn to dusk.