12 Best Natural Hot Springs In Arizona You Must Visit

Feeling the warmth of hot water under your feet while you enjoy the beauty of nature is the ultimate vacation goal of many people. All you need to do to relax and enjoy the serenity of nature while listening to the sound of water running through the natural hot spring.

Arizona has the most treasured and well-preserved hot springs in the nation. So, if that aroused your senses, check out this list of the most beautiful natural hot springs in Arizona to help you plan your next vacation.

1. Castle Hot Springs Resort

Located in northwest Pheonix, Castle Hot Springs has a long history of being a natural remedy for good health. The indigenous people treated it as medicinal because the water is thought to have healing properties.

People visit the resort to get away from the city bustle and have a first-hand experience of the hot springs.

You need to travel through a remote desert and find your way on a dusty road to get there. Once you reach there, you can see the lush greenery and enjoy the mesmerizing hot springs.

You can also spend a vacation at the premier luxury resort. It offers a wide range of services, including spring bungalows and sky-view cabins where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the sky.

Address: 5050 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342, United States

Fees: $450 – $1,500 for the resort

Castle Hot Spring 2. El Dorado Hot Springs

El Dorado Hot Springs offers naturally heated water with no sulfur and a pH of 8.2. This hot spring near Phoenix is located on the west. You can visit the resort, which offers overnight accommodation and private soaks. The resort lies above underground hot springs, which has a water pH of 8.2 and an average temperature of 107° Fahrenheit.

Regardless of the season, the temperature is always a revitalizing and nutritious bath, ranging from warm to hot. It is one of the best swimming springs in Arizona where you can have a great time relaxing and admiring nature. There are several tent camping spots, as well as campgrounds with power connections for RVs as well.

Address: 41225 Indian School Rd, Tonopah, AZ 85353, US

Fees: $10 for day use and $30 per night

El Dorado Hot Springs 3. Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs

A naturally heated geothermal mineral spring is located in Roper Lake State Park. It is one of the best Arizona hot springs. In the heart of the desert, in a tranquil setting, is where you can find this organic bathtub.

This hot spring maintains a temperature of 99°F. Swimming, fishing, and boating are among the activities available there. There are three campsites, bathrooms with showers, vending machines, picnic tables, and other necessary camping amenities.

Although the location is open all year round, the timing hours change with the seasons. The store is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, but it is closed on Christmas Day.

Address: 101 E Roper Lake Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Fees: Roper Lake has a $10 per person entrance fee.

Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs 4. Essence of Tranquility

Even though it is not a luxurious resort or expensive retreat, you may choose between casitas (also known as little cottage), campsites, and a day-use area, depending on your needs and the length of your stay. All guests have access to the cooking area, restrooms, and common space.

The five private hot spring-fed pools at Essence of Tranquility are the most attractive feature. They are entirely private and encased in little houses.

Along with sitting places where you may unwind and take in some Arizona sun, there is also a public tub large enough to accommodate up to 10 people at once. Between 98 and 105 Fahrenheit, the water’s temperature range is suitable for everyone.

Address: 6074 S Lebanon Loop Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, USA

Fees: For usage of the tubs, there are hourly rates of $15 and daily rates of $35. Casitas cost between $50 and $70 per night, and campsites cost $20 per person per night.

Essence of Tranquility 5. Hot Well Dunes Hot Spring

In the former lakebed of an old lake, the Hot Well Dunes are situated on BLM (Bureau of Territory Management) land in southeast Arizona. Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs are a pair of gated concrete baths in the center of these dunes that are accessible through a rocky dirt path. The tubs are guarded to keep wildlife out.

After a strenuous day riding in the desert, this hidden treasure is the ideal place to unwind. There are also RV and tent camping areas close by. Getting here is relatively easy because most visitors to this region arrive on ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Address: Safford, Arizona, 85546, USA

Fees: $3 for each car

6. Kachina Mineral Springs

Kachina Mineral Springs Spa is a tranquil yet understated place to stay. Spa services and massages are available at the Kachina mineral springs. Take the advantage of the amenities of the local natural mineral springs in addition to the spas. The average temperature of this mineral-rich water is 108°F.

It is the perfect place for you if you want hot spring bathing, massages, and other spa services. This spa, which is available in the little town of Safford, offers a variety of spa packages that you may get to enhance your health and well-being. The personnel is responsive and competent, and the amenities are tidy and serene.

Address: 1155 W Cactus Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, United States

Fees: Depends on the package

7. Kaiser Hot Spring

Kaiser hot spring is a tiny, rustic pool that can only be reached by a climb. A pleasant 99 degrees water temperature is maintained year-round. The water seeps out of the earth or rocks at a rate of around 12 gallons per minute. It is one of the clearest water springs in Arizona offering a mesmerizing view.

Kaiser Hot Springs is open to everyone. If you are looking for a free hot spring in Arizona, this is the place that is situated on public property. The hike is relatively easy and doesn’t take more than an hour or two to finish. The pool has gravel on the bottom and is surrounded by pebbles and stones.

Address: Wikieup, Arizona 85360, United States

Fees: Free

Kaiser Hot Spring 8. Tuakay Hot Spring

The illusive Tuakay Hot Springs may be found close to Roosevelt Lake, on the Salt River’s northern bank, immediately before the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. This location might be challenging to find, but it’s great for unwinding after a pleasant trek.

Here on the surface, the groundwater is naturally flowing. You may explore the beautiful natural springs in Arizona for tubing as well. Since the route and signage appear to have been neglected over time and are in poor condition, only some people enjoy the hot water in the spring.

The location of these healing waters may be found, though, according to maps, knowledgeable locals may be able to guide you there. You can locate Tuakay if you have good pathfinding and wayfinding skills.

Address: 59 miles from Mesa in the Salt River Canyon, below Roosevelt Dam

Fees: Free

9. Gillard Hot Springs

If you want to witness the hottest spring in Arizona, Gillard Hot Springs is your ideal choice. It is one of the few hot springs in Arizona where swimming is prohibited. Amazingly, the water emerges from the earth at 180 degrees Fahrenheit!

The nearby Gila River receives the water at a rate of 400–500 gallons per minute. Only by taking a dip in the water downstream of the Gillard Hot Springs you will be able to enjoy this spring’s warm water. Even then, it would only be comfortable during greater water flows.

Address: Gilliard Hot Springs, Arizona 85533, US

Fees: Free

Gillard Hot Springs 10. Sheep Bridge Hot Spring

Sheep Bridge is suspended over the Verde River. Beautiful Sheep Bridge Hot Springs is tucked away amid the cat paths and beneath the sheep bridge. The tubs here are great for holding two to three people.

The water is clear and about 100°F in temperature. It is one of the most beautiful freshwater springs in Arizona. Although the long trip up to Sheep Bridge might be stressful and it could be busy at the bridge, thankfully, the hot springs will let you unwind.

You may even leap into the river using the rope swing or from a jump-off point. You may also stroll across the Sheep Bridge, which provides excellent views of the nearby hills and mountains.

While Sheep Bridge may get crowded on the weekends, a retreat during the week will give you more time to unwind and take in the scenery.

Plan a trip to Sheep Bridge Hot Springs if you have a chance to be in central Arizona. The options for activities, sights, and breathtaking views are guaranteed to wow you.

Address: Northeast of Pheonix Valley, Arizona

Fees: Free

Sheep Bridge Hot Springs in Arizona. P.C: Raymond 11. Ringbolt Hot Springs

Ringbolt Hot Springs, which is remote and close to the Nevada/Arizona border, is also known as Arizona Hot Springs. It can only be reached during the milder months between October and May since getting there takes a 6-mile loop trek, roughly 3 miles one way. The Colorado River is close to four hot springs pools where you can relax. You can also kayak in the Colorado River.

You can climb a ladder to the other two after seeing the first two. These springs provide breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the opportunity to cool down in its cold waters.

100-foot-tall canyon walls enclose this magnificent hot spring. The top ones are substantially hotter, but most are between 100- and 106 degrees Fahrenheit. 120°F is claimed to be the source’s temperature.

Address: Willow Beach, Arizona 86445, USA

Fees: $25 for parking

12. Verde Hot Springs

Verde Hot Springs is around 86 miles from Flagstaff if you’re driving all the way or about 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, Arizona. Given that the resort is now completely gone, Verde Hot Springs’ main pools are magnificent.

The water has a temperature range of 98 to 104 F. In addition to the hot springs pools, there are also cool-looking rocks, dispersed campgrounds, and multi-purpose hiking, biking, and horseback riding routes.

Species drawn to the riparian ecosystem are numerous and abound in the region. At Childs Dispersed Camping Area, camping is free, authorized, and permitted for a maximum of 5 days per year. Pack all your rubbish out because this location has no amenities but a vault toilet.

Address: 8375 AZ-179, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, US

Fees: $35 per person per day

Verde Hot Springs

Conclusion

In this article, we brought you a list of the top hot springs in Arizona that everyone should visit. Although Arizona’s residents who live in the desert may not find hopping hot springs their favorite pastime, it is undoubtedly one of the most refreshing activities. Temperatures may be lower and provide a more soothing experience because practically all the hot springs are located outside the Phoenix Valley region. Hot springs are often supplied with mineral-rich, clean waters, allowing you to relax and take a break from the rigors of everyday life.

FAQ: Hot Springs in Arizona

1. How much does Castle Hot Springs cost?

A: Castle Hot Springs offers a wide range of options. You can get the Sky View Cabins starting from $450 up to $600. The Spring Bungalows will cost $600 to $800. If you want to get the three-bedroom Historic Cottage, it will cost you $1,000 to $1,500.

2. How hot is the water at Castle Hot Springs?

A: The water temperature at Castle Hot Springs can range from 106F to 86F. Since it is nearest to the source, the upper pool is the one that is the hottest. You are situated where water emerges from the soil at a temperature of 106 F on average. The water flows into the lower pool from the top pool as it cools to the perfect temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The water meanders from the first two pools into the deepest pool, with a temperature of about 86 F.

3. Do you wear clothes in hot springs?

A: The norm while visiting a hot spring is to dress in your swimming suit. Some hot springs, nevertheless, allow visitors to dress as they like. It is essential to consult the hot spring personnel if you are unsure about the dress code.

4. Where are the best hot springs in the USA?

A: With over 100 hot springs, Idaho has the greatest fame. More than 300 of Nevada’s hot springs are found naturally, making it the state with the most in the nation.

* This article was originally published here